The Brookhaven ledger. (Brookhaven, Miss.) 1875-1883, 1881-12-15
Maud Arlington.

| ~
John, what have you thereY in
quired Mr.. Arlington, as he passed
his servant in the hall.
"A note for Miss Arlington said
John, with bow.
Let me see it moment said Mr.,
Arlington.
John gave him the note; he took
it, glanced at the writing, and then
turned to the servant and said
Tell Miss Arlington I wish to see
her in the library Immediately
John bowed and turned away,
wondering what could be the matter
Mr.. Arlington entered the library,
shutting the door with a bang.
Presently it opened softly, and a
young girl entered the room.
what is it, papaY she asked.
Yes, what is it?' he said angrily,
and advancing, he gave her the
note Read
She took the note, read it, then
gave 1t back to her father, saying:
1T is from Arthur Lee; he wishes
to escort me to the opera tonight.
But have / not forbidden any
communication between you and
Arthur Lee?' cried Mr.. Arlington.
yes, father, you have, but l will
not obey you.'
will not obey meY said her ia
ther, in astonishment. Say that
again if you dare
She was silent for few moments
then said:
Papa, mean what 1 say
Mr.. Arlington paced the floor for
a few moments in silence, and then,
throwing himself into a chair, said
in gentle tone:
Maud, what I say or do is for
your own good, and you should con-
slider it As satcsa.' sS
'Papa,T do not mean to be diso-
bedient, but l will never marry a
man l do not love. and l will marry
Arthor Lee and no other said Maud
firmly.
Maud, do not be so hasty: re-
member he Is but a poor artist, and
cannot give you the home that Har-
ry Everett can
I want no better home than the
one Arthur can give me. and as for
Harry Everett she said scornfully,
that I'll never do
i will give you until tomorrow
evening to decide: you can 60 now.
Maud left the library and retired
to her own room. Locking the door.
she sat down to her desk and wrote
a few lines; then calling a little boy,
who was employed, in running er-
rands. She gave him the note, tell
ing him to deliver it to Mr.. Lee, and
be careful not to let any one around
the house see it. The bov departed,
going out the back way to avoid
suspicion. Abont nine that eve
ming she stole gently out of the
house and down to the river side.
A young man came forward to meet
her as she reached.
Maud, my darlingg he said as he
clasped her in his arms.
'Oh. Arthur, she cried, i have
something to tell you, but l must do
it quickly. Papa, wishes me to
marry Harry Everett--but oh! Ar
thur, 1 will die irst.'
How long did he give you to con
slider itY Arthur asked thoughtfully.
Only until to morrow evening"
she said.
well, / think we can be safe away
before then, darling,' he said, so
take courage
What can we do Arthur Maud
asked. E
you can go home and get what
few things you may need he said,
'and meet me here. in an hour. ]
will hayc carriage in waiting and
we will leave forever the place whel e
You are so persecnted.'
Then kissing her tenderly they
parted.
Maud hursaaan her room and
packed few 'ssassaags in valise,
While tossing ON the contents OF
| her drawer she caEnc across a small
rosewood box.
| ooh my vasep she exclaimed. j
had almost forgotten it?
| She set the box on the table, and,
taking key from her pocket, un.
locked it. Reposing on beautiful
velvet cushion was small vase ol
curious wo, kmanship. The tears
Iglistened in her eyes as she gazcd
on the beautiful box.
i Poor mammarEshe muttercd. III
was her last gift TO me-
| After gazing at it for some time
Maud locked the box and very care
fully packed it away with the other
things; then, leaning her head on
her haad, fell into q deep reverie
Four years before, when Mrs. Ar.
jlington lay on her death bed, she
had called Maud to her and given
her the box, saying:
/ Maud. / want you to keep this
(. in remembrance Of me. Do not re
move the vase from the box unless
you are in need, then you will find
/ But severe fit OF coughing cul
short the sentence, and half an hour
later Maud was motherless! So the
mystery of the vase remained sealed
!, Presently, glancing up at the
clock, Maud saw that it wanted but
, q quarter of ten. Hastily rising
lshe robed herself in q heavy cloak
and concealed her face by thick
veil, she then stole forth quietly
after giving q farewell look at ths
room where shelhad spent SO man,
happy hours. Arriving at the trys
j ting place, she found Arthur there
land after a few moments converse