Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-03-04
Concluded from first page.I

IL will go and meet Rose. Good-atter
noon, Mrs Morrison"
She begged him to stay, but he refused.
He seemed to breathe more freely when
he gained the road. There was something
oppressive and artificial in Mrs. Morri-
sons atmosphere.
Rose is SO simple-So unlike her moth
er. know she will never go to Gaspard
again Why should feel this Jealous
torture ?"
But he did feel it sharply, and when at
last he saw Rose comingi along the ROAD
he resolved to open his mimi to her.
Rose, darling"--thev had walked some
way lovingly together under the shade OF
the trees that bordered the road-'l must
speak about something that troubles me.
Suppose, after all, You do not love me as
you think you do ?-listen, child lie
spoke with unusual firmness, for she had
begun to demonstrate. suppose "heh
jacques Gaspard comes back You Ind you
have made mistake!
Nonsense, Reuben"
Rose tossed her head and pouted, but
Reubei.'s earnest gaze showed her that
tbi. was not the assurance he expected.
IL have said that love you, Reuben
she said: "surely, what more can girl
say ?"
But Reuben was stragely moved this
afternoon. There was an unusual flush
on his cheeks, and glowing light in his
eyes. Il believe you, my darling" he
said, fondly; but give me a proof that
you're in earnest. Marry me this day
fortnight
Rose began to exclaim:
.sBut nv clothes, Reubcn-I must have
proper clothes
He stopped her.
II asked Il proof, Rose. Yon will not
refuse me, my darling girl y
She looked enthusiastically to cry.
VERY WELL" she said, slowly. Il will
tell mother. and you can settle it with
her"
They had reached the garden-gate, and
she ran in, leaving Reuben gazing after
the charming picture she made in the
shaded garden.
1t is the day before the wedding. Both
Hookton and Mercombe had been lull OF
eager anticipation and gossip. Rose has
not been so triumphant Us some OF her
neighbors expected. Mrs. Leir has been
pale aud sorrowful, but Reuben looked
full of happiness. His recovery has pro
crossed with astonishing rapidlty When
he woke this morning he said to himself,
''to morrow--only till Tomorrow" and
then went off early to put the last finishing
touches 10 his new house. He will not
turn his mother out OF the cottage where
she has lived so long his hope is. that
eventually she will grow to like Rose, and
they shall all live then together. For the
l. L "a
down in the valley, beside the river
Rose has been very restless this morning
She has promised to wait in for Reuben,
aud yet she has longing to go down t.
Hookton She tells her mother this.
BEST keep at home. my girl the
mother says. And then, to herself, she
adds: jacques Gaspard came in last
night. She is best out of his way at pres
ent."
Rose wanders lstIessly about the gar
den.
81 wish Reuben was not so slow. dc
like little more fun in a man. He's a
kind, good soul, but he wants life. And
] hate that mother of his, | do.'
She has just turned her back again tc
the garden-gate, and she hears three dis
tinct taps and low whistle. Rose stands
still. A rush OF warm color spreads ovel
her face to her forehead. She knows
Jacques Gaspard's signal.
81 told him never wanted to speak to
him again." she says, tretfully. "Well,
when he hears | am going to be married,
he will GO away in rage"
She ran back to the cottage.
"Mother. don't let Reuben 90 after me
ifhe comes. shall be back directly.
,,alrl l..It ,l.N,,
into the quarry. There were caves here
running deep into the stone. and yet
scarcely showing an opening. Rose
paused before one of these and whistled
softly. In a moment the whistle came
back like a powerful echo, and the girl
went forward into the cave. Light came
from above some way down through fis
sures in the stone, and Rose saw at once
that Jacques Gaspard was very angry.
She felt frightened. and drew away from
him. but he grasped her arm firmly.
"What is the meaning of all this hear,
you little flirt?" he said savagely. ibid
you not tell me | was the only man you
had ever loved ?"
"Oh. don't grip so hard. Jacques-you
hurt me 7! won't speak while you hold
my arm," she said, defantly.
He r TtHcuuldE itI 90 uef URN, Dut He
stepped forward so as to stand between
her and the entrance TO the cave.
"Speak away" he said. "but mind you
speak the truth this time. Remember
I'm not soft fool like your new lover.
Mr. Leir."
There was mocking sound in his voice,
and Rose trembled
you are cruel" she sobbed. "You
say you love me, and you do not marry
me. Why do you come back and spoil
M future? do not love Reuben Leir as
have loved you, but he loves me, and |
mean to be good wife to him. He offers
me a good. comfortable home, and he
does not play fast and loose, as you do"
Jacques swore fiercely.
That's a lie Il am ready-say you
will come to me at once, and will marry
you, and give you all that woman can
wish for"
Rose gave him loving, wistful look.
Twill you marry me before you take
me awayp' she said, timidly,
"Ah, BAH" the sailor said. "Women
are all alike. They expect unlimited
tr,ct tn no pianed in than, and ,bau gr;,,a