The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1880-09-23
A DECIDED ANSWER.

had long suspected there was ro-
nance connected with my Cousin Mira
bells cameo ring, fer she had habit of
turning it upon her finger and looking
ct it with tender, shining eyes, but if
observed she would instantly desist and
cover the jewel with her right hand.
After ten months teaching, it was like
paradise to get down to Stone Cottage,
on the shore of Lake Michigan, where
my maiden cousin resided. She lived
alone with the exception of single ser
want Her father had left her sufficient
money to place her above the reach of
want, that is above the want that presses
and pursues the poor, but not beyond
the dire want, the terrible heart hunger
that takes possession OF the lonely.
Although Mirabel was first cousin I
had not heard from her for years until
her letter came to me at the seminary,
where I was teaching, inviting me to
spend the coming vacation at Stone Cot
tage. I had been four days at the cot
tage and felt quite settled and at home
Mirabel had the rare and excellent trait
OF letting her guests enjoy themselves as
they chose. She did not deem it neces-
sary to be always at their side trying to
entertain them, and, fine woman though
she was. it would not have been always
desirable. Yes, I say to myself with
emphasis, Cousin Mirabel is q fine wom-
an, despite her 80 years. As I spoke
saw in imagination the tall, elegant
figure, the white brow and dark, heavy
hair, but, most of all, the reserved and
pensive air that characterized this
woman
Ever since our dinner at 2 o'clock I
had been sitting out on the piazza,
mutHed up in cloak, for the lake breeze
was damp and cold. ] believe Mirabel
could live nowhere else than on the shore
of stormy lake. At o'clock saw her
leave the house by a side door. She was
wrapped in her storm cloak and had the
hood drawn over her head. At dusk
she had not returned. I entered the
house, but before striking light I
looked from the window and saw her
coming through the gloom. I started
the fire and lighted the lamp, striving
TO make the room comfortable for the
Homecoming. I heard the outer door
open and shut, heard her pause in the
ball to hang up her cloak and then her
teet coming YEARLY up stairs. Very
YEARLY it seemed to me. She tapped on
the sitting-room door then pushed it
open. I started up, her hair was damp,
her face pale, and her eyes unusually
large and brilliant. ...-..r ......
/ drew her into the room, saying:
Your walk has been too much for you;
take this easy chair here by the fire."
"No, it is not the walk" she an
swered, smiling little at my anxiety.
1T is not the walk it is excitement.
Judge Parkhurst has been asking me to
marry him-the gentleman you saw here
on the first day Of your arrival"
"Oh!' I said, with O long drawn
breath of real pleasure, thinking some
happiness was to be granted Mirabel at
last. 81 hope you accepted him."
No, not exactly; he is to come for
an answer tomorrow
The tea had been brought in and
cleared away, and still I was talking
about the Judge. I concluded by say
ing: He is strong, true-hearted,
honorable man, and you will say yes,
won't you, Mirabel?'
u don't know, DEAR" she answered,
steadlly but, bending down to kiss her,
l saw that the dark eyes were full of
Tears. My proud, impassive cousin
weeping? That was almost beyond be-
Lei: She recovered herself without any
violent exhibition Of emotion. The