Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1879-10-25
CONTINUED from First Page. }

sweet as the perfumed flowers in her
hands, stands upon the threshold.
why, what solemn conclave." she
saws iestingly. "What long, long faces
But that the silence of the grave seems
to reign. should say that you were in
dulging i'm battle royal. What is it,
George ?" laying her hand upon his shout
der with a soft caressing touch.
Taking down the hand, Carew holds il
softly i'm his own and regards her with ST.
lent scrutiny for a full minute. Then
glancing at the two men, he says, as
though decided:
MY sister is here-she shall speak for
herself Clarissa, Sir Wilfred IIaughton
and Give Dugdale wish to tell you that
they love you they have come this
afternoon to ask your hand in marriage.
1t is for You to either refuse them both
or make your choice between them.
He has spoken disjointedly but to the
purpose. Clarissa growing white as the
lilies in her trembling fingers. shrinks
away from him, and letting her flowers
fall, covers her face with her hands.
''Ohl why have you done this ?' cries
she: "it is terrible-it is cruel
''No-it is the wisest course" whispers
he hurriedly. at will end at once all
doubt and suspense. Believe me it is
better so-and kinder
Looking up, she glances first at Sir
Wilfred, who is evidently anxious, but
perhaps little too assured-then timidly
at Dugdale, who is rather in the back
ground, with his head bent downward,
and his arms crossed upon his breast.
Feeling the intensity of her regard, he
raises his head, and meets her gaze full.
In his eyes there is world of Borrowing,
II passionate regret, dumb agony, sad
through its hopeless longing.
''Clarissa'' says HaughtOn, entreating-
ly, attempting to take her hand.
mo, no she exclaims. hastily, waving
him back. her heart beating painfully
Then, "Clive, will you not speak to me p
she says, moving step or two in his di-
rection.
The effect is electric. At her words
Dugdale starts violently, the sadness dis
appears, and in its place great CLEAN Of
joy rises and illumines his face. Yet even
now he hardly dares believe in his own
good fortune.
Going up to her, he imprisons her hands
and asks, in voice so changed she scarce
ly knows it to be his
"Am | your choice '''
"Yes.'
"You love me, Clarissa? ?" almost vehe.
mently.
Yes" returns she again. And then
overcome by her emotion and the situa
ton generally, she burst into tears
whereupon, Give. unmindful of her broth
er's presence, or that of his disconnected
rival, catches her in his arms, and with a
sob, she lays her head upon his breast
Leaving Weston about two hours later,
he has Just reacl ed the entrance gate,
when he finds himself, for the second
time to-day. face to face with the valiant
Major, evidently bent on slaughter.
"You see have kept my word' says
this warrior, fercely; II am not to be
frightened, even by frown from Venus (!
] have come to reason with Clarissa about
this talked-of engagement.
There is no need can tell you all
about it,
"Well?' impatiently.
1T is only too true. She is going to be
marriedr'
"And who, pray, told you that pretty
piece of news?'
II hid it from her own lips"
"You don't say so - excaims the Ma
jor, staggered; then plucking up courage
again, he advances a step. "All the more
cause why should now interfere" he
says. with much determination.
II am afraid it will be too late. She
and he seem very much attached to each
other. / am almost sure she will not give
him up"
''She will when prove to her what
despicable scoundrel he Isl and open her
eyes bit about his doings in London"
"Oh, Major! that should live to hear
you say such things!''
"Say them! l have said them thou
sand times, and shall say them again
l tell you. this man she is bent on marry
ing is a william Of the deepest dye
Dugdale laughs.
"Ah! you may make joke of it, Dug
dale; she is nothing to you, of course :;
You don't care about her future happiness,
poor child but do, and can't see her
enter on such wretched marriage with
out feeling grief"
81 don't think" says Give, modestly,
sit will be wretched marriage
II hope you may be forgiven" ejacu-
lates the Major, solemnly. well, in an
offended tone, 81 shall go and fulfill my
duty, and see what can do
Don't put an end to the engagement,
Major" exclaims Give in tone of affect
ed dismay; because, if you do, you will
make Clarissa and-and me eternally
miserable
He has placed both his hands on old
Hyde's shoulders, and is laughing light
ly.
"Ehp What? You don't mean to saw
bless me What have you got to do
with it ?''
SIN me you behold the coming bride
groom says Give, with an air of the
profoundest triumph.
The Major is struck dumb for a full min
ute, and then gives way to wild rap
ture.
my dear Clive-my dear, dear boy,
can it be trnep Oh! you young scamp,
not to tell me sooner. My dear fellow, |
am rejoiced." And then he fairly gives
way, and falling upon the unsuspecting
Dugdale, treats him to a hearty hug.
''But, Major, consider; would you wed
your pearl among women to 'despicable
seoundrel,' villain Of the deepest dys ?"
When are you going to open her eyes to
all my scandalous 'doings in London ;"
''None of your chaff.r saws the Major