Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-07-23
VOL. 74.-3797. NO. Al.

but you will let me say that have worked
for two years with The hope Of winning
some position that will me to offer home
to my wife. If you will put me in such
situation you will win my warmest graft
tude; but must not think again Of the
dazzling offer you have made me-"
"You refuse to be my son-in-law--my
heir 2"
al refuse any offer that makes me
traitor to pure heart that trusts me-"
"lt makes it harder for me to give you
up, but if must, at least accept my invita-
tion to dinner, and my friendship"
"Gladly, gratefully" replied Lucien Gay
lord.
"At six o'clock, then, I shall expect you"
Was he awake
Lucien Gaylord asked himself the question
more than once as he pored over his ledgers,
adding long columns Of figures, and wrote
business letters.
Had John Burnette really made him the
magnificent proposals still lingering in his
ears
Were they both insane
His head was still whirling as he dressed
himself and walked toward the splendid
mansion the rich merchant called bis home.
Had all this really been placed within
his grasp?
He was still musing of this when Mr.. Bur
nette himself crossed the room.
"Have you thought better Of your refu-
sal ?" he asked.
al can only repeat it, sir-my heart, my
love, are no longer at my disposal"
There was a rustic of silk upon the carpet
lady advanced dressed in shimmering, lns-
trous silk, with jewels in her hair and upon
her wrists--a lady with soft brown eyes and
golden curls, who was introduced as
"My daughter Mabel, Mr.. Gaylord"
But who was surely, surely, May, his May,
niece of Maria Strong who took summer
dodgers in small country village.
| Mr.. Burnette had disappeared when Lucien
moved his wandering eyes upon Mays face,
and only the lady of his love remained.
"You will forgive me, Lucien,' she said,
drawing him TO seat beside her upon
sofa, "if you think that have deceived you
when tell you how it all happened. NY
father only spoke the truth this morning
when he told you my future was the only
anxiety of my life. cannot tell you Of his
worshiping love for me.
"When 1 returned from Norton told him
of your love for me-my promise to you.
Knowing you loved me for myself alone,
with no knowledge Of my position or for
tune begged of him to send for you at
once and tell the truth.
"But next to his child my father loves
the business he has built up by his own
energy and talent. He wished to be sure
that it would not be ruined in the hands of
his son-in-law, and consented to his test of
your capacity.
"I 1t is no small compliment, Lucien, for
him to tell me he is thoroughly satisfied,
willing to trust the future of both his child
and his business to you"
"But, May, are you not Mrs. Strong's
niece?'
81 am. She is my mothers sister. Every
summer l spend some weeks in Norton.
Still, [ have never performed any menial
work there, except during your visit, when
there was no servant. My aunt has never
left her home and take no fnery to Nor
ton, so she does not realize how different my
life is here from my life with her."
"And you, who must see so many suitors,
were willing to give me the treasure Of
your love ?"
"Ah, Lucien, love is tyrant. He took
us both under his rule in those summer days
at Norton, when was writing to papa Of
Aunt Marias lodger, and he was hoping and
fearing for me. But come now to the
library, and tell him you have reconsidered
his offer, and will marry that unknown lady
you so positively refused only this morning
There are two rosy children in the grand
nursery, and already the fifth anniversary Of
Mays wedding day has passed; but there
has been no regret yet in the happy home al
the result of "The Merchants Test"