The Van Buren press., 1879-01-14

back Clare's calmness.
THANK you, Robert; when | do care
for any one, l will remember your adj
vice."
He left her without speaking again,
and went back into the darwing room
Miss Temple was standing at the window,
the evening light falling brightly on her
fair face and stately figure.
"a lovely evening remarked Rob,
ert.
at is. Where is Clare. Mr.. Armain p
"She will not leave her flowers. Mss
Margaret, shall tell you why came to
the Deanery tonight
If you please
81 came to ask you to be my wife.
cannot WOO as some men, Miss Margaret.
Give me plain answer to my plain ques-
ton"
She turned calmly towards him.
IL do not care for you, Mr.. Armain.
But there were no words of love in your
question there shall be none in my an-
swer. will marry you.
"Not loving me, Margaret p
"You did not ask for love have none
to give you. II | become your wife,
Mr.. Armain, shall marry for wealth
and position. You have my answer"
She spoke without a flush on her face
or n quiver in in her voice.
"Few women would be so candid, Miss
Margaret. Why do you not care for
me p
"Lovc cannot be gained without being
given, Mr.. Armain. You care only for
my beauty you don't love me-ryou don't
understand me-
"Its a fair bargain-your beauty for
my riches," said Mr. Armain, little bit.
terly.
"a fair bargain she repeated, and
for an instant she laid her cold white
hand in his
1t sent chill through Robert Armain' 8
veins, and Clare's brown eyes seemed to
be looking at him again in mute, re.
proachful love.
"Not one word, Margaret, that may
remember till we meet again on earth or
in heavent'
They were standing in the garden
among the flowers, Lieutenant Morri-
son and Margaret Temple the latter no
longer calm and cold, but flushed and
trembling, her eyes dim with tears.
Il am not worthy of your love, John,
she answered; II have sold myself for
wealth. | am engaged to Robert Ar,
main.o
Margaret, Margaret
lit is true: shall he the mistress of
the Court. Jack, could never have
lifep vnnr wife could not marry poor
And You say you love me, Margaret
Falsc--cruel
IL dol do! Heaven help me! !
cannot give my love to Robert Arman
1t is all yours"
Margaret, one moment before you 60
We may never meet again. ! trust we
never SHALL
She paused silently. For moment
they looked at each other; then, suddenly
breaking down, the young man hid his
face in his hands, sobbiny out
"Oh. Maggie Maggie! And loved
you SO dearlyv
Jack, don't for heavens sake! The
Dean is coming" she exclaimed, CLAN
cling up the path
You leave us to morrow, then, my
boy p said the Dean, as he drew near
Yes, sir-I am come to say good
bye"
"Clare is in the drawing-Ioom. Come
in"
81 will say good bye now, Mr.. Morri
SON. said Margaret, calmly.
The Deans grave eyes were on them
They shook hands and parted.
Summer was casting down her crown
of flowers, rcapers were busy IN the har
vest fields, and Robert Armain's wedding
day was drawing near The sunny day.
that had ripened the fruits Of the eartl
had taught Robert Armain what terri
bic mistake he had made. The love he
had scorncd was more precious to hin
now than all tue world beside, and h'
was pl.ehted to Margaret. A few week
before his marriage he was in the draw
ing room with the two girls. Miss TEN
pie was playing; her lover stood besid'
the plano, but his eyes were on Clare
face. The Deans daughter was standin.
at the window, looking across the clos
with eyes that dropped little bcneatl
their lids, -,
"How do you like this new waltz p
asked Margaret.
Every prettlly," he answered absenlly
She looked up at him.
"Ah. you are not listening-and Clar
is in one of her day drecms don
carcto play to myself and Miss Tempt
rose and shut the piano in lofty, dis
pleasure.
Mr., Armain made no attempt to con
ciliate her. He turned away carelessly
without word, and crossed the room tt
Clarc's side.
"Do play that waltz again-it was
beautiful, Maggie she saic, turning tc
Miss Temple.
IL am tired Of playing, dear-l wan
to write some letters" she returned, cold
ly, as she left the room.
Glare left the window, and took up he
work.
"Maggieis looking very thin and pale,
she said. Going abroad will do be
good
Robert Armain paced the room with
out speaking. Clares dark brown eye
were driving all thoughts Of honor fror
his heart. Glare went on steadily wit