Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1880-02-27

very differently TOWARD me aS the vile
of the only son and brother of whom
they are proud and expect so much.
They might regard me As an ambitious
creature, caring less for my husband
than for the pleasant life he could give
me. And rs am rather fond OF ap-
, probation, might not find the situation
agreeable. Beside, MANN" t'"'
The young lady paused, growing
slightly pale, and vague expression of
yearning and pain Swallowed her bonny
brown eyes. to-. '.e '"'
Beside what?' urged her mother,
gently. .'.,
"Never mind what, mamma, dear"
WAS tue grave answer; but have had
dreams of very different and much
more passionate and enthusiastic affec-
ton than I can ever feel for Monreith-
much as honor him. But let us not
discuss the subject, if you please"
The next morning Mr.. Darlington
called. %. 49,
Lucille sent me" he explained po-
litely, but his voice betrayed the pleas
ure and qualification with which be had
become his sisters messenger.
The trivial errand performed, he still
fingered, and Tessie, knowing why:
began to tremble.
Her fond and handsome sutton
pleased her, aud she was keenly con-
scious of the honor lie offered her, but
the girlish heart refused to be wholly
satisfied. And yet he was noble fell
low and loved her too we'll to deny her
anything she might desire. This pitt
full struggle for the simplest comforts
of life would be over forever. She
could have velvets and satins and jew
els-an elegant carriage all her own
horses fit to carry a princess-a home
like palace, and her life would be one
long dream of splendor and that rest
that seemed so desirable. And the
good, unselfish mother-.the dear moth
er who had known so much of sorrow,
would be happiest of them all. And
by and by she would forget the old
haunting fancies that had been so
sweet, and she would learn to love
Monreith as we'll as he deserved to be
loved.
Will you not give me my answer,
Tessie? p pleaded her wooer. ~ have
waited so long"
"If were only sure would make
you happy" she stammered, unde-
clded.
"You would, DEAR" he persisted,
earnestly" should be happy in caring
for you. NY child, love you so un-
sel6shly that I should make any honor.
able sacrifice to save you from the pain
or troubles of single hour"
Little did Monreith Darlington
guess that this assertion was to be so
eorely tested before that day would be
done.
And l." responded Tessie, in odd,
distracted, dreamy tones, "should
rather endure the worst in silence and
alone, than to feel that one loved was
suffering for me-"
Il should be glad to suffer for you
if by that might win you," he said.
But he had won her, and few min
utes later he left her, tie touch of her
rosy mouth yet warm on his lips, and
| she went back to her mothers room
wearing on her pretty white hand the
jeweled token of her betrotAal.
Mamma, dear, have accepted Mr..
Darlington" she said simply.
| 60 am very glad, Tessie," replied
Mrs, Rivers. 81 had feared that you
would refuse him. and possibly for the
sake Of John Eustis." ~ lsur
"John has never asked me to be his
wife, mamma" returned the girl, wear
lily, and something in the suddenly
spiritless attitude Of the graceful droop-
ing figure, some vague. unsatisfied ex-
preston of the strangely pale face
hidden by the loose tawny curls dis.
turbed and panied her watchful parent.
When Darlington reached his Office
he found gentleman there waiting fer
him. ,.I.r.a
"Ah, Mr.. Eustis. You wished to
see me?" he observed lightly.
"Yes, 1 particularly wished to see
you to-day concerning mortgage you
hold Just due, ana that I Wish Is pay"
was the prompt explanation.
Darlington had quite forgotten the
claim he had against the property of
Mrs. Rivezs, and that he had only Sc
cured from a clamoring creditor of her
deceased husband that he might be-
friend the girl whom he dearly loved.
care you prepared to do this ?" he
asked wouderingly, of the young man,
whose income was decidedly not opu.
lent. "And may I know your motive
for wishing to do it e. ~ .,i b
The fine, honest face Of John Eustis
flushed slightly, but he evidently did
not consider the question impairment.
could I not have come entirely
prepared, I should not have come at
all, he returned quietly. "My mo-
tive is to please and surprise the lady
whom I expect to marry. For months
I have dreamed how her sweet eyes
would glisten when I should be able to
assure her that l had saved her dear old
home for her bonny sake"
Darlington listened, dazed, and
paled to his bearded lips. It Was i'm
possible to believe any falsity or little
ness of John Eustis, and conceited and
egotistical he was not. And it was
equally impossible to suspect coquetry
or perhdy OF sweet Tessie I:ivers.
Darlington ventured few suitable
questions that were readily and limo
Gently answered, and thus shrewdly
learned the truth. There VAS not, nor
had there been any engagement be-
fv Lab -.