The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1877-11-14

the honor of his attentions at half their |
worth, " she declared, annoyed that Mona
seemed 80 little impressed. He is n
man who has been free from the foibles
of most men he has never amused him
self by paying idle homage to women,
and believe is the more capable of
deep attachment he has been so en-
tirely untouched during all the years
when he might have chosen among the
very flower of our bellies"
at argues either very poor taste or
very absorbed mind on his part, "
answered Mona.
But in her secret heart she was fat.
tered by Chantrey's preference.
She had an honest liking for the man,
and enough feminine malice to enjoy a
triumph which was 80 widely envied
her; and yet it would be unjust to Mona
TO say that sire coquetted with him de-
liberately.
She had never stopped to analyze her
own feelings, when she was suddenly
faced by the crisis which others had fore
seen while she had only vaguely felt that
it might come. Mark Chantrey had
asked her to become his wife,
She sat in her own room "thinking it
OUT"
She was troubled, weary and OPP
pressed.
She had Roberts picture before her,
the still boyish face, thinner, paler than
it should have been from owe rwork, the
brown eyes wistful and ten der as she had
80 often met them.
Could she, after once taking the lie,
lights of wealth, ever willingly reIinquish
the advantages it held, and go back con
tentedly to the old, humble lot, with its
struggles aud privations
Little by little her look of trouble died
out before growing resolution, but
somehow one-half of the sweetness
seemed to have died, too, from the fair
young face.
The next day was one of respite. She
would not see Mark until evening then
she would meet him and give him his
answer.
Mrs. McIlvaine was never guilty Of
making an early appearance, and it
argued i'll for Mr.. Chanreys imp Ntieuce
rs a lover that he was not present when
Nona's eyes sought him in the throng.
When he did come he did not imme.
diately join her. He was in close CON
versaHon with the editor of leading
paper, and as they driftel near her she
overheard the latter say:
" His articles were servicea BILE from
the first in their marked originality and
real merit. In securing young Rodman
we have made an important acquisition.
I tell you he is a rising genius stined
to make his mark"
eyes" assented Mr.. Chantrey, and as
his interest in the subject tagged he
turned toward the spot where Mona had
stood, but she was not there now.
She had found an obscure corner and
hidden herself in the shadows.
Ambition and gratifed vanity had al
most urged her to accept man fol
whom her deepest feeling was friendly
regard.
She knew it now that her pulses were
thrilling and heart beating high with the
pride of hearing Robert spoken of in
such terms of praise. And realizing hel
own needs and capabilities, she felt thai
life held grander possibilities than the
empty honor of wifehood, with one
who had overcome all the obstacles il
his course and attained the placid leve
of success in which his best efforts were
already expended.
Chantrey found her there, and while
it would be most unjust to say he di(
not feel her gentle but unmistakabl(
declension of his suit keenly and sin
cerely, he was not man to let disap
pointment in love make any difference il
the routine of his daily life.
And Mona walked in upon ths Rodmal
circle next evening just as it had beer
made complete.
"Do you really care enough for me t.
take me back again ?" she asked, smiling
tearfully. "Because 1 have offende,
beyond redemption. was never mucl
help, I'm afraid but you must no
think Mrs. McIlvane has spoiled me fol
all good.
"Dear child" +" from happy Mrs, Rod
man, lit was like losing the sunshin
when you left us"
Aud all the rest were eager with thei
welcoming assurances-all but Robert
He had not words, but his eyes spok
for him.
, He spoke for himself ON anothe
subject before they parted for the night
If You had not come back to us