The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1876-10-07

Il self bound; but that / Woulu not peithi' W =
uncle's lite was not in danger, ana wouiu
not let Arnold waste the best years OF MS
manhood, without wife or home 90 we oauc
each other farewell, and few months later
i I heard that my lover had joined party OF
men going to Australia"
And have YOU never heard OF MIN sihce
he went awav?"
Never My uncle lived six years, when
| was most desola,e after his death iouhu
you" am,
"Majorle," whispered, "d'd Arnold Hal
combe marryE'
II never knew, dear"
"But you-do you still love himy' -,
"Yes, dear. | shall love him while l i've
She told me no more then of her heart MS
tory, but talked of stephen, OF our love, OF
her entire sympathy IN our future. thihk
she must have written to him. for IN the even
| ing he came again, aud we were betrothed'
knew that Stephen must return to his ousi-
ness in few days, but he promised 70 return
| in a months time.
stephen" said, "tell me again aboutyour
cousins offer.
"Wby, do you want TO 60 10 Ausiaiia hc
cried in amazement
mo. but want TO know something about
your cousin
"There is but little to tell. When ! was
mere boy he went TO Australia, poor man
He Invested a very small capital in sheep,
hiring his farm BY degrees he increased his
stock, bought the farm, and became an enor-
mousy wealthy man. About six months ago
he came to London intending to remain here.
But he wishes still to retain some OF his Aus
tralian possessions, and is looking for an
agent, 10 whom he offers far greater advan.
tages than those he enjoyed himself. When
he first proposed to me to go, thought as
think now, that preferred 20 pursue the bust
ness have here, and grow rich slowly, than
TO exile myself perhaps for years. But had
you persisted IN what you said this morning,
think tomorrow should have accepted my
cousins offer"
as your cousin married?"
mo, indeed! And yet he is MS free from
bachelor eccentricties as | am. He had
some DISAPPOINTING in his youth. anu 1t
never solred or embittered him. He is q
splendid fellow, one Of the handsomest men
I ever cav, and as noble rs he Is fire-looking.
But why are you interested acout himy'
III will tell you when you come again. In
the meantime, Will you use your influence to
persuade him to come with your
"Ilere?"
"Yes, here. Bring him with you. Make
any excuse you like, only bring him"
"But do not understand" gan Stephen.
Never mind. have promised to tell you
then"
al will bring him, if he will come"
was sure he would come! 1t was hard to
carry secret hidden from Majorie's loving
eyes for an entire month; but, fortunately,
we were soon engrossed IN wedding prepare
lions-for Majorie, remembering her own
broken love dream, had consented and won
my consent TO Stephens wish to be married
in January.
SO we spent the late October and early No
vember days in stitching busily upon the
tinery that every bride wishes to take to her
new home.
When the day came, all my nervous anxiety
about our preparations was attributed to my
desire to have Stephen pleased; but strange
as it may seem, | was not thinking OF Ste
phen He was to come on the train due at
half pas, eleven, and the carriage was sent TO
meet him.
was dressed early, and fused about Ma.
jorie until even her quie, gentlcness was rous-
ed in opposition.
"Why, chll., il is absurd" she said, as
dragged my favorite of all her dresses from
the wardrobe. al shall look like goose in
that in the morning
"But we will have no chance to dress
again" urged, land this is so becoming
| had pulled her HAIR down, and was twin
ing The magnificent raven lengths into the
most becoming couture my skill could com
pass In glossy braids twisted half wreath
Of fine leaves with the scarlet blossoms | had
taken from the conservatory. The dress Ma
joric would not wear, but She chose heavy
black silk, with trimmings OF thread lace, and
let me put a scarlet how upon the fine lace at
| the throat, and coral earrings IN the small,
white ears.
! 81 look like II famingo!" she protested.
"Iou look like Queen' persisted. The
! folds of rich silk trailing upon the ground
suited well her tall, noble figure, and her
face was always the most beautiful one | ever
saw.
Ii required some diplomacy 10 escape oh
servatun when | led our visitors into the
house, but | Invented m crrand that sent
Maioric 10 my room just AS the carriage
drove mp.
Stephen was accompanied b. his cousin,
and INV first look into his handsome face sat.
isfed me tina, memory was busy at finding
himself in Mrjorie's house. | gave scant
greeting 10 Stephen before | drew Arnold
! Halcombe into the library. | scarcely know
in what way told him Of my debt TO Ma.
iorie, of her confidence 10 me, aud my plan,
of which | was careful tn assure him Size was
totally ignorant But his answers sent me
with flying feet TO meet my benelactress.
found her in my room, vainly searching
Tor the ornament had fast IN my pocket, but
my face caused her To pause IN the task.
! What good news does Stephen bring, that
makes my liule girl SO radIantl' she asked
! | put my arms around her, and holding
her fast, SAID, almost sobting in my eager
e ness:
r "Majorie, since the day you lifted me from
: mp poverty and suffering To utter happiness
| have never ceased 10 pray that at some timC
5 nigh, be permitted TO bring some bright
/ ness 20 YOU
: Dear child, every hour you are with ms
= answers your prayers" she said lovingly.
' But never hoped / said, that could
= bring you such glad tidings as have now
1 ITO met she cried, her sweetiace growing
1 pale.
. "0f Arnold Halcombe," said, softly; 80
2 his true, unchanging love for you; OF his
Nass T.sl