The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1879-03-05

Madge before she lost one remembrance OF a
scene that passed in the conservatory, where
the music was hushed by heavy curtains,
and there was only the soft light of few
dim lamps among the masses of blossoms
and dark green leaves. She had lost the
flower from her hair-one of her favorite
camelias-as she said, with darling bud,
and Fi'zallan had promised, with Ponson-
by-Jones' permission, to get her another
with darling bud, too. She had placed his
gift in her hair, and she sat near the dewy
glass, saying it was cool there, and she
would rest. Fitzallan stood at a little dis
lance, penknife in hand still, swinging care
lessly the fan-like leaf of dwarf palm.
IF this were nearer l could fan yOu,' he
said.
Thank you; am tired rather than hot"
Never in her life before had Madge been so
serious or so troubled as she was now, in the
soft light among the cool plants within
sound of the half hushed music.
Twill you do me fayor" she inquired,
raising the gray eyes I. at shone for mo-
mert with liquid brightness.
You have only to name it'll am at your
service"
His manner unromsntic to q studied de-
gree made her feel all the more safe in
taking heart to speak, while she gave him
at the same time IN genesous measure that
most precious offering to which every noble
hearted man entities himself-a w0man's
respect.
II have seemed very happy tonight, Mr..
Fitzallau," she began, IN quiet low tone,
the torn leaf trembling in her hand, and the
color dying out of her face, "but I am in
great trouble"
Indeed. l am sorry to hear it." He drew
little nearer, listening attentively and
helping her now and again by word OF en-
cCuragement.
Her story was a simple one. She was TO
be married next month to her cousin, Mr..
Hawkesbury. She had dreaded it all her
life, but it was her fate. And then taking
courage from the respectful and almost pa
ternal demeanor of her listener, she made
the frank confession that she dlsliked her
cousin lust because she was forced to marry
him; and to this she added such chilGiike
entreasy not to be thought too bad" that it
must have required more than ordinary
self control for Fitzallan not to say some
thing that would have allowed the scene to
become tender one; but this he seemed de-
termined to avoid, and SO in her SIMPLE way
was the sadly perplexed girl that was pour
ing out her hearts trouble to him.
"Wlll you speak for me to Mr.. Seiwyn,"
she said, las you are an old friend of his?
can not reason as men do, but want you to
try if there is any way of release for me.
Pray forgive me if / am wrong in asking
your interference, but am very wretched"
here came a burst of tears that must have
| tried the listener sorely-'and myself have
so often spoken of Mr.. Selwyn, and it is OF
must be carried out; and oh, how l wish L
| could do it,.
1T must be done, il possible Fitzallan
said But it would not be your fathers
will to mar the happiness of your life or to
| put you in bondage"
! ''Ohi il Mr.. Selwyn would only speak like
| that" said the girl, sadly.
We'll, L shall hays a talk with him." said
Fftzallan, land do my best for your happi
ness, though 1 would be sorry to injure
Hawkesbury's prospects. Let us go back
now, there is a new piece beginning. Tha
is one of RubInstein's. is it not? 1 need not
say you have done me favor in granting
| me your confidence"
| With that he drew aside the heavy cur
| taips, and they returned to the dazzling
| light and bewildering music and movement
| of the ball room.
| After that night Madge waited in anxiety
| to hear the result of Fitzallan's parley with
her guardian. Three days passed, and note
came from him-only few words-saylng
that he had succeeded, at least SO far as to
win promise that the matter should be con-
| sidered. 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. To-
morrow 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 the fulfillment OF your
| fathers last wish. He was my best and dear
est friend and his life was a sad one. at
| least his dying will must be done. But
promise you happiness. do, indeed"
But beyond that day Madge was unable to
bear her hearts burden. II must tell him
every thing" she thought. In the afternoon
| twilight. some time after Mr.. Selwyn had
returned home, she found him asleep in his
armchair in the dark dining-room. But
little daylight came in between the red
curtains, and it was only the glow of the fire
| that showed her his white hair and Ions
beard. She knelt beside him. as she often
| did for a talk when he was in that chair,
and she woke him by stealing her hand into
| his.
WHO is liberty? No. Madge-my little
Madge that is to bs so patriarchical to NOR
row."
Papa Selwyn," she began, not giving him
time to joke any more lest she might not be
able to disclose all her troubles, II want to
| tell you something, 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 sho we'd him how ear
| nest it was.
"Pm quite sure" he said. nothing car
make me anything but as deeply in lovf
with my second daughter as poor old fell
low like me can be. Why, child, 1 am un
der cloud all day because tomorrow
soon as to morrow can be Papa Salwyr
| 1o iuoic. oui 1AaoSC VIII 70 shiAAhAH6 nSSo
nobody but her cousin"
'No, indeed" cried Madgs impe uous y
you will be Papa Selwyn always-always
and DOM care for my cousin a bit"
But her guardian shook his head grayelv.
/ MY dear, you will marry your cousin"
The freight had died down low, ant
Madge had courage enough to blurt gu
with an effort the few words:
II can't marry Jack, because ought t.
love my husband, and | can never car
enough for him. Or. if must be engaged Il
him to- morrow"-here there was great So
MIR. FitzaIlan is very good and kind, AM
don't want to hurt him-but-but-h
must go away" ~
Her head sank upon his knees with thu
great effort of that request.
my poor child,n he said, 81 know you
secret. Bravely eaid, my little Madge, m
bonny girl You have had the truth on
and done nobly. You are worthy of the ma
that is to have you, and that is saying goo
| dooI cfr hor hood