The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1880-11-19

that day, nor did he the next morning,
as, in consequence of headache, said
her maid, she did not come Down to
breakfast.
About twelve. S:r Richard Merton,
who was in too great hurry to be
bound by exact conventional rules,
called on Sir Arthur and Lady Lech-
mere, who exchanged satisfied glances.
and eagerly welcomed him to their
house. After few words the young
baronet spoke.
Z" 1 suppose" be said, with something
of hesitation in his manner, "you will
not be very much surprised TO bear that
1 have come to demand an interview
with your daugbter-in fact, to otter her
my hand and fortune, as have already
given her all my loveP"
proud, indeed" said Sir Arthur,
clasping the hand of the other. "Have
you mentioned anything as yet to Edith
Miss LechmereP'
"I said little the other ,evening, !"
frankly responded the baronet, "but
Miss Lechmere sseemed agitated, and
asked for time, until to-day"
"OhP said the elder baronet, "I did
notice little change in her manner at
breakfast. She appeared somewhat
Hurried and agitated. Dear grill Twill
ring for her."
A maid came and at once hurried off
to summon Miss Lechmere to her
fathers presence. She returned after
some minutes in q very agitated state,
and declared that Miss Lechmere was
nowhere to be found.
The father turned crimson, the mother
was pale and agitated, the young baro-
net cold. stiff and naughty.
did any one see her go outp" asked
the elder gentleman, in q tone of sup
pressed passion.
At this moment Edith's own maid,
her personal attendant, appeared on tho
scene. She held dainty little note in
her hand, which she handed to Sir
Arthur. The baronet opened the letter
furiously, and read it, waving the SER
wants to leave the room. He glanced at
the beginning, and then read aloud:
"DEAR PAPA AND MAMMA: Sir
Richard Merton is coming this morning
to ask for my heart and hand. l do ad-
mire him very much, like him almost as
much as any man 1 know, except one,
but cannot be his wife. 1 am sure
am not suited to him. Lady Merton
knows it well. AS l am afraid you
would wish me to accept your good
friend and neighbor, have thought it
better to render the union impossible.
Before you receive this I shall be mar
ried by special license to Mr.. Spencer
Baker. whom love very much, and who
will make me very happy. Forgive your
loving daughter. EDITH"
"Spencer Baker, the audacIous for
tune-hunter," cried the exasperated bar
1nl,
Ungrateful wretch-no money of mine
does she ever have. Then she will see
what it is to marry beggar."
will retire." said Sir Richard, in a
tone Of deep disappointment, not unac-
companied by anger. 81 think Miss
Lechmere might have been more frank
with me-"
No, the hypocritical hussy," con-
tinued her father, purple with passion.
hope she may live to repent. But
she is no child Of mine. May the male
diction Of"
"Hush," said the mother, in an
agonized voice; - curse not your only
daughter! Poor child! She will be the
most deeply punished. She has chosen
poverty and exile, for Lieutenant Spen-
Ger Baker has, know, been ordered to
Canada"
"Ah!" cried the elder baronet.
But what further he intended to say
was cut short by the leave-taking OF his
young friend.
towerinng; n E passion ASS n,e had one me idea.
This great disappointment in his life
was due to his mother. 1t was to her
absurd prejudice against the delicate
young girl that had induced her refusal !;
of this he had not the shadow of a
doubt.
His mind was made up. He went to
his club, and sent for his man, to whom
he gave rapid orders.
Pack up everything" he said, in a
cold, iron tone, land bring them to
Wright's hotel. / am off to the Cont
nent for some time. Give this letter to
my mother"
That letter Lady Merton read with
pallid cheeks and fearful eyes:
"MoTHER: You have caused me to bt
rejected by the girl love, on the absurd
principle that she was in delicate health
Actuated by fear of your judgment, she
has eloped aud made a silly marriage
You can forgive yourself-I never can
leave England. 1t is impossible to say
whether / shall ever return or not
Oaklands is yours as long as you live
My interest in it has ceased forever.
more. RICHARD MERTON"
Nothing more, nothing less.
That evening the young baronet LEFT
London, and to the time when we refer
to Lady Merton was alone at Oaklands
Park. Twenty years had elapsed, and
she has neither seen nor heard from hel
son.
1t wants now week to Christmas.
From habit and custom Lady Merton
will have Christmas festivities as in the
olden time. George lderton is there, the
heir apparent, while Ellen and Margaret
Denham, her sisters orphan children,
are also present for visit.
1t is morning, and breakfast is just
over, when a railway fly rattles up the
avenue, and loud knock is heard at the
door. The mistress of the house can sec
without moving from her seat. A young
lady, fashionably attired, alights with 9
maid and ascends the lteps.
"Who can it bep" asks Lady Merton,
rising from the table. in slightly agi-
tated way. ~ cannot recollect any
other guest who was invited"
"Some self-elected visitor say:
George, with frown.
He is very jealous of any one getting
into his aunt's good graces.
The butler enters with letter. HS
looks very scared and puzzled.
"Miss Merton to see her grand
mother" he says, in a rather alarmed
tone.
George Merton grew CHASTITY pale
There is, then, direct heirp
"Show her in," gasped the lady, sink
ing into a chair, around which the three
stand, her nephew and two nieces.
There enters tall, slight girl, wht
advances with somewhat of shyness u
where the dowager is seated.
my grandmother, presumew sh,
said, in the sweetest of sweet voices.
"Yes, my DEAR" is the answer, " fol
/ can see at once you are a Merton"
"Will YOU read this letter." she con
tinued, taking it from the hand OF tn
butler.
Lady Merton adjusts her spectacles
and reads. while the other takes
seat:
"LADY MERTON: My husband, you
son, has gone on an expedition to Africs
/ have reason to believe he has eithe
been killed or wounded. l am about :
start in search ofhim. My son Richar
is at school. 1 think 1t only right I
send my daughter and namesake to you
care until nv return.