The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1879-06-04

and no mistake"
Its a powerful change for her. /
hear Mr.. Grafton's always had u hank
ering for her He told Mr.. JobsOn any
man could marry any woman he set his
heart upon, if he'd only work hard
enough and wait like spider in his
web"
"I guess he got Greta for the asking,
ehP"
81 dunno; there was that Sotherne
who was sweet on her"
"I reckon that's blown over-only n
young mans pastime. I'm surprised at
Tom Grafton, though, with all his airs
and frills, with his family tree and his
G. IF arms, and his ancestors and his
n How does he get over that lit
tie Lir of Mrs. Stoughton's diamondp
/ spose he expects folks to visit his wife
and ask no questions, once she's a
Grafton"
Claw it's the way of the world: a
pretty face makes a man forget trespasses
and get rid of his judgment. It's no use
quarreling with such things at our age.
Greta'll make a fine lady, and mean to
pay my respects at Grafton Place directly;
I'm just crazy to see the new fixings.
I'd just like to see how I'd look in the
blue-satin parlor."
And all this time Greta had not even
consented. 1t is true, wealth and COM
fort were alluring. She had told herself
that Providence would provides; and
how could she know but this was the
very provision made for herp 1t would
be delightful, no doubt, to enjoy such an
establishment as Grafton Place. Only
let her say "Yes," and she might wear
her velvets and laces with any lady in
the land, drive in her satin-lined car
riage, and have servants under her and
all that heart could desire. Alp Yes,
all but self.approval, love and Stephen
Sotherne. Still, let her answer NO"
and Stephen and love would still be lack
ing, and hardship, want and public dis
approval be superadded.
"The miserable little thief" thought
the exasperated Mrs. Stoughton. "She
has played her cards to perfection,
cozening that old fellow into marry
ing her. No doubt he'll rue the day, and
serve him right"
In the meantime, as Greta had not
given him refusal, Mr.. Grafton chose
to consider himself accepted. He con-
suited her about the wedding journey,
about the new servants to be engaged,
as if the marriage was matter of course.
She acquiesced in his suggestions, but
ing with the stream, not rowing hard
against it; she was making believe that
she could love him by-and-bye; his at
tention, his cons liberation for one so for
lorn, his generosity, touched her; that
was all.
One day Mrs. Stoug ghton's husband re-
turned home. 1t would seem as if no
event could have less effect upon Greta's
fortunes. She watched him walking by
and wondered if Mrs. Stoughton was
glad to see him.
"Any news in HamptonP" he asked,
ut his dinner table.
News enough. Mr.. Grafton is going
to be married, returned his wife.
"That reminds mel must see Graf
ton directly. Married, ehP Well. he's
old enough. Who's the bride electPn
"That little hussy, Greta Loring."
Softly, softly, my dear; it sounds en-
Il envious of that little thief"
"ThiefP What has Greta stolen-old
Grafton's heartP Nobody knew he had
one before. Perhaps she has only de-
veloped latent organ in him..
"Oh, Herbert, | am so sorry to tell
you'll never could make up my mind to
write it; but she was at work here
Greta Loring-by-the-way, l haven't
paid her yet-and-and my diamond
ring was in the same room, and-it's
there yet, only the diamonds gone. No
body else had been in the house. What
could | thinkP OF course she stole it,
| though she brazens it out as she does" "
Mr.. Stoughton turned ash-color, laid
down his fork, and stared at his wife.
And you accused her of stealing the
diamondP"
"I wrote to her very kindly and con-
siderately. She replied in a high and
mighty tone, which was simply insult
ing. 1put the case into Mr.. Grafton's
| hands"
"Into Grafton's hands! Well, and
what did he say about itP"
Say Why, he's going to marry
her!"
"Looks as if you'd win your case,
laughed Mr.. Stoughton, uneasily. 4" AND
so Greta is going to marry the old fox
really wish you had notified me of youl
loss"
He took up his hat and went ou
| grimly. He had a very disagreeablC
duty to perform, and he wanted it ovel
with; it had spoiled his dinner, and tina
was enough. He knocked at Greta'
door.
"The diamond again." she thought.
After ALL he cogitated, "why no
let we'll enough aloneP Perhaps sh,
loves the fellow"
Greta bore herself like one with gooC
news: a tender color trembled on he
cheek, a sort of suppressed JOY shone il
her eyes. An open letter lay before her
and Mr.. Grafton sat in her easy-chair.
Mrs. Stoughton, watching from he
window, wondered what under the Sun
Herbert could 9 have to- to say ~ that @ woHl' !
Greta a piece of his mind, but grew al
the more bewildered when he and Mr.
Grafton came out together and separated
without IA wOrd.N
81 guess her cake is dough-" she con
jectured.
When Greta was left once more alone
she turned to her open letter, written il