Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1877-10-04

of two girls with faces like Guido 8
angels. l must manage to see them
again.
X X
I really think it is an opportunity,
Miss Lena, said the old woman
who kept house for the two orphan
girls, and domineered over them in a
mild sort of way. Three guineas a
week, and it won't take hardly moth
in for the meals, considerin' we've
our own fowls and eggs, and ali the
vegetables in the garden And that
there back room ain of no use, ex-
cept to keep lumber in. Do think it
over, Miss Lena, dear 7
Yes, said Lena, shrinkingly, but
the idea Of keeping lodgers.'
Isabella looked haughtily up into
her sisters face.
Lena Lena ! said she, mo false
pride-no airs no graces | We're poor
people. Peggy, tell the gentleman
be may come.
And in this manner Adolphus
Chevering obtained an entrance into
the inner life Of Lena and Isabella.
you cant imagine how dull it is
for a man to be eating and drinking
all alone by himself pleaded he.
And Isabella, laughing, allowed
that it must be very stupid. And the
ice once broken, formed itself nc
more.
1t was not long before Isabella took
him into her confidence about what
he termed the family romance.
What a selfish william that faraway
cousin of yours must be : said
Chevering.
Oh, no; I don't think that necessar.
lily follows, answered unconscious Is
abella. If the property is legally
willel to him, that is all he knows OF
cares about the matter.
That is true, assented Chevering
And it's something proudly add
ed Isabella, to know that Lena and
can, and do earn our living.
Yes, said Chevering. whose role
at the seaside cottage was that Of ar
artist 'sketching up for his winters
work. But am not a helpless, weak
woman
Neither am l. said Isabella, will
spirit.
isabella !
Well?'
If were to confess that I low
you-to ask you to marry me-woule
you turn me out Of doors ?
No, Isabella answered, with eye
sparkling with half fun, half with {
deeper feeling. l should wonder how
any one could possibly prefer me t.
Lena.
I do love you, Isabella, said Chev
ering looking into her melting blu'
orbs. Will you have me-
I think | will, Isabella answered,
trying to laugh, and only succeeded
in hysterical little sob. Only aftel
we left Cliff House, l fully made VI
my mind to be an old maid. Uncl.
Bannister always said that woman's
resolution was written in the sand.
i bless my stars for the gift Of your
love, my Isabella!' murmured AdolpE
Chevering. And now | have another
question to ask you
What is it?'
"Would you like to go back to Cliff
House?
Isabella's wonderful mesmeric eyes
frightened.
Would Eve like to step once more
inside the gates Of Paradise? she cried
"But why do you put such i'm
practicable queries, Adolphus?"
Not so very impracticable after all
Did you ever see the 'far-away cousin
who has stepped in between you and
your inheritanceY
Ito"
Pardon me with a theatrical bow
-'he stands before you at this in.
slant.
'Adolphus, are you mad
No. On the contrary, very sane
But his name was Carrington.'
so is mine. Chevering Darlington
at your service. Isabella, my queen
Isabella, you have said yes you can
not take it back now,
But is it true-is it real ? cried
Isabella, pressing both hands to her
forehead. oh, do stop a minute
Let me think !
AS much as you please laughed
her young suitor, provided you don't
dismiss me.