The Weston Democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1875-current, 1876-05-15
MABEL MOORE'S STRATAGEM,

It was almost like bit OF Persian
poetry, that little conservatory at Bays.
water, in its glow and fragrance, and
soft, delicious murmur OF leaves. And
Mabel Moore herself looked not unlike
q Persian enchantress, as she stood
there leaning one hand on marble vase,
with the gold OF the acacia plumes hard
ly brighter than her hair, aud quiver
in tho heavy white lids that hid her
deep blue eyes. She was tall, and 6ne-
ly formed, with very regular features,
cheeks tiuged with faint color, and IN
unconscious hautew in the poise OF her
slender throat and shoulders. Mabel
Moore was born to he an heiress, and
very gracefully she fulfilled the mission
Of her sunny life.
She was not alone, however, in the
Aowcry fragrance OF tho twilight con.
scrvatory. Ernest Beckford was leaning
against tho ,loorpost, twisting and un-
twisting u long spray Of jasmine with
sort Of impatient rapidity. He was q
tall, manly fellow, with bright auburn
hair, and fuce that you were involun-
tarily compelled to respect and like.
"Mabcl," he said, almost passionate.
ly, edo yon know that you are asking
impossibilitiesi"
cam II"
"I cannot 60 to Australia without
YOU"
"You can, Ernest, aud you will"
"But, my darling, only think Of it
years exile from you"
"Wiil it bn any easier for me to en-
dure, Ernat?' she asked, calmly.
"Sometimes I fancy, Mabel, he re.
sumed, impetuously, "that you don't
care for me, else You would never be so
willing to let me 60"
"Ernest |"
"My dearest, know I am unjust;
butt
"Now," said Mlbrl, "lct me under
destand Just what you wish mo to do in
this matter"
~ want you to marry me the day
after tomorrow, md go ont to Australia
with me in the ship that sai!s on Silur-
day."
"Averyreasonablo wish" said Mabel.
laughing. "But, Ernest, You know !
will nevsr marry you while yonr mother
refuses her sanction and appreciation to
the match"
"She does not know you, Mabel"
"That makes no difference. shall
never enter family where l am not
welcomed by every one OF its members. |"
"But Just consider how unreasonable
you are, my own darling, and how utterly
and entirely groundless are my mothers
objections"
"She fancies me hollow, heartless
woman OF the world, does she mott She
is unwilling to trust her sons happiness
in the keeping Of coquette, who knows
nothing but italian songs and French
waltzesl"
"Mabel, I an sorry I ever allowed
you to read that unreasonable letter."
"But Iam glad. No, Ernest, have
too much prido and dignity to marry
You unless your mother gives her free
and full consent"
"Then you do not love me, Mabel.
"I do love you, Ernest Beckford, bet.
ter than I like to acknowledge to my.
SELF"
"Mabel," he urged, tenderly, "let us
cut this Gorlian knot by the exercise OF
our own free will. Bt como my wife |;
give mo the right to take you with me
on this long, long journey" s-
Mabel Moore shook her head.
"Let us wait aud see what time may
bring FORTH" she said, archly. "And
now leave me; remember that the ship
sails on Saturday"
al can't possibly go in that vessel"
said Ernest; "1'vo many things to do"
" But il you do not on Saturday you
will be obliged to waitanother fortnight,
and your business is SO important over
there"-
Yes, know, but
"Well2 I"
~ must get that companion for my
mother-she will DO entirely alone.
Mrs. Carter told me she knew some one
who would take the situation, and I
shall have to go over to Clapham to see
her about it tomorrow"
Don't let that ietain you, Ernest.
I think know Of young lady who
would make au excellent companion, and
will send her to Beckfordville."
"Can she read aloud, and has she
patience and forhearai.ce, and will she
be as meek rs Moses ?"
al am sure she will try"
"Send her, then. But, Mabel -
"Well !"
at strikes mo you are anxious to
hurry ne off next Saturday."
Ernest" she said, in a voice that
1uivcred little, in spite OF NIL her self.
ontrol, lyon Rre misiudging mo. l
want yOn to do your dnty-to 60 and at'
tend to the affairs Of your poor uncle,
whose reason has deserted him. And
more than this, want you to learn
liie's lesson Of patience and endurance.
The sunshine will come al last, il you
can only wait unrepiniugly."
"Little prophecies" said Ernest!
driving her fondly towards him. II
accept your nuguries, mud I'll bear ur
aS m,nfully as human nature will allow
Ne ono ought to DO discouraged VIII
is sure OF your love. But, oh, my dar
ling, how often l shall remember thi
sunset. and your sw Iet fnce turned IL