The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1879-07-02

as nOnOf nm. buC let us not discuss
the subject, If you please .,.,
""Thc next morning Mr.. burlington
called
''Lucille sent me-" he exclaimed 20
litsly, but his voice betrayed the pleasure
and qualification with which he had be-
come his sisters messenger.
The trivial errand performed, he still
fingered, and Tessie, knowing why, bel
gan to tremble.
Her fond and handsome sutton pleased
her, and she was keenly conscious Of the
heart refused to be wholly satisfied. And
yet he was noble fellow and loved her
too we'll to deny her anything she might
desire. This pitiful struggle for the SIM
plest comforts of life would be over for
ever. She could have velvets and satins
and jewels elegant carriage all her
own-horses fit to carry a princess-a
home like a palace, and her life would be
one long dream of splendor and the rest
that seemed so desirable. And the good,
unseltish mOther-the dear mother who
had known SO much of sorrow would be
happiest of them all. And by and by
she would forget the old haunting fan
cies that had been so sweet, and she
would learn to love Monreith as we'll as
he deserved to be loved.
"Will you not give me my answer,
Tessie?" pleaded her wooer. II have
waited SO long"
"Ii I were only sure I would make
you happy" she stammered, undecided.
"You would, DEAR" he persisted, earn
estly. II should be happy in caring for
you. My child, I love you so unsel6shly
that should make any honorable sacri
fee to save you from the pain or trouble
of single hour
Little did Monreith Carrlngton guess
that this assertion was to be sorely tested
before that day would be done.
"And H. responded Tessie, in odd, alb
stracted, dreamy tones, ''should rather
endure the worst in silence and alone,
than to feel that one I loved was suffer-
ing for me-"
II should be glad to suffer for you if
by that might win you," he said.
But he had won her, and few minutes
later he left her, the touch Of her rosy
mouth yet warm on his lips, and she
went back to her mothers room wearing
on her pretty white hand the jeweled to-
ken of her betrothal.
"Mamma, dear, have accepted Mr.
Can1ngton," she said simply.
81 am very glad, Tessie," replied Mrs.
Rivers. II have feared that you would
refuse him, and possibly for the sake Of
John Eustis"
"John has never asked me to be his
wife, mamma" returned the girl, YEARLY,
and something in the suddenly spi1tless
attitude Of the graceful, dropping figure,
some unsatisied expression of the
strangely pale face half hidden by the
loose tawny curls, disturbed and panied
her watchful parent.
When Darlington reached his Office he
found gentleman there waiting for
"Ah, Mr.. Eustis. You wished to see
me?" he observed, lightly.
Eyes, I particularly desired to see you
to-day concerning mortgage you hold,
just due, that I wish to pay" was the
prompt explanation.
Darlington had quite forgotten the
CLAIM he had against the property of Mrs.
Rivers, and that he had only secured
from clamoring creditor of her deceased
husband that he might befriend the girl
whom he dearly loved.
care you prepared to do this?" he IN
quired, wonderingly, of the young man,
whose income was decidedly not opulen1.
"And may l know your motive for wish
ing to do it?''
The fine, honest face of John Eustis
flushed slightly, but he evidently did not
consider the question 1mpertinent.
''Could I not have come entirely pre-
pared should not have come at ALL" he
returned quietly. my motive is to
please and surprise the lady whom I ex-
pect to marry. For months I have
dremed how her sweet eyes would glis-
ten when should be able to assure her
thai I had saved her dear old home for
her bonny sake"
Darlington listened, dazed, and paled
to his bearded lips.
It was impossible to believe any falsity
or ittleness of John Eustis, and con-
ceited and egotistical he certainly was
not. And it. was equally impossible to
suspect coquetry or perfidy of sweet Tes-
sic Rivers.
Darlington ventured few subtle ques-
lions that were readily and innocently an
swered, and thus shrewdly learned the
truth. There was not, nor had there ever
been, any engagement between John Eus-
tbs and Tessie Rivers-only lifelong,
wordless understanding of tenderest at
lection and truest fidelity. He could un-
derstand now how the fair girl, bound by
no promises, doubtful for her future, and
solicitous for her mother, had acce pied
what seemed wisest and best, while her
soul was haunted by an unasked and un-
acknowledged love that might prove but
a shadow, a fantasy, a delusion after all,
and with his whole noble heart he exon
Grated and pardoned her.
II should make any honorable sacrifice
to save you from the pain and trouble of
single hour," he had told her that morn
ing, meaning it to the uttermost, and time
for the sacrifice had come. The business
was speedily and satisfactorily transacted,
and Tessie's pleased young lover turned
to go when his friend stopped him.
II, too, wish to see Miss Rivers" he
said. II shall follow you presently. DO
not leave the house till I shall have come.
D,c,,, ~, n .,O,, ,,o4 Tol.. - .s