The Van Buren press., 1879-01-14
MlSCELlAN Y.
THE DEANS DAUGHTER.

The half hour had just chimed from
the Cathedral spire. and the bells were
softly ringing for the even song, The
Dean stopped in his hurried walk across
the close to shake hands with Robert
Airman, the richest and handsomest man
in Dodington.
81 want to speak to you, Rob, after
service. Go in, tie girls will entertain
you
Mr. Airman stopped at the Deanery
gate and looked back over the quiet
close
"I'll ask Clare tonight shouldn't
like to he refused by that cold, stately
woman | don't think she would, but
III ask Careful ask Glare"
The Deans daughter aud niece were
tloage!AAsr j in n! the drawing room when Mr.
." Bon soir, young ladies. am your
prisoner until the Dean returns"
"A willing one?' said the Deans
niece.
"Such captivity is better than freedom,
Miss Margaret How does the tatting
get on, Clare Still at itI''
"Yes," she answered, lifting her head
for a moment, with smile that made her
dark earnest iace almost beautiful
Don't smile so brightly, Glare. l
have some sad news to tell you. John
Morrison's regiment is ordered to India
He leaves Dodington tomorrow
"Why do you call it sad. Jack is
glad to 60. Who but towards would
wish their swords to lie idle now? |
should rejoice, if l we're man, to be
able to help our poor country people in
India" exclaimed Clare. her dalk eyes
lighting up with the passionate fire OF
her nature.
Mr.. Airmain shrugged his shoulders.
81 won't pretend to Judge Morrison's
feelings as well as you. Clare. He did
not look very delighted, though, at the
prospect Of falling victim to some Ser
poy's knife We all would wish the poo
things saved, but few care to be the sac
rtice to redeem them"
Clare rose impatiently, throwing down
her work.
a. am going into the garden. Flow
ers are better company than you this
evening, Mr.. Airmain."
Poor Clare" he said softly, as she
left the room.
"Why poor Clarei'" asked her cou
sin, in her calm, clear voice She looked
at him steadily, without shadow of pain
on the proud beauty of her face, though
her heart was beating wildly with It's
grief.
Cant you guess, Miss Margaret
81 think you have offended her, Mr..
Armaln. You had better go and make
your peace" she answered coldly.
That's easily made. Clare and ! have
always been good friends since came to
Dodington."
He left the room, and went out into
the sunny garden.
Wont you leave the flowers and mo
to talk to each other p Clare asked, as he
joined her.
II want to talk to you. Can you lis
ten, Clare? 1t is about myself
Well"
He hcsitated moment.
at is terrible lonely at the court,
Clare it wants mistress.
one IIllcti CO w
with sudden light in them. Did he
read the secret revealed? ?? He did, with
sudden surprise and dismay, but he went
on.
81 don't love your cousin much, Glare,
but she is fit mistress for my ancestral
home. The Armains have always mar
ricd such beautiful, stately women to
| a., ,ko r,urt -
Indeed: But why do you tell me
this" said Clare, speaking with hel
burning, fearless eyes upon the flow
ers.
won't you answer me as sister,
Clare? Do you think she would be my
wife r
81 don't know. Why dc you trouble
me with such questions, Robert' ASK
Margaret herself
but, Clare"
FOR PHYS sake, 60 away will no
listen" She turned away braycly, strug
cling with her emotions.
Glare. dear Robert said, gently lay
ing his Apnl upon her arm, - woman