Connecticut western news., 1876-05-26
MABEL MOORE'S STRATAGEM.

It was almost like bit of Persian poetry, that little conservatory at Bays water, in it's glow and fragrance, and soft, delicious murmur of leaves. And Mabel Moore herself looked not unlike Persian enchantress, as she stood there leaning one hand on a marble vase, with the gold of the acacia plumes hard ly brighter than her hair, and a quiver in the heavy white lids that hid her deep blue eyes. She was tall, and fine- ly formed, with very regular features, cheeks tinged with faint color, and an unconscious hauteatr in the poise of her slender throat and shoulders. Mabel Moore was born to be an heiress, and very gracefully she fulfilled the mission of her sunny life.
 She was not alone, however, in the flowery fragrance of the twilight con- servatory. Ernest Rockford was leaning against the doorpost, twisting and un- twisting long spray of jasmine with sort of impatient rapidity. He was a tall, manly fellow, with bright auburn hair, and face that you were involun- tarily compelled to respect and like.
 "Mabel," he said, almost passionate ly, edo you know that you are asking impossibilities2
 "Am I2"
 CT cannot go to Australia without you."
 "You can, Ernest, and you will"
 "But. my darling, only think of it. years exile from you.
 twill it be any easier for me to en- dure, Ernest ?" she asked, calmly.
 "Sometimes I fancy, Mabel" he re- stunned, impetuously, "that you don't care for me, else you would never be so willing to let me go."
 Ernest I"
 My dearest, I know I am unjust
 "Now," said Mabel, "let me under. destand just what you wish me to do ir this matter"
 "I want you to marry me the day after tomorrow, and go out to Australia with me in the ship that sails on Satur day"
 "Averyreasonable wish," said Mabel laughing. "But, Ernest, yeu know will never marry you while your mother refuses her sanction and appreciation to the match"
 "She does not know you, Mabel"
 
 never enter family where I am no welcomed by every one of it's members.
 "But just consider how unreasonable you are, my own darling, and how utterly and entirely groundless are my mother objections. 9
 "She fancies me hollow, heartles woman of the world, does she not9 Sht I is unwilling to trust her sons happiness in the keeping of coquette, who knowl nothing but Italian songs and Frencl waltzes 2"
 "Mabel, I am sorry I ever allowed you to read that unreasonable letter."
 "But am glad. No, Ernest, I hay. too much pride and dignity to marr. you unless your mother gives her fret 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 LII cut this Gordian knot by the exercise O. our own free will. Be come my wife give me the right to take you with m' on this long, long journey"
 Mabel Moore shook her head.
 " Let us wait and see what time may bring forth, she said, archly. "Anc now leave me; remember that the shil sails on Saturday."
 '' can't possibly go in that vessel. said Ernest; "I've many things to do.
 " But if you do not on Saturday yo1 will be obliged to waitanother fortnight and your business is 50 important ove there "-
 |" Yes, I know, but "- l We'll 2"