The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1876-07-15

ton Eyerhard did not offer her. He was
Young tlne-looking, intelligent, well educa!-
led. His family occupied good social posi-,
ton, and he was in lucrative business lel
he wooed her, pennilcss girl, giving her no
love. Could she marry him, ana i've year
after year with no love tor her huSDahu' no
love for him? Could she stand oelor: the
altar and pledge herself 10 honor ana OBEY a
Imam for whom she fel! only gratitude
which tantalized her by a puzzling suspicion
laeif in answer TO her thought, her mother
said ,o, or
lriare Sadie. nothing to lose"
n should lose my self.respect my happi-
mao for life No, mother, though l may
seem ungra,eiul III not marry where there's
Mrs. Hartley did not urge The sutton S cause
although deeply disappointed AZ her oaaeA
tiers decision. She had married for love
herself though her husband had been rich
man, and she knew only too we'll how much
warm. true love is needed to make married
life happy. To advise Sadie to marry Cotton
Eyerhard after her reasons for refusing were
so clearly stated, would have been to 90 vio-
! lepce to all her Cwn convictions.
Blu. Cotton Everhard did not patiently bear
the rejection of the beautiful girl he had per.
sstenty wooeu for many long months. He
| had, as Sadie suspected, planned the appar-
emily chance encounter which first brought
| him to the notice and grateful acknowledge
ments of tie widow and her daughter. lie
| had spent valuable time and no small amount
of money in following up this introduction,
and having, as he believed, won Sadies aiec-
ton, he asked her to be his wife. And Sadie,
with only the pure instincts OF her own mai
den heart to guide her, had refused his siier'
With his heart full of bitter revenge, he
tried to win by cruelty what he failed 10 gain
by kindness. Before week passed, he urg-
ed his suit with Mrs. Hartley. With afec'
tionate words she told him OF her own regret
at Sadie's refusal, but absolutely refused to-
use her own influence to alieri Then, when
vague hints were thrown out to waken her
fears, a stately dignity replaced the motherly
warmth of her manner, and Cotton Eyerhard
was corteously but distinctly informed that
Sadie could never be won by bride or threat.
But few days were allowed for reflection
before the landlord of the little cottage raised
the rent to such an eXhorbitant price that only
immediate removal renamed for the Hart
!eys. The easy, lucrative work was taken
away at moments notice, and when Sadie
went to where she had formerly worked, en-
plOyment was denied her Winter was CON-
ing on and the narrow attic room seemed
even more dreary than before, In contrast to
their cosy cottage. Still mother and daughter
spoke no word of regret for the refusal that
cos, them so dear Sadie, in her heart was
thankful that some of the load Of gratitude
was cancelled by this sudden, rude persecu
tion and Mrs. Hartley spoke once IN terms
that Quoted any pain her daughter might
have felt on her account
sadie" she said, II shudder TO think OF
your life in the power OF man who could so
wreak his vengeance upon two helpless wo
men. Thank God, my child, your heart
guided YOU truly 10 man who ever loved
you could 50 suddenly become your worst
enemy"
1t was January, a night when rain was fall
ing fast upon haltmclted snow, that Sadie
came home after day Of fruitIess search for
work.
"Where's your shawl" Mrs Hartley said,
as the girl drew, shiverlng, 10 the tiny hand.
full of fire.
al sold it. We must cat or die" was the
quiet reply.
As she spoke there was knock at the
door, and Cotton Everhard came III. HIS
handsome attire, his cortcouS address, were
In strong contrast to the wretched room and
the chilling reception that met him. Still,
with quiet tact, he refused to recognize the
GOODNESS and gradually led the conversation
from commonplace TO personal topics. Notl
abruptly, but by graceful transitions, he led
the way to his own hope that Sadie might
think more kindly Of the offer refused before.
He spoke eloqucntly of his love for her. dell
cately urging his respect and affection for
her mother, and expressed the most profound
regret that he had allowed his anger at his |
first refusal to influence him, as it had done,
to acts of enmlty There was no lack Of
words to prove his sincere affection, as he
poured them into the ear of the shabby, al
most despairing girl, and Sadie, listening for
some answer from her own heart, found none.
Not one throb there bore witness To the We
hement assertions Sadly, but resolutely, she
said, as she had said before:
al canno, marry you, Mr.. Everhard. | do
no, love you, and you do not love me"
II do not love your cried her suitor. "Sa-
die, can you be so blind, so deaf 10 love, rs
to doubt mine? BE my wife, and every hour
of my life shall prove my love for you
III cannot be your wife"
ado you love another, Sadie!'
I'll do not admit your right to ASK that
question, but will answer you. do not
love another
Then love will come. can wait years if
1t must be-"
But he pleaded in vain. Sadie firmly re-
fused to become an unloyed, unloving wife.
1t was late when the disappointed sutton
took his leave, and Sadie crept into her moth.
er's arms.
Forgive me that deny you too, the com.
forts of home" she sobbed
Child, child" her mother said, 81 wantno
home built upon the ruins of your happiness.
Have you forgotten tomorrow is your birth
day, Sadie? You are twenty one"
There was little sleep IN the cherries attic
but the morning found the HartleyS up early,
and Sadie preparing TO go ont in search OF
work. \ bright sunlight made the prospect
somcwhat'morc cheerful than it had been the
previous day, and Sadie was speaking cheer.
lily, when the postman's voice ran along the
narrow passage:
"Hartleyw
IAN answer TO our advertisement, cried
Sadie, flying down for the letter and up again
in an instant
"A great legal envelope, marked Everhard
l. * Ualln She said "Can Cotton sue me for |