The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1880-03-03
evident that your sorrow is Of the
deepest dye. Your countenance be-

speaks IL.
Mr.. Frederic opened his eyes wide
and sat down. Hitherto he had seemed
undecided on the question.
so, then, you are really offended,
and show it after spirited fashion.
Good! I shall have to make my peace.
1t will give us something to talk about"
LIS there really any necessity of talk
ing at all?" demanded Madeline, still
more Indignantly.
intended to have gone through the
necessary formalities, and, after that,
to have sat occasionally with you, by
way OF keeping you in countenance;
but now I say yes! There is something
original about you; it may be only a
spark, glimmer; but, whatever it is. [
will develop it. 4-'-.-~'
account, I think"
"Not in the least. T count on it for
my amusement"
" Amusement? We share the
same blood, Mr.. Chathard. 7
think you should know some
thing of the will which is among our
heirlooms. Idoubt if I shall choose to
serve even Chathard as amusement"
"You wilt have no choice. You will
60 to church with me tomorrow. You
will see and be seen of all the magnates.
They will forthwith call upon YOU; you
will go to make round of dreary visits;
you will 60 to solemn tea-drinkings:
you will talk to Capt. Fanway and Sir
Peter Farquhar, the two eIgibles of the
parish, and when you have talked over
the weather you will begin to fdget,
and wish yourself home with me. Even
a bear like me will prove more endur-
able than those unmitigated young men.
You will talk with me, and, in the ma
ture OF things, you will amuse me. You
cannot help yourself"
IL have other resources" answered
Madeline, loftily. II have arranged a
dramatic course of study"
Mr.. Chathard smiled.
"Try it, my dear cousin, by all
means. 1t is the most enchanting
thing in the world-in prospect. Try
it, I say again, andremember, shall be
very happy to aid you if any difficulties
occur-which, though, it is to be pre-
sumed. is not possible"
With which he took himself off, leav-
ing Madeline piqued and curious. She
had ample time, however, to recover
herself, and proceeded with her studies.
1t was three mortal weeks before he
presented himself again. When he did
come, it was in a ghostly fashion. She
was bending over book, and, looking
up suddenly, found him standing be-
fore her, watching her keenly, looking
weary and strangely dissatisfied. He
gave her cool nod, and threw himself
into chair near her.
stalk !" he said imperatively. II am
bored"
Madeline's hot blood leaped up in re-
volt. Words lowered on her lips that,
cool as he was, could not but have
placed an efectual barrier between
them. Something arrested them. A
panied look was in his eye, anguish
about his mouth, showing dimly through
the mask of cynicism. A new impulse
possessed her.
cousin" she said, gently enough,
"wby should We be at war? We are of
the same blood, and I think we are alike
in this one thing, at least that
we are both alone. Why goad
each other with bitter words?
Would it not be better to help
each other? T don't ask nor offer
any confidence; only if there could be
liking and friendship between us,
let it develop itself. Let us not
hinder it. am so lonely; and I think
If you would let me that should like
you"
Strange emotion glistened in his eyes
and shook his voice.
II swore once," he said, "never to
trust mankind, still less womankind,
again" .... ...
"Unsay the rash OATH" she said,
eagerly. ut shuts you from all happi-
ness and goodness" ...
How dare you ask me! In whom
shall trust2" r
I'm me-"
"A girl-a child, that doesn't even
know the meaning of things about her,
much lessher own hearth"
Il know one thing-the truth that I
feel within me. That never dies, and
never fails. Only try me, cousin. I
long to be good"
II believe you do" he said,
much softened. II believe, with
all my innocent fervor, you do wish it.
1 will trust till see that you, too, are
going to deceive me. Will you take the
responsibility" .,-..
Madeline held out her hand, and so
there was truce between them. Every
night they studied and talked under
the supervision of the prim housekeep-
er; and at last he fell into way of tax
ing a morning walk with her in the
garden and riding with her in the after
noon. He even went with her to sew
eral parties, and always to church; and
the neighborhood held up it's hands in
establishments.
Months passed away. Very peaceful,
happy ones they were. But one even
ing he failed to make his appearance
All the next day Madeline watched for
him, but in vain.
HE has gone away" she thought,
with keen pang, "and did not tell me-
One week passed two three. Sus-
pense grew uncomfortable. She vent
ured an inquiry of the prim house
keeper.