The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1881-05-21

J eel LCl HldIIii. anu Sit AliCA ~ H'oAa 1AS
assiduous stranger. She had often rejOic-
cd in her beauty for Philips sake. She
now turned from her mirror with pain, re-
garding it as her greatest misfortune.
Mr.. Claire would not see her indiffer-
ence, but kept persistently visiting the old
farm, ard overwhelming her with costly
presents At last he frightened her with
an offer, which she positively declined.
He expected this, and went to her parents,
telling themth he loved their daughter,
and if she could be induced to wed him,
he would pay off the entire Indebtedness
of the farm, and assist them out of all en-
barrassmeuts for the future.
Mr.. and Mrs Vaughn were at this
time very Indignant at their Reighbor for
not assisting them, and considered Mr..
Claire's position as quite a blessing.
at viii be all right, sir, l am sure,
replied the delighted father. Mabel is
mobile girl. she will love you as yOudc.
serve, and in return you will find her as
good as she is fair."
After his departure they explained their
embarrassed situation to her, and begged
that she would accept Mr. Claire's bril-
liant offer
Il cannot Mabel cried, with vail
of despair. 1T would kill me. You
know that | love Philip, and l have
made him the most sacred promise. What
would he think Of me Oh. | should
mako him so wrctched, and be myself so.
Mr.. and Mrs. Vaughn could not un-
dcrs,and her folly in refusing so grand
an opportunity, regarding it as a whim
which would be followed by life time
regret. In urging it upon her they thought
they were not only advancing their iu-
tcresis, bus her own.
Mr. Claire saw the greatness of the
sacrifice, bat be accepted it. lie fulfill
cd his promise to her parents, and went
further, seading at his owa expense her
two eldest brothers to college. He re-
NAMED st the inu lbe entire winter, lest
be might, By soms unfortunate accident,
lose his treasure. Mabel was Submissive
Her brilliant marriage engagement vas
tile envy of the entire neighborhood And
xheu the farmers daughters saw her dEiv-
iug out with Mr. Claire in magnificent
style, they sighed with envy, litile dream.
lag how often her smile hid an schiug heart
The following sPrins when all nature
vas ish, and smiling, wheu the apple
trees weFs again in bloom, Mabel was
sitting alone By O0e Of tho front.roon
windows In a few days she was to be
married. She sat lisslessly locking over
;hs vide Spreading landscape. thinking Of
her ruieed hsPPiuess.
Suddenly she vas startled, for Philip
Adair stood ost upon the porch before
her Ills locks were strangely altered ~
50 psle aud a,eFD Mabel, ia an sgony
Of despair, l9oked up, aad fer moment
they sazed fKcjly into each Others pale
faces
1T last Mabel exclaimed
Philip. Why ase you eomof You knOw
+ hsye given you up.
Mabel, | have come 10 hear from your
own lips tia. which none could force me to
believe. Mine Until death, Philip, said
be, bitterly, I shlak M Cod that
( am rid Of One 50 unworthy When
len yeu, Mabel, vent away with DO
though, bat Of yoa and your happiness.
+ whils, l vas laboring for this, you we're
Z plotting 10 wouod me in ihe eruelest way;
you h,,le know, Mabel Vaughn, the u;s-
chief you have done Farewell, aud may
! jus, God deal with you as you have dealt
with mc
He turned quickly, leaPed from the
porch FASTENED through the front yard,
mounted bis horse, and was soon gallopiug
along the highway
+ Mabel Was bewilderea at hrst. Arous.
! ing herself, she followed as far rs the
wicket gate in time to see him disappear
ing in the dim distance. She held out her
arms toward him, exclaiming, philip r
With bitter cry Of pain. Then she re,
turned, aud, seating elfupon the steps
Of the porch, buried her face in her hands,
whilst her whole frame shook with her
asita,ed feelings Thus they parted, they
who had vowed 10 90 through life together
Mabel's joyless wedding was over She
left With Mr.. Claire to preside over his
elegant establishment in the city Of p.
He was a cold, selfish man Of the world.
There was no congeniality between them,
aud Mabel though submissive, fOuad her
life a blank As time rolled on the gulf
. NAuENEu Alu NtAGuGh bcAAtSu AhEuir hS
regarding her with jealous suspicion, know
ing she had married him without love, and
considering himself injured in marrying
one in her position and not having it ap-
preciated. He was liberal toward her
family, and Mabel felt kindly toward him
when she saw them prosperous and happy.
Philip Adair, never rightly understanding
the matter, accused her of duplicity and a
love of display Twice in after years he
saw her Once she passed him in her
elegant carriage; their eyes met; neither
spoke, both considering themselves injured.
Philip was surprised to see the dark eclipse
that had dimmed the radiant beauty; never,
he thought, had he seen human being so
pale ''She has reaped what she has sown, y
said be, bitterly, though his heart was full
of pity. The lips may utter severe re-
proaches whilst the poor, tortured heart is
all love the while. Pride conceals an
guish, and Philip, in spite of his bitter
words, would have died to save her if he
could.