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

ana no mistake"
It's a powerful change for her
hear Mr.. Graftons always had 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,
"I dunno; there was that Sotherne
who was sweet on her."
Il reckon that's blown over-only a
young mans pastime. I'm surprised at
Tom Grafton, though, with all his airs
and frills, with his family tree and his
coat of arms, and his ancestors and his
money. How does he get over that lit
tie affair of Mrs. Stoughton's diamond?
] s'pose he expects folks to visit his wife
and ask no questions, once she's q
Grafton"
Claw! it's the way of the world: a
pretty face makes man forget trespasses
and get rid of his judgment. It's no use
quarreling with such things at our age.
Greta'll make 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."
consented. 1t is true, wealth and COM
fort were alluring. She had told herself
that Providence would provide; 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 elf.approval, love and Stephen
Sotherne. Still, let her answer mo"
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,
cozenfng 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 IL the marriage was a matter of course.
She acquiesced in his suggestions, but
she had no choice to make she was drift
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 consideration for one so for
lorn, his generosity, touched her; that
Yas all.
One day Mrs. Stoughton'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.
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-
vious."
"I envious of that little thief"
"Thiefp What has Greta stOlen-old
Grafton's hearth Nobody knew he had
one before. Perhaps she has only de-
veloped a 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-w l haven't
paid her .yet--and-and my diamond
ring was in the same room, and-it's
there vet, only the diamonds gone. No
body else had been in the house. What
could 1 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"
81 wrote to her very kindly and con-
siderately. She replied in a high and
mighty tone, which was simply insult
ing. lput 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. And
so Greta is going to marry the old fox.
A pretty kettle of fish, My dear,
really wish you had notified me of your
loss"
He took up his hat and went out
grimly. He had a very disagreeable
duty to perform, and he wanted it over
with; it had spoiled his dinner, and that
was enough. He knocked at Greta's
door.
"The diamond again, she thought.
after ALL" he cogitated, "why not
let we'll enough aloneP Perhaps she
loves the fellow"
Greta bore herself like one with good
news: tender color trembled on her
cheek, sort of suppressed JOY shOne in
her eyes. An open letter lay before her,
and Mr.. Grafton sat in her easy-chair.
Mrs. Stoughton, watching from her
window, wondered what under the sun
Herbert could have to say chat would
take so long, and hoped he was giving
Greta a piece of his mind, but grew all
the more bewildered when he and Mr..
Grafton came out together and separated
without a word.
81 guess her cake is dough-" she con-
jectured.
When Greta was left once more alone,
she turned to her open letter, written in
strange hand;