The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1879-06-18

Wnen FRANK west went nome that nlght
he was as happy as mortal can be. His
plans for life were all laid, and he had
placed all the scenes of his future in a
warm sunlight.
"Then you have really consented to be-
come his wifeP said Lydia, after Nellie
had told her the result of the interview of
the preceding evening.
" Yes, sister, | have"
And l think you have done a very
foolish thing, Nellie. Since you have dis
covered that your money was all lost we
had hoped you would look out for a more
becoming match"
Since / have discovered it," returned
Nellie, with marked emphasis. "What do
you mean? Did you know it before?"
" Yes, knew it two years ago."
And never told me?"
"Of course not"
But, Lydia, why should you have kept
such an important matter from me?"
Because" answered the elder sister, "we
feared you would be too honest to keep it
to yourself. 1t might have made a vast
difference in our prospects, whether we had
$4,000 each, or had nothing. We hoped to
see you marry with wealthy husband, and
then you wouldn't have missed the money
you had lost"
"And do you think this was rig hit?
asked Nellie, with look of concern at
is deception, and can only lead to evil"
"There you CO." exclaimed Lydia. "Just
as / supposed. You will never succeed in
playing the game of life. You will show
your hand at the very start"
al have no wish to make a game of my
life" said Nellie, with deep feeling "and
those who do so are full as apt to lose as
they are to win. / had much rather take
life, with all its duties and responsibilities,
as a solemn fact, and try to live it Justly
and honorably."
That's poetical, / must confess-though
rather of the psalm-tune order," replied
Lydia. But give me the game, especially
when l hold the chances in my own hand.
have played, and won."
But you told Sidney that you had no
money?'
Indeed, rdidn't do any such thing. He
has money enough of his own. Did you tell
Frank?"
"Of course did"
Mercy on me-what paragon you have
becomer'
Nellie turned away, sad and sorrowful,
for she feared that evil would come of all
this.
Sidney West and Lydia Collins were
married, and for a while the husband re-
sided at the house of his mother-in-law.
One afternoon, about month after the first
marriage, Nellie gave her hand to Frank.
The ceremony had been performed, and the
guests had departed, when the happy bride
groom asked his bride to accompany him
to his home.
"But," said Nellie, in surprise, al did
not know that you had taken a house"
Certainly l have, my sweet wife, |
would not have bird like this without a
cage fit to keep her in. Yes-come and
see it,"
After the newly-married pair had gone,
Mrs. Collins drew Lydia aside and whis-
pered TO her:
Ny dear, think you had better speak
to Sidney about his business; and also hint
to him that we must soon find new home,
or else have the mortgage paid off on this
house. You can do it now as we'll as at
any time"
Won't you do it, mother?"
Not is your place to do that"
But You will be present ?"
Yes / will do that"
The mother and daughter returned to the
parlor and sat down.
"Sidney, DEAR" commenced Lydia.
My love-my life-what?' cried the
husband, raising himself to an upright po-
sition.
" want to ask you question"
{" Ask me hundred"
"It is very important one, Sidney"
ASK it, ove-life-my charmer."
:" 1t is about your business, my dear hus-
hand.'
"Ah-the very thing have long been
anxious to speak about, my angel. l think
l ought to go into business soon. Ihave an
excellent opportunity--one of the most
liberal offers. For twelve thousand dollars
| can buy out one quarter of fourishing
concern, and for four-and-twenty thousand
l can have half of it. 1t is a splendid offer,
l assure you"
And do you mean to buy ?" asked
Mrs. Collins.
" l wish to do So"
Then of course You WILL" suggested
Lydia.
"Ah-that depends upon circumstances"
replied Sidney. az am willing to put all
my energies and business tact against cap
ital, and go it,"
81 do not understand you, love-"
"Then 1 must speak. plainly" resumed
Sidney. "If you will furnish the money,
will do the rest"
Me furnish the money T uttered Lydia
" Yes, angel"
ou-have-moneyP
Not enough to pay a months board,
sweet charmer. "But / have tact, and
Bless me What's the matter? Have you
got ft|
mo money! groaned Lydia, sinking
back upon the sofa, and covering her face
with her hands.
DO not triAe with her feelings, Sidney"
interposed the mother "You are cruel"
"But have only spoken the truth"
"Did yoa not bring some eighty thou
sand dollars from California"
"No.
"Then you have deceived us most
cruelty, sir"