The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1881-12-13


And when they had returned to the
old farmhouse Violet was Richard
Lyle's wife.
Quietly she slipped into the house, and
up stairs to her room.
She had hardly lain aside her cloak
and changed her dress when her mother
appeared.
"Violet ~ she began querulously,
snake haste, can't your Mr.. Lee has
been waiting for you down stairs for the
last half hour. Have you made up your
mind ?"
Violet's face crimsoned.
EYES," she answered, softly, her eyes
shining with the light of love, II have
made up my mind |"
Mrs. Vane caught her in her arms.
"God bless you, my child !" she cried;
for to her heart there was but one de-
cision possible; "now we shall know no
more poverty--no more pinching and
turning to get along in the world You
have saved us, Violet !"
But Violet had no words to utter.
What would her parents say when they
knew what she had donep She went
down stairs and entered the shabby little
parlor, with its dingy carpet and old
fashioned furniture.
Mrs. Vane, sitting there, was already
turning over in her mind o hundred
plans for the future. They should have
a new house, new, soft carpets and fine
furniture and live and become people of
wealth and position.
She glanced up as Violet entered, and
her heart misgave her as she observed
the girls pale cheeks and frightened air.
She arose as though to leave the room.
Old Farmer Vane, who had come in
to entertain their distinguished visitor
until Violet should appear, arose ALSO
But Violet motoned to her parents to
remain.
"Do not CO." she cried, her sweet voice
trembling a little; 81 have nothing to
say which 1 cannot say in the presence
of my father and mother. Mr.. Lee,"
she added, abruptly, turning to the old
millionaire, who had arisen and stood
before her deferentially, 'you have done
me the honor to ask my hand in mar
riage. OF course, with the disparity
between us, there could be no question of
love; it would, therefore, be but a mere
sordid transaction, in which became
your wife for the sake of the wealth and
position which would enjoy"
"Violetl" cried Mrs. Vane, in un-
feigned CONSERVATION.
"Listen, mother, Mr.. Lee, L have
assure you, sir, have given it long
and anxious deliberation and have
decided"
Mrs. Vane caught her breath with u
quick gasp of surprise as Violet paused
81 cannot be your wife, Mr.. Lee" the
young, sweet voice went on. 81 do not
love you and cannot barter my liberty
for wealth. Besides, L love another; it
was love against gold you see, and 1
have chosen-love This evening be-
came the wife of Richard Lyle. Father
-mother-forgive me for the step have
taken indeed meant not to cause you
pain; but love him and 1 am his wife!"
But Mrs. Vane refused to be comfort
ed. All the fair visions of the happy
future which gold would bring to them
vanished now, and the castle of cards
tumbled over.
81 will never forgive you, you wicked,
deceitful girl !" she cried. "You have
ruined the happiness of your father and
mother"
Arnold Lee turned to the irate wo-
man.
do not reproach Violet, Mrs. Vane,"
he said, gently, "she had right to her
own choice, untrammeled by my wishes
or desires"
He opened the outer door and beckon-
ed to some one without.
"Come in, Richard !" he said, "and
let me explain all this. Listen, good
friends - and as Richard entered and
stood at Violet's side, silence fell upon
the little group and the old man con-
| tinued: 81 love Violet indeed, who
could help it? But am very old, and 1
was we'll aware that if she chose me it
could not be for love, but only for the
sake of the wealth which could bestow
ON her. 1 soon found out another thing
that she and Richard Lyle loved each
other and that he is worthy of her. So
took him into my confidence. said
that he would put Violet to the test-we
| wonld rive her a choioa hetvaen lova and