The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1880-08-07


residence of Maud's father, Wended his
way homeward, filled with bitter disappont-
ment. He had long regarded Maud with
tenderness, and had desired to offer her his
hand and fortune, and now he felt that he
was rejected. He had seen nearly four
score wears of brotherhood, and it was
getting monotonous. He dragged himself
YEARLY and sadly home, and retired to his
couch in wretchedness.
VII.
The clock had just struck IL, and the
town was silent as the grave, when two vii
famous looking men, with muffled faces,
broke open the street door of large man
sion where an ancient bachelor lay dream
ing of a superclious maiden who had de-
clined to meet him in her parlor a few hours
before. The men passed safely into the
house, and were soon standing by the bed
side of the dreamer. A moment later a
swift blow fell upon the unconscious n L
lionaire, but before it could be repeated t 9
assassin was stricken to the floor His CO :
panion escaped. The police were summone
by the servants, who had by this time been
aroused by the noise, and the captured man
was led away in irons.
''Who is this young man that has followed
these villains and risked his own life to save
mine?' asked the wounded man.
''My name is George Adol9hus Claren-
don," was the prompt reply.
''George Adolphus," said the millionaire,
''you have done brave and noble deed. l
am MORALLY wounded and must die in a
few hours, but you shall be rewarded. You
shall be my heir"
The next morning there was Grape on the
the door of Muggieton mansion, and George
Adolphus Clarendon was millionaire. He
had suddenly landed i'll the lap of luxury.
He could not have been more completely
taken by surprise if he had suddenly sue
ceeded to the English crown. And yet bis
magical elevation to wealth and position did
not so engage his mind as to dispel certain
memories that were lingering there-memo-
ries that carried him back to the foot-bridge
across the canal. Who was the beautiful
stranger that had almost made the canal
bridge ''brdge of sighs?" Why had she
sought watery grave? And if she wanted
to rid herself of sorrow why didn't she jump
OFT house instead of hunting up dry ca
nal, full of broken glass, iron and old boots?
These questions were too much for George
Adolphus. In less than a week he found
himself in perfect fever of mental excite
ment. He felt that he was growing rapidly
worse. 1t did seem as if he could not get
the hair-pin near enough to his heart lie
thought of swallowing it, but changed his
another week the malady had obtained so
c.mplete mastery over him that he began
to write poetry. He could not even think
in prose, and when he read a newspaper the
lines all seemed to commence with a capital
letter and end with jingle.
Thus the weeks passed YEARLY by without
bringing the slightest intelligence of the
owner of the golden hair-pin.
VIII,
In a brilliantly lighted ballroom in Coup
onville gayest of the gay, and admired of
all admirers, Maud Muller promenaded to
and fro like fairy queen. Her wretched-
ness had departed with old Mr.. Muggleton,
but she had not forgotten the night when a
stranger had rescued her from self-destruc-
ton, and she secretly longed to know who it
was that had saved her from herself. She
closely scanned every gentleman that en-
tered the room, as if in half frightened ex-
pectancy. She had heard of Mr.. Clarendon,
the young millionaire, but as he had not APP
peared much in society, she had not met
him. Of course she was not curious, for
she was woman, and women are not curl
GUS; yet she could not feel easy after learn
ing that Mr.. Muggleton's heir was present,
till she had signifed her willingness to have
him presented.
AS George Adolphus advanced, arm-in-
arm with an acquaintance, perceptible
pallor overspread Maud's countenance. Was
it caused by tue peculiar pin that orna-
mented his shirt bosom? She tried to con-
vince herself that the pin signifed nothing.
Perhaps he had picked up the hair-pin in
the street on that evening she so well re-
membered. But when she heard his voice
she withered like a stricken flower. George
Adolphts was puzzled. So were all the by
ISLANDERS. 1t was very singular case in
deed, they all said. Presently, however,
Maud rallied, as she and George Adolphus
were left alone.
'Do you remember me?" she asked, fall
teringly. ''Do you remember having seen
Inc before?'
Adolphus like national convention bulle-
tin.
eyes," he replied, making an effort to
control himself. Il remember former meet
ing with you very well.'
II think papa would give his CONSENT
said Maud, very tinidly.
but you are not going to try it again?'
SAID George Adolphus in surprise.
"Oh, dear nor exclaimed Maud, II don't
mean that. l think papa would give his
consent to-that isl don't think he'd OBJ
ject."
''Object to what?' asked George Adolf
plus, blandy.
''Oh, dearp' exclaimed Maud.
DO you mean to say" continued George
Adolphus, "that you don't think the old
man would object to your trying it again
after the water is let out?"
"No," said Maud, II don't mean that,
for he is very fond of me, and am sure he
would be glad to encourage so worthy "a
that is-Oh, what am | saying?'
Then George Adolphus began to see how
the land lay; but as a ballroom is not IA
vorable place for a tableau he mustered his
impulse to catch Maud in his arms and
merely observed in whisper that she was
gem OF the first water, and that he would
give his consent, too.
Old Muller sat in his library that night,
when Maud and Adolphus entered the house
and the young man was soon PROSTATE at
his feet, clasping him tightly around the
legs and imploring his permission to marry
his daughter.
"Ahemr' remarked Muller.
George Aolphus thought this rather mean
ingless remark was favorable indication,
and so squeezed the old mans legs harder
than before.
"Come, young man," said Mr.. Muller,
"you are filling my slippers with tears. Rise
up and let go my legs"
''Oh, do you give your CONSENT" sobbed
George Adolphus.
Consent" roared the old banker, "heay-
ems and earth! Of course | do. Here,
Maud, take this lunatic away and get me
dry pair of socks"
"And they were happy ever afterwards.