The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1880-10-13

/ Will retire., " SAID Sir Richard, IN q
tone of deep disappointment not unac-
companied by anger. 81 think Miss
Lechmere might have been more frank
with me-"
No, the hypocritical hussy," con-
tiuued her father, purple with passion.
"I hope she may live to repent. But
she is no child of mine. May the male
diction of
"Hush," said the mother, in IN
agonized voice; curse not your only
daughter! Poor childl She will be the
most deeply punished. She has chosen
poverty and exile, for Lieutenant Spen-
Ger Baker has, know, been ordered to
Canada"
"Ah!" cried the elder baronet.
But what further he intended to say
was cut short by the leave-taking OF his
| young friend.
Sir Richard Merton went out in
towering passion. He had one idea.
This great disappointment in his life
was due to his mother. 1t was to her
absurd prejudice against the delicate
young girl that had induced her refusal;
of this he had not the shadow of
| doubt.
His mind was made up. He went to
his club, and sent for his man, to whom
he gave rapid orders.
"P2ck up everything" he said, in
| cold, iron tone, "and bring them to
Wright's hotel. am off to the Cont
nent for some time. Give this letter to
my mother"
That letter Lady Merton read with
pallid cheeks and fearful eyes:
"MoTHER; You have caused me to be
rejected by the girl love, on the absurd
principle that she was in delicate health.
| AL, nNo1N fox IF nd IN al
has eloped aud made a silly marriage.
You can forgive yourself-I never can.
l leave England. 1t is impossible to say
whether | shall ever return or not.
| Oaklands is yours as long as you live.
| My interest in it has ceased forever
! more. RICHARD MERTON"
Nothing more, nothing less.
| That evening the young baronet left
| London, and to the time when we refer
| to Lady Merton was alone at Oaklands
| Park. Twenty years had elapsed, and
| she has neither seen nor heard from her
| son.
1t wants now a week to Christmas.
From habit and custom Lady Merton
| will have Christmas festivities as in the
olden time. George Merton is there, the
heir apparent, while Ellen and Margaret
Denham, her sisters orphan children,
are also present for visit.
1t is morning, and breakfast is just
over, when q railway fly ratties up the
avenue, and loud knock is heard at the
door. The mistress of the house can see
without moving from her seat. A young
lady, fashionably attired, alights with a
maid and ascends the steps.
"Who can it beP" asks Lady Merton.
rising from the table, in slightly agi-
tated way. 81 cannot recollect any
other guest who was invited"
"Some self-elected visitor" says
George, with trown.
He is very jealous of any one getting
into his aunt's good graces.
Tue butler enters with letter. He
looks very scared and puzzled.
miss Merton to see her grand
mother" he says, in rather alarmed
tone.
GEORGE Merton grew CHASTITY pale
There is, then, a direct heirg
"Show her in" gasped the lady, sink
ing into a chair, around which the three
, stand, her nephew and two nieces.
There enters tall, slight girl, who
advances with somewhat of shyness to
where the dowager is seated.
my grandmother, l presume" she
said, in the sweetest OF sweet voices.
"Yes, my DEAR" is the answer, "tor
| i y
"Will you read this letter." she con-
tinued, taking it. from the hand of the
! butler.
| Lady Merton adjusts her spectacles,
and reads, while the other takes 8
? seat:
r "LADY MERTON: My husband, your
7 son, has gone on an expedition to Africa
I have reason to believe he has either
, been killed or wounded. l am about Il
e start in search ofhim. My son Richard
4 is at school, l think it only right tt
send my daughter and namesake to YOU
y care until my return.
+ "Yours, Lucy MERTON"
"I am very glad you have come,
said the old lady, tearfully and kindly
d "These are your cousins. will orde
t your room. Be seated by the ire Will
! l do So"
Il The introductiOns were made, the sea
accepted, and the order given at once.
fl Imagine the amazement of all whel
+ they knew that the young mistress @
r Oaklands Park had come home, Will
,, there was also son in existence. The
Us the old line was not to die out. bu
live.
n Lady Merton herself attended tn
J. girl to her room, and was delighted wit!
her.
III one dSkeu dDOuI ASI ldlu0l' Oh
D. knew but little of him, having been a
school, while her parent went roun
d, and about the world bent on perilou
le adventures.
in She had seen him occasionally, how
ir ever, and knew he was tall, handsom
er and bearded-also very kind.
T. Her mother she had seen much of fC
at the last year. She was the kindest {
parents-a noble, handsome woman.
ir Two days later came a startling tel'
lg gram.
d. " Sir Richard has reached home II
as is very ill. Doctor has advised his n
e, moVaI to his native air. shall be ;
1 Oaklands Park with him on Christine
on eve. LUCY"
Du How the mothers heart bounde
Od within her at this announcement.
it At last she would again behold hi
lei CON and snrelV be would forgive hI