The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1878-09-02

Then he desisted, lifted his hat and
left her. In the hail Ehe Rev. Talbot met
her, his face glowing, and beckoned her
to his study.
"Who do yoa think has Gomez" said
he. "Why, Andrew Wilkins He was
my fag forty years ago. 1t doesn't in
terest you 0, indeed Do you know
that he has made half a million, miss ?
Do you know he has asked my permis-
sion TOTO address you? He has
money-w have blood. You will dress
up to the mark tonight. and be more
cheerful. You have been out with that
penniless Brian. Take care you do not
get entangled with him."
"I refused him eight years ago." said
Charlotte.
'1t is we'll. Now dress; I'll send Rose
up to you."
Rose was the dairy maid-for they
kept two Alderney COWS on the glebe-a
bright, sparkling girl, who sometimes
acted as Charlotte's lady's maid. Char
lotte had had Frenchwoman to assist
her toilet for those three seasons in
town; being failure, this humble as
sistance was considered good enough for
her. But Rose was willing, handy and
affectionate.
Charlotte found Mr.. Wilkins polished
and smooth. He did not press himself
upon her; she was grateful to him for
that. But the Rev. Talbot and Aunt
Delamere never left her moments peace.
They worried her to show off her accom-
plishments.
"Do try and be lively" said aunt.
"Don't be a doll. Can't you see that
you have the finest chance in the world !?
Why, he is sixty-two, has heart-disease,
and next year is his grand Climacteric !!
Half million What diamonds !" This
tune was played until her life became a
burden.
At last she gave nominal consent, but
no time was hXed.
early next season." said aunt, deci-
sively. Everything can he gotready by
then. There may be something in you,
Charlotte, after all Give ME kiss
This nominal or half-expressed consent
gave her respite; Wilkins left her.
1t was long miserable summer. Her
heart was dull aching void; she walked
about the fields and lanes feeling her
self living lie. Toward autumn, Brian
was at the Court again. Must the truth
be told? A guilty thrill of pleasure ran
through her. He had not called yet.
One morning Rose asked to see her mis-
tress in private. With many blushcs
she stammered out the truth-she was
to be married to the head-carter at the
CURT, and the pair were to accompany
Mr.. Brian to Natal.
''To Natal!' said Charlotte, with a
sinking feeling at her heart.
eyes, ma'am. They say he be tired
O. Lunnun, and have left his place"
81 shall be utterly alone" thought
Charlotte. perhaps it will be best for
us both. I have sacrificed everything to
society, and now"
She broke down in private. But when
Brian called she was calm enough. On
his side he endeavored to hide his EN-
barrassment by an affected volubility.
81 must congratulate you," he said.
"You will have splendid settlement
you will be envied. At all events shall
have good shooting in Africa. l was
weary to death of doing nothing in town
no prospect, no hope. 1t is better to
be a man, even if one does lose position.
My hands are as soft as girls now; in
few months they will harden. have
81 800 of my own-Martin lends me an
other 81 800. A long sea-voyage Yes,
it is. Imust apologize for taking your
Rose; but with my inexperience, without
that honest couple" &c.
1t somehow happened that pending
Brian's departure, which was to take
place in October, Charlotte and he were
much together in the fields. Perhaps it
was the feeling that it was quite safe
now one was going thousands of miles
away, and the other to be married.
They fingered in the lanes and among
the barley, till at last poor Martin, who
saw this, grew jealous. A suspicion
forced itself upon him that he had been
sold; that in trusting his secret to Brian
he had been betrayed. In his anger he
went straight to the Rev. Talbot, and
bluntly said something, which resulted
in that gentleman strictly ordering
Charlotte to see Brian no more. Weak
and at the same time selfish to degree,
he fixed all his hopes of future personal
qualification upon the consummation of
the match with Wilkins. He rudely re-
pulsed Brian from the Rectory, and kept
watch himself over Charlotte.