The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1879-03-12


entreaty not to thought "too bad" that
it must have required more than ordi-
nary self-control for Fitzallan not to
say something that would have allowed
the scene to become tender one but
this he seemed determined to avoid, and
80 in herssimple way was the sadly-per-
picked girl that was pouring out her
hearts trouble to him.
"Will you speak for me to Mr.. Sell
wyn," she said, "as you are an old
friend of hisp 1 cannet reason as men
do, but 1 want you to try il there is any
way of release for me. Pray forgive
me, if I am wrong in asking your inter-
ference, but I am very wretched here
came burst of tears that must have
tried the listener sorely-" and my
self have so often spoken to Mr.. Selwyn,
and it is of no use. He always says my
fathers will must be carried out; and
oh, how wish could do it..
"It must be done, if possible, Fitz-
allan said. "But it would not be your
fathers will to mar the happiness of
your life or to put you in bondage"
"Oh If Mr.. Selwyn would only
speak like that" said the girl sadly.
"Well, shall have a talk with him"
said Fitzallan, "and do my best for
your happiness, though would be sorry
to iniure Hawkesbury's prospects. Let
us go back now; there is new piece
beginning. That is one of Rubinstein's,
is it not2 need not say you have done
me favor in granting me your conf
dence."
With that he drew aside the heavy
curtains, and they returned to the daz.
zling light and bewildering music and
movement of the ballroom.
After that night Madge waited in anx.
iety to hear the result of Fitzallan's
parley with her guardian. Three days
passed and note came from him, only
a few words, saying that he had sue
ceeded at least so far as to win promise
that the matter should be considered.
But Madge saw little good coming of
Mr.. Selwyn's considering" what
seemed to be decided irrevocably long
ago.
At last it was the eve of her birthday;
tomorrow would be the dreaded day,
and that very morning Mr.. Selwyn had
said TO her gravely, but tenderly
"My child, it has been the work of
many years,for me to see to the fulfill
ment of your fathers Last wish. He was
my best and dearest friend, and his life
was a sad one. At least his dying will
must be done. But 1 promise you hap
piness-I do, indeed"
But beyond that day Madge was un'
able to bear her hearts burden. 81
must tell him everything" she thought.
In the afternoon twilight, some time
after Mr. Selwyn had returned home,
she found him asleep in his arm chair
in the dark dining room. But little
daylight came in between the red cur
tains, and it was only the glow of the
fire that showed her his white hair and
long beard. She knelt beside him, as
she often did for talk when he was in
that chair, and she woke him up by
stealing her hand into his.
"Who is it-GertyP No, Madge-
my little Madge that is to be so patri-
archal to morrow"
"Papa Selwyn," she began, not Civ
ing him time to joke any moro lest she
troubles, 81 want to tell You some
thing, and you won't be angry, will you,
no matter what it is ?"
He took her face between his hands,
and the fire flashed up and showed him
how earnest it was.
"I am quite sure" he said, "nothing
can make me anything but as deeply in
love with my second daughter as poor
OLD fellow like me can be. Why, child.
am under cloud all day because to-
morrow-as soon as tomorrow car
be Papa Selwyn no more, and Madgt
will be thinking about nobody but hel
cousin"
"No, indeed |" cried Madge impetu-
ously, "you will be Papa Selwyn always
always; and 1 don't care for my cous'
in bit"
But her guardian shook his heat
gravely.
"My dear, you will marry your cous
in"
, The freight had died down low, ant
Madge had courage enough to blurt ou
with an effort the few words
CT can't marry Jack, because ough
to love my husband, and 1 can nevel
/ care enough for him. Or, il must b,
engaged to him tomorrow - her,
. there was a great sob" Mr.. FitzallaI
> is very good and kind, and don't wan
) to hurt him-but-but-he must g
: away"
Her head sank upon his knees will
the great effort of that request.
3 "My poor child" he said. 81 knoy
your secret. Bravely said, my ittl
t Madge, my bonny girl You have ha
the truth out and done nobly. You ar
d worthy of the man that is to have you
Q and that is saying good deal" The
Q raising her head gently, he bade he
J. listen, for he was going to tell a secre
b in return for hers. When she heard
! she waited with wide, wondering eye
while he told it a second time, for sh
!, could not believe in her Joy. " As 20
y know, Madge," he began, most pee
8 pie in this world have more cousins tina
II one." And then he went on to explai
" to her that Herbert Fitzallan was a yer
" distant cousin, and that it was to hiI
l. her father wished her to be married
% EiLzallanIa fathar had haan the onmnal