The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1880-09-08

Thornby. Wild as Adelaide had
spoken, she had no fear for the future.
She knew the mate purity of her daugh-
ter's heart, and even had she doubted
that, the will and strength of Grantly
ThorRby was sufficient to protect his
own and his wife's honor.
The mother had scarcely left the room
by one door, when another was opened
giving admittance to a second party.
1t was in the person of a singulariy
handsome man, tall, stalwart in frame,
with eyes large, burning and penetrat-
ing. The face was in keeping with the
form, the features regular and we'll de-
fined, the forehead broad and massive,
the mouth-ay, there lay the reading of
that strong mans na,ure-it seemed to
say as plainly as words could have done,
"my will is law"
And so it was. Scarcely, in all his
! life, had he failed in accomplishing any
| object that seemed to his erratic nature
worth pursuit. And should he fail
now, when the prize to be obtained was
only simple, stubborn girlP Not he.
1t was not so much for the affection he
bore her, yet even there he had con-
ceived a passion which he found it inn
possible to subdue; but she had defied
him, Knocked at him, laughed him to
scoru. His blood was on fire to revenge
the insult. She should love him yet.
Only let him secure her to himself, only
let her become his wife, away from the
influence of her unfeeling mother, de-
pendent upon him for society, affection
and all the little attentions women 80
yearn for and need, and he defied fate
itself to thwart him in his triumph.
Adelaide, lost in sorrowful thou ght,
did not hear the opening of the door, nor
was she aware of his presence until a
hand was laid lightly on her shoulder.
She looked up bewildered, and for n
moment shrek was nearly bursting
from her lips; but she was a brave girl,
and returned his gaze with one almost
as vivid and burning, until he found
voice to speak. Strangely agitated was
that strong, determined, fearless man of
the world. He sat down by her side,
taking her resistless hand in his own.
"You have consentedP" he at length
asked. You will be my wifeP"
"Consented-yest Be. your wife
yesW Hard and cold indeed was the
voice which uttered these few senten-
tious words.
"And you will try to love meP" he
asked.
81 cannot-oh, 1 cannot" she re-
piled; "you know it is impossible. Oh,
why do you insist upon this dreadful
unionP What can l ever be to you,
who love anotherP" He bit his lip, but
did not interrupt her. could any
power bind my thoughtsP Would they
not follow him forever in his lonely
pilgrimage? Are they not part and
parcel of his existencee Think what it
would be to live year after year, Tor
death does not come at ones bidding,
the companion of one whose heart, soul
and existence was wrapped in that OF
another"
"Stay, stay. Adelaide" he cried.
grasping. both her hands. Have
mercy, if not on me, at least on your
self. Think what you are doing. You
are scornipg a love which, though mine,
is pure as ever woman won-a love
never knew l possessed until your
beauty first daZzled my senses. Ihave
been reckless maxwell, perhaps, q
bad man-but you can mold me to your
will; you can form a nature which is
not all depraved into something worthy
of woman's hand"
" And yet cannot love you," she re-
piled.
"There is no personal sacrifice l
would not make for your sake" said
he. There is no deed of daring
would rot accomplish, if such deco
would give you moments happiness
l would toll night and day for your
sake, if need be; watch over your com.
fort with the eye of fond husband and
jealous lover. / would love you al
woman never was owed; / would cher
ish you as never before woman was
cherished. Oh, Adelaide, think wha
1t is to cast away such strength o
affection as l offer you!"
Grantly Thornby's face was of an
ashen paleness; great drops of agony
stood upon his brow, and his lip trem
bled with the intensity of his emotion
"Is there no hopeP" he asked a
length, finding Adelaide disinclined tC
continue the conversation.
None, alas, none!" she replied.
Thornby passed his hand over hi
brow once or twice, as if trying to con
troll some wild thought. Enough
enough" said he. No kindness will
win, no devotion move you You will
be my wife, no earthly power cal
prevent that. You will hear no mer,
of love which has been met will
scorn. If you think it degrading to b,
loved by me, l cannot help It'll would
not help it if could. l have told yol
never loved woman before; my lif
has DSSu JOO DuSyS my bLlOuBnJS w
much aborbed in the pursuit of happi
ness; but it is past; be at ease, for it j
the last time / ever intrude my unwel
come, my mad passion of love upol
, your notice."
He wrung her hand, and would hav
! left the room, but Adelaide detainet
| him. "You say truly" said she; "n'
/ earthly power can prevent my beinl
your wife. | know my duty, YoI
> will trust to my honor, you will fee
| that however my mind may be file
3 with another's image, my life will b
5 pure and sacred to you as if the uniol
t of our hands had been as we'll a union o
{ our hearts. You will remember thisP ?
l He pressed her hands and turne'
quickly away. Adelaide caught on
( glance of his face as he left the room
4 and saw what she never thought to hav
a seen-the glittering of tears in his eye
not used to melting softness. Her hear
!, panied her for having caused even
v moments suffering. " How mOrtiie