The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1878-02-08

prayed for the success Of Geraldine's MIS-
sion.
While she was thus engaged, Captain
Montford was announced. One look at
the handsome young man, and we forgive
Geraldine for falling in love with him.
lie was a perfect ideal Of the dashing
military officer.
"What ails my darling?" were his first
words, for the lengthening shadows did
not hide from his keen glance the look of
trouble on Alicc's face.
With his arm about her, Alice related
the conversation she had with Geraldine,
and told him that her cousin had gone to
speak with her father.
Captain Montford frowned. In his
mind, without having any good reason for
so doing, he always associated Geraldine
Rathborne with some beautiful snake, and
he did not relish the idea of her interced-
ing for him.
"Alice," he said, thoughtfuIly, 81 am
sorry now that I took your advice. l
ought to have spoken to your father last
night"
ooh, no, no !"
"Alice, allow me to be the best Judge in
this affair. | do not wish Geraldine's
interference, l will go to your father at
at once"
Alice tried all her powers of persuation,
but Captain Montford was not to be per-
suaded when he made up his mind, and
he started for the library, where Mr..
Caryl was usually to be found.
As he approached the library door, he
heard Mr.. Caryl say, in voice suf0cating
with anger:
IF she is planning to deceive me, l will
never forgive her."
"She is determined to marry him, if
you withhold your consent, uncle tried
to persuade her from it, but no use," said
the voice Of Geraldine, in reply, and Cap
tain Montford stood still, scarcely believ,
ing his own ears
81 will tell her bright and early to-mor-
row morning, that | will never consent tc
This marriage, and if she marries without
my consent, | will disinherit her, and
every cent am worth goes to you, Geral-
dine. Now, leave me; let no one come
near me tonight"
81 am sorry my words have made you
so angry, uncle. | will 60 and use my in
huence once more with Alice"
Captain Montford had barely time to
step into one of the rooms that opened on
the landing, when Geraldine appeared,
and passed down the stairs.
For minute the captain stood; he de-
termined to beard the furious old lion in
his den, and the next minute found him in
the presence Of the equity, quick tempered
old gentleman.
"Well, sir, who sent for you?" was the
first salute the captain got, in anything but
gentle voice
Nobody sent for me, Sir, but | have a
knaok Of always being on hand at the
right time. Twas coming here to speak
with you, sir, when happened to overhear
a part of your conversation with your
niece. Mr., Caryl Geraldine is deceiving
you. Alice never thought of marrying
without your consent, until her cousin put
it into her head"
|
whats that you say? Geraldine de-
ceiying me?' roared the old gentleman.
"She is, sir. Ifyou could walk softly
down stairs with me now, and overhear
your neice talking to your daughter,
you may see through this affair as well as
do.'
"Oh, Geraldine, what shall | do?' Alice
was saying to her cousin.
81 will tell you. 1t is your duty, Alice
to marry Captain Montford. lie is not
marrying you for your money, and you are
satisfied, you say, to live on captain s
Ipay, He is an honorable man; no one
can find a blemish on his character.
Your father has no right to come between
|you-"
81 believe you're right do, upon my
soul, Geraldine ~ cried Mr.. Caryl, burst
ing into the room with all the speed his
equity toes would permit
Geraldine screamed, and Alice trembled,
Ihalf with Joy, half with fear
!
81 always knew the captain was splen-
lid fellow, and have no right to come
between them, only you put it in a little
different light when you were talking to
ane up stairs. Alice, my dear. it's all
bright. | overheard Geraldine's conversa-
tion with you, and-George. come in here
and speak to your future wife.
"Oh, papa, knew it was only matter
of a little time--Bhat you would give your
consent ~
"Don't thank me, my dear--thank the
captain. Where's Geraldine p and Mr.
Caryl's face grew purple.
Geraldine had stole from the room.