The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1879-10-10

Do you know that have made some OF
the most dreadful efforts to kill time.
have committed to memory every poem
of Owen Mereditn's. / have INDUCED
in yachting, fishing and bathing, and
it's all Of no avail"
Your case is, indeed, hopeless"
agree with you. By the way,
trust that Maj. Linton is in the best o.
health. Is he with your"
Papa is very well, thank you. He
never takes vacation. He prefers city
to country"
Where are you staying?"
Eat Barnacle Cottage, a quaint little
rookery, kept by two maiden ladies o.
uncertain age. If you have no engage
ment this evening, may l look for you 7
Il accept your invitation willingly
nay, eagerly"
They sauntered along the beach gath
ering shells, as Miss Linton was al
amateur conchologist, and after a de-
lightful ramble they separated, as the
lady's apron was becoming too heavy tC
carry. Hr
Maurice became frequent visitor al
Barnacle Cottage. There was danger.
Gus fascination in Miss Linton's society
Summer was waning fast, and she was
about to start for home.
"Why do you avoid me SO much OF
late?" said he to her the night before
her departure. M
what an absurd question! Really,
Mr.. CORTLAND, do you wish to quar-
rel with me?"
Heaven Forbid" he rejoined i'm
petuously. Frances, / love you. Let
me call you by that name. Become my
wife and you shall never know mo-
ment of sorrow. Give me the right to
protect and cherish you-don't refuse
me, for without you my life wi be a
blank, dreary desert with only one
green spot in 1.-THE memory of your
face. Why do you turn away from me
Have 1 insulted your"
Frances was weeping softly.
Maurice" she murmured, II thank
you for the honor you would confer
upon me, but do not deserve it. For
get this scene and leave me--seek some
other girl worthier of you than myself,
and my daily prayers will be for your
happiness"
Why do you give me This advice ?
swear to you, Frances Linton, that no
other woman shall ever usurp your
place in my heart. I see how it is. /
am only friend, after all, and you do
not love me-"
"Love you! My God how your words
wrong me. / love you SO deeply that 1
would be the meanest creature in the
world to take advantage of your noble
nature and link your destiny with mine.
There is bitter seclet attached TO my
life, and l cannot accept the devotion
you offer me-"
Frances, what does all this mean :?
Surely you would not willfully deceive
me. Are you not free to give your
heart to whom you please-and you
have committed nothing that a true
woman would blush to conceal? Look
me in the face and end this terrible sus-
pense."
He placed his hands upon her shout
ders and looked into her beautiful eyes,
bedimmed with tears.
Il have never forgotten my mothers
teachings" she replied. "There is not
one hour in my life that / would blush
to conceal. The sin was speaking of
was another's-a person who was very
dear to me once"
There is no one upon this earth
shall step between u.s." he said, clasping
her t % his breast. "Let this secret be
buried in oblivion, Frances; 1 do not
wish to hearit. Will you have me? 1
will not release you until the answer is
yes"
How this man loves mel" she
thought. "Shall I make him happy by
becoming his wife? Will it atone for
the past?"
Il am waiting patiently, Frances"
1T is useless to resist longer; sur
render" said Frances, smiling through
her tears.
My darling, your future life will be
Elysium," he said, kissing her tenderly,
as she slipped through his arms.
It's time for you to go, Maurice. 1t
IS growing very late"
Well, by Jove, young woman, you
Are frank in name and nature, to say
the least. Parting is such sweet sorrow
hat could say"
Lamps cost money, Miss Linton"
cried one of the venerable vestals upon
The staircase.
Miss Lucinda is calling. Please CO."
she pleaded.
Goodnight, sweetheart" said Maui
ice, imprinting another kiss upon her
scarlet lips. pleasant dreams"
The young man walked to his hotel
n jubilant frame of mind. He was so
happy that he could have forgiven his
worst foe had he met him. Sleep was
'ut of the question. Everywhere he
ooked and everything he thought of
merged itself into one dear name
Frances.
Curse the spinsterl" he exclaimed,
Is he Lit fresh weed to quiet his nerves
md solace his meditations.
CHAPTER ".