, 1879-05-03

some OF my hidden treasures,-a pearl-gray silk
otess' with rich pale-olue ribbons, golden
eiasp at the waist, with brooch to match. Blue
rlooous confined nv thick brown curls, and my
ring e!1ttered On my finger, the tiny gold chain
gleamlnS here and there on the folds Of my
dress. just as heard Mr.. Stapleton go with
ny 1ather into the library glided into the
drawlng-room, the occupants of which we're all
struck dumb at my appearance.
NGood Heavens" murmured Mrs. Grey,
.Where on earth did you get that dress from
20 there!" And almost roughly I was pushed
Scarcely had this occurred when my father
and Mr. Stapleton entered My father was
rubbing bis hands slowly one over the other.
habit with him that always denoted the compile
up. / trembled violently.
have much pleasure" said Mr.. Grey, s'iu
telling you that Mr.. Stapletop has just asked
and obtained my consent to the marriage OF his
nephew and my daughter" 81
'sYour eldest dauehter,n corrected the clear
voice OF Mr.. Stapletop.
Lucinda blusned rosy red, and simpered few
words to her mother, who looked triumphant.
'Certanly," said my father, looking ut him
Lucinda, my ylov4; what have you to sars" And
he took her hand ard led her towards Uncle
George.
Sir" said the latter, "your eldest daush-
ter"
'tMiss Marion Grey" answered Mr. Staple
ton. Remember, you've given your consent,
and reiterated it,"
There was astonished CONSERVATION on my
relatives, faces.
.Wny," said mr father, "sou must be dream
ing? You have never seen hertz
tuave not2 : Blossom-my Blos5om!"
And, turning TO me, be held out his arms, and
l ran into my city of refuse
Lucinda went into Mysteries, while Mrs. Grey
hurled epithets at my head, and finally called
Fntk tk,xAr% Natrn1 Ff1 t$oa
''Tnut cannot do" said be, white with rage
at being outwttel, caught in bis own trap.
'' But she leaves the house this hour with the
friends she las identified herself witai''
You were quite willing one daughter should
identify herself with these very same friends,
Mr. Grey, and why not apotlcrt But all shall
be done we'll. l have you safe, Blossom" he
whispered to me" don't trenble So"
He touched the bell, and, on the appearance
OF the servant, be directed him TO tell tile occu-
pants Of the brougham at the door to enter. 4
moment later and Mrs. Feruet, Rose, and my
dear Frank came crowding in, the latter itnne-
diately planting himself side Of the, while
Rose and Mrs Feruet kissed me. If my rela-
worse now, us they witnessed the loving atten-
tions that were sEowered upon me. Ny father
began to look as uncomfortable as possible.
IL nate mysteries" said Frank. "'Allow me,
Mr.. Grey, to explain all this. On the day my
! uncle took my sister Rose to school you also
left forlorn child ct Mime. Morier's. The kind
heart Of Mr.. Staplcton discovered how wrctchcu
had been her lite; he took strong interest in
her, and found-well, that her father took
none. My sister grew fond Of her, they were
inseparable companions. My mother and uncle
| mentally adopted her, and she would have re-
turned with us II you had not wished her to
come to Greysmead. have loved her ever
since have known her; every Que who knows
her loves her / consider myself man to be
cuyied. have won q priceless wife. We have
been engaged year Hau you asked, you
would have been told the whole OF the circum-
| stances. But YOU were too absolutely inditfer-
| ent to care. Marion served your purpose; that
| purpose, sir, is ended. Your consent obtained,
| nothing remans-''
ssBut to take her away," supplied Uncle
| George.
| He again rang. This time cook came, grinning
with delight. for Lucinda had just lett the room,
| supported ny her mother.
"PacK up Miss Grey's things,' said he II
| will send for them in an hour. Child, 20 to
| your motnern; and Mrs. Fernet, putting on my
| head hat and round my shoulders cloak Of
Roses which she had brought in case Of emer-
| gencr, took nlc away.
Frank. however, would not relinauish bis
| post; und, With serse OF trembling JOY and
| coming rest, left Greysmead Nook.
4 week later the following announcement ap-
| pearetl in the Times:
''At the parish church, Pleasant Hill, Frank
Fernet, Esq, to Marion, eldest daughter Of W.
| GREY, ESQ.,, OF Greysmead Nook, Oldshire."
London Family Herald.