Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1879-03-21

and that is saying good deal" Then
raising her head gently, he bade her
listen, for he was going to tell secret
in return for hers. When she heard it
she waited with wide, wondering eyes
while he told it second time, for she
could not believe in her Joy. "As you
know, Madge," he began, "most peo-
pie in this world have more cousins
than one" And then he went on to
explain to her that Herbert Fitzallan
was very distant cousin, and that it
was to him her father wished her to be
married. Fitzallan's father had been
the companion of his labors, and Her.
bert himself had been loved by the
dying man as a son, for Herbert was
twenty when little Madge was an or
phaned baby of four. You ask what
about Jack, thenP" said the old man.
"That was my clever trick upon Madge.
never said You were to marry Jack.
told you of your fathers wish. l
brought Jack here, the only cousin you
knew; and praised his good qualities
which are fine enough, l can tell
you, and appreciated by young lady
not far from here. l knew that way
ward heart of yours, and l knew
that woman should not marry
without rival love, and a great store
of it, too. So l left.my darling open
to the idea that JACK was to be the
lucky fellow; and she did just what l
and all sensible folks expected-almost
hated Jack and her doom. Then l
took care that the man you were meant
for-who, my dear, has the best and
truest heart in the world-should come
in the way just at the right time and
show an interest in you. So have | not
succeeded and made my Madge choose
her fathers choice with her own free
will? As for Fitzallen, he is all impa-
tience for tomorrow, and he would
have told you the secret at that ball
the other night, when he says that he
was put to desperate trial, but he had
promised me never to disclose it till we
were quite sure of success. Well, are
You happy now, MadgeP'
"My dear, good, second father! How
can love you enoughp' was all she
could say when she felt his arms round
her in that moment of fulfilled desires,
and his lips pressed to her forehead in
fatherly affection now that his long
solicitude was at an end and his hard
task well done.
That very night, Madge, scarcely
able to realize her Joy, was betrothed
to Herbert Fitzallen, who, when once
the secret was disclosed, would not
wait another hour.
Have not waited years?' he said.
"All my time abroad L was waiting,
and then came back and found my
Madge more than ever L had dared to
hope"
But Madge, in her new freedom, did
not forget poor Jack. Indeed. she was
almost in trouble about her unkindness
to him when she heard that he had
been only playing a part, bearing all
her teasing, and being purposely un-
gracious whenever she grew kind. But
Gertrude consoled her effectually on
that score, by telling another secret
after her kiss of congratulation.
Jack was indeed doing his best to
carry out the plan" she said; land he
was often grieved about you; but, dear
Madge, you must congratulate us now
not me, but us. Jack and made it
up between us months ago, and we had
many a quiet laugh about you"
So Madge herself accepted the ring,
and wore her golden fetters by her own
free will after all; nor was there ever a
happier or more willing captive. AS
for Fitzallen, if he was not another Ar
thur, as the girls fancy had prompted
her to call him, he was "blamelessn as
the Prince of the Idyls," and far more
blest; and if he reigned over no realm,
he was at least king of one brave and
tender heart-a kingdom wide enough
to satisfy his desires, and prize which
time proved to be we'll worth his years
of waiting. .-Casselrs Magazine.