The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1879-05-22

aud glanced at the cruel face, and when
he was gone she sank down on the sofa,
feeling weak and exhausted, for she had
been dreading this interview for some
time. and now that il had passed 50
painfully all her impressions Of this
mau's character were confirmed, and a
vague fear Of what he might do in the
future pervaded her mind. Then, toe,
she thought how disappointed Mrs.
Stoddard would be, for that lady had
not hesilated to tell her plainly that she
would be a fool IL she let such a chance
slip; aud the poor girl heartily wished
that she could go quietly away aud
avoid telling Mrs Stoddard Of the event
of the visit. But, as that could not be
done, she nerved herself to bear the re-
proaches she expected. She was II { to
be in suspense very long, for Mrs. Stod.
dard happened to see the angry Captain
waddling wrathfully away, as she sat at
her own window, and she well under
stood the look of hatred aud disappoint-
ment on his unlovely eountenance. She
could scarcely believe the evidence be-
fore her, and so impatient and angry
did she feel that in a short time she sent
for Elinor. When the latter came, with
heavy heart and downcast eyes, Mrs.
Stoddard abruptly said:
"EiinOr, what does this mean? Is it
possible that you have sent Captain Tai
bot away? saw him pass few min
utes ago.-Tell me. have you refused
him?' she added, sharply, as Elinor
stood silent a few moments, pondering
reply.
81 could not do otherwise, she said,
in low but firm voice.
"Could not do otherwise w repeated
Mrs. Stoddard, in icy tones. 81 do not
understand you. 1t seems almost in
credible that you could do what you
have done. can see no possible reason
for such refusal You will never get
such chance again. There is not a
young lady Of my acquaintance who
would not be glad of such an opportu-
nifty. You are certainly the most sim
gular person I ever saw. What reason
could you have had for such an aston
ishing proeeeding?"
Elinor succeeded in retaining her
composure, aud replied quietly, but with
spirit:
sT r.f,e.E hin, b.o.,,s, I t,.,-. - -
gard for him, and think it a shame
aud a disgrace for woman to marry a
man she cannot love"
"Well, did think you had more
sense than to talk and act like silly,
sentimental schoolgirl - said Mrs. ;.
"Such foolish ideas are too absurd to be
entertained by girl who is utterly PEN
niless. You will find that a good home,
a proper position in society, aud kind,
indulgent husband are far more sub
stantial blessings than the sickly senti-
mentality you call love, which lasts but
a short time at best, and leaves its vic
Tins To repent Of their folly the rest Of
their lives. | must say | think you
show but little regard for my wishes,
considering all have done for you. ]
could not have been more disappointed
if you bad been my own daughter.
should like To know what you expect Ia
do, where you expect to find a man who
will precisely suit you" she added, as
ElinOr was about to speak.
EIinor slternatively flushed and paled
and she now spoke quickly and under
her breath.
81 think woman may live a useful
life without marrying at all, and sh'
ought TO try to do so, il toe right mar
doesn't come. I shall, at any rate.
asked your consent long ago to tic my.
self for self support, and / will gladl 5
begin my studies whenever you vii
permit. l am not waiting for nor ex
peeting any such impossible young mar
as you describe. l have always looked
forward to supporting myself, aud
would rather do it by the most slavisl
toll than become the wife Of man 5,
repulsive to me as Captain Talbot"
Her voice had risen as she went on
till it rung out almost defiantly will
the last words, and as Mrs. StoddarC
looked up at the usually quiet girl will
surprise, she felt that here was differ
ent spirit from her own, and one sh,
could not influence by the argument
so potent with most persons. But shr
only felt angered by this and said
coldly:
at is the fashion, l suppose, 70
young persons to be wiser than thei
elders, and to do just as they choose
without regard to those who have care'
for them, but I did expect something
better from you. No, do not wish t
hear anything more. You may 90 now
Elinor received her dismissal thank
fully, and retired to her own room. He
proud, sensitive spirit felt keenly th,
reproaches of Mrs. Stoddarl, and 1t wa
hard for her to remain dependent uPoi
her; but not for one moment did she re
gret the answer she had given Captain
Talbot, nor wish that young Hartley
had told what he felt.
ITO be continued
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