The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1877-05-18
"As you. Lilias Bradley 2"

/
ison.
eyes," returned Lilias, quietly. 81
would not change places for all the
world"
An angry frown contracted Clarice's
white brow.
"Here comes Felice, thank goodness
Now, Lilise, you will have to exert every
effort to finish it by midnight.
Il think we can complete it by nine
or ten; that will give you sufficient time
to dress. I, too, must leave it at that
hour, to fulfill my engagement.
A blush overspread Lilian's face.
| "That poor lover of yours again to-
night q? l should think you'd hate man
as poor as you say William Sherrard is.
Why don't you marry rich one, who
can support you handsomely?"
There was contemptuous imperious-
ness in Clarice's tones that brought the
| blood rushing to Lilias' cheeks.
because I never would marry for
money; 1 will never give my hand to a
man because he has fortune at his dis
posal. Wealth is great gift, but it does
not purchase happiness. s."
"How do you know2 You have never
enjoyed wealth."
A quiet, strange smile-one that had
annoyed Clarice many times since the
orphan Lilias had come to their uncles,
six months before-ighted the sweet
face, disclosing the pearly teeth.
True, am not in the enjoyment of
wealth yet, judging from yourself, dear
Clarice, L should conclude it did not
bring bliss"
"But it will, when have once attained
my object-the dream 1 have cherished
for the half-year you have been here.
When am once the wife of Sir Irvine
Tressell, the only man ever loved or
me unhappy. His love is all ask"
A bright smile, that made her really
lovely, lighted her midnight eyes as she
thought of him-her idol.
"You've never seen him, Lilias, be-
ieve," she went on to say. He is the
most handsome man ever saw -
81 think not. You know you requested
me never to come in the parlor when you
had company"
"He is tall, and dark, and very grace
full, and so polite p
Clarice's voice was enthusiasm per-
sonifed.
eyes, so is my William" returned
Lilias, thoughtfully.
civilian !" CALCULATED Clarice, indig-
nantly, "Why, Lilias Bradley, they are
breath p
"Cousin Clarice, be thoughtful Do
not speak slightingly of my betrothed
husband because he happens to be
poor"
The gentle hazel eyes were dark as
Lilias spoke but she was answered by a
harsh laugh.
"Nor of you, because you happen to
be poor, and a dependent on my charity
and your Uncle Peters"
With proud flushing of her cheeks,
and flashing of her eyes, Lilias tossed
the expensive moire off her lap.
, "Never has that been said of a Brad
ley before, Clarice Mountjoy; never
shall it be repeated. Tell me with your
lips if l do not earn my bread. and
clothes Tell me if the assistance 1
render to you in every imaginable way
does not merit more than any servant
woman would receive for her services 2"
"Oh, yes, suppose so but, after all,
L can get on as well with only Felice.
Are you not going to finish my dress !?
Do, Lilias, just this once, and I'll con-
fess you are not only indispensable, but
absolute mistress of the establishment.
Please do, Lii, for you know am dying
to wear my newly-reset diamonds-the
old family diamonds, you know. L
should expire from disappointment if 1
did not realize the expectations / have
anticipated for this evening. Sir Irvine
Tressell will not fail to be there, and in
my moire and diamonds I shall be SO
irresistible he cannot avoid q proposal.
1t is on the tapis, know, for he is all
devotion"
"Your dress is done, Clarice. And
now must leave you to attend to Uncle
Peters supper.
CHAPTER III.
"And my darling is willing to intrust
her happiness to me, poor and friendless
though may bel"
Lilias' lover drew her beautiful head
to his breast, as he entwined his arms
about her.
"You may be poor and friendless in
one sense, William, but are you not
wealthy in my lovea Will not our home,
if unblessed with all the luxuries of
riches, be abundant in peace and con-
tentment 2"
"Spoken like the dear, true little
woman you are And now, dearest, 1
must impose my first command upon