The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1880-10-13
MERT0N'S VENGEANCE.
An ENGLIsH STORY.

The dame Margaret Merton, and
widow of the late Sir Philip, lived il
stately retirement at Oaklands Park,
and had lived there a far longer time
Z t1hn she cared to remember.
She had been for nineteen years ar
Nutterly solitary woman, save on lar
occasions, when she admitted certain
near relatives to the honors of shor
visit. The only near relations which
. she had we've a nephew and two nieces
u. orge, Ellen and Margaret.
Lady Merton had a son somewhere
about the wCrld, but she had neither
nearly twenty long years. Richard
MertdA was. and always had been, an
h eccentric young man.
At the distant date of which we speak
he was a very good-loOking, hearty
willul youth Of nearly FIVE and-twenty
He had been to college, had travelled,
and sowp his wild OAts broadcast. H.
then retEirned to o iklands Park and
Joined in e festivities of Christmas, the
dowager istress Of the house gather
ing round er many friends to do honor
to his lont wished for but unexpected
return.
Sir Richard Merton was very kind
and polite to all collected together. A
many wise men and beautiful women
But soon Sir Richsrl Merton had eyes
for no one save for Edith Lechmere, the
daughter of n wealthy baronet, who had
only one other child, the son who was
to su ,ceed him in his family estate and
honors.
Both be and his pcrtly wife, a woman
Of tender heart saw with complacency
Rich; ri Merton, the best MAJ ca in the
county, looking with admiration on
their beloved daughter.
Lady Margaret Merton liked the CIR
as a girl, hut Ct rtainly did not approve
of her as tue future mistress of . Iklands
Park.
Tie day after the festival, Sir Rich
ard, as breakfast, indicated an intention
of calling on the -Lechmeres to pay his
respects. His mother looked keenly al
him as he spoke.
81 hope you have not been struck by
that LeehmeIc girl, EdithP" she said
eagerly.
why notP' he asked, rather sharply
"She is, indeed, a most charming crea
ture."
"Because it would be most inju
dicious and unfortunate selection" sht
answered.
" May l ask whyp" was the rather
quick rejoinder; 1.-THE reason why
mother mineP
"Because, though amiable, she is ex-
ceedingly delicate. Her health is any
thing but satisfactory. Walking j
a great exertion to her, while horse ex
ercise is out OF the question" she wen
on. Such girl is not a fit person T.
be the mother of the Mertons. We hav
always been a stalwart and comely race
No puny children ever endangered ou
direct succession
And yet / believe" said Richard
rather hardly, " that lost two brother
and "A 81 ter-my only one-because {
their delicacy."
Lady Merton turned very pale. Thi
was a severe subject with her, and on
that panied her even now to think of.
"Those deaths were accidents" sb
said, in half mournful, half angT
tone. 1t is because | would guar
against any more such cOntingenci
thai | would have you guided by reasc
in your choice"
II shall be guided solely by love an
affection in my choice of a wife," WI
his calm and naughty reply, and the
dropped the subject.
After breakfast the b9ronet dress
suitably to the season, and then start,
for Lechmere Hall on horseback. |
was most cheeriully and hospital
welcomed by the baronet and his wi
while Eiith received him with s.
satisfaction
Richard Merton was not young m
for any young lady 10 treat with an
thing else but attention. Handsou
highly accomplished, brilliant in &C
versation, n great traveller, he was a
an admirable talker.
Edith laughed at his sallies il