Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1881-08-24

The next morning MT. harrington
called.
Lucille sent me-" he explained pc.
litely, but his voice betrayed the pleas
ure and qualification with which he
had become his sisters messenger.
The trivial errand performed, he still
! fingered, and Tessie, knowing why, be-
gan to tremble.
Her fond and handsome sutton pleas
ed her, and she was keenly conscious
of the honor he offered her, but the
cirlish heart refused to be wholly salts
fed. And yet he was noble fellow,
loved her too well to deny her any
thing she might desire. This pititul
struggle for the simplest comforts Of
life would be over for ever, She could
have velvets and satins and jewels-an
elegant carriage all her own--horses
fit to carry a princess home like
palace, and her life would be one long
dream of splendor and that rest that
seemed so desirable. And the, good UNI
selfish mother-thc dear mother 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 well
as he deserved to be loved
"Will YOU not give me my answer,
Tessic - pleaded her wooer. Il have
waited so long"
"If were sure would make YOU
happy" she stammcred, undecided.
You would DEAR" he persisted ear
nestly, 81 should be happy in caring
for you. Ny child, love you so UNI
selfshly that I should make any honor
able sacrifice to save YOU from pain or
trouble Of a single hour.
Little did Monreith Darlington guess
that this assertion was to be sorely test
ed before that day would be done,
And t. responded Jessie, in odd,
distracted, dreamy tones, should rath-
er endure the worst in silence and
alone, than feel that one ! loved was
suffering for me"
II should be glad TO suffer for YOU if
by that ! might win YOU" he said.
But he had won her, and q few min
utes later he had left her, the 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 betrothal.
Mamma, dear, | have accepted Mr.
Darlington" she said simply.
II am very glad, Jessie replied
Mrs. Rivers. 81 have feared that you
would refuse him, and possibly for the
sake of John Eustis
"John has never asked me to be his
wife, mamma" returned the girl, wcari-
", and something in the suddenly
spiritless attitude of the graceful, droOp-
ing figure, some vague, unsatisfed ex-
preston Of the strangely pale face half
hidden by the loose tawny curls, dis
turbed and panied her watchful parent.
When Darlington reached his office
he found a gentleman there waiting
for him.
"Ah, Mr.. Eustis. You wished to sec
me?" he observed lightly.
Eyes, particularly desired to see
you to-day concerning mortgage you
hold, Just due, and that wish to pay,
was the prompt explanation.
Darlington had quite forgotten the
claim he had against the property OF
Mrs. Rivers, and that he had only
secured from clamoring creditor OF
her deceased husband that he might
befriend the girl whom he so dearly
! loved.
Are you prepared to do this y he
inquired wonderingly of the young
man whose income was decidedly not
opulent. and may know your mo-
Tive for wishing to do it?'
The fine, honest face of John Eusti,
flushed slightly, but he evidently did
not consider the question impairment.
Gould not have come entirely pre-
pared | should not have come at all,
he returned quietly. "My motive is to
please and surprise the lady whom
expect to marry. For months have
dreamed how her sweet eyes would
glisten when | should be able TO assure
her that | had saved her dear ole
home for her bonny sake"
Darlington listened, dazed, and pale
TO his bearded lips.
Ii was impossible to believe any fail
sitv or littleness Of John Eustis, anC
conceited and egotistical he certainly
was not. And it was equally impos
sible 10 suspect coquetry or perfidy o
sweet Tessie Rivers.
Darlington ventured a few subtle
questions that we're readily and inno
Gently answered, and thus shrewedly
learned the truth. There was not, no
had there ever been, any engagement
+ between John Eustis and Tessie River
only lifelong, wordless, under
standing of tenderest affection an'
truest fidelity. He could understand
now how the fair girl, bound by n
promises, doubtful for her future, AM
solicitous for her mother, had accepte'
what seemed wisest and best, while he
soul was haunted by an unasked an
unacknowledged love that might prov
, but a shadow, a fantasy, delusio
, after all, and with his whole nobl
: heart he exonerated and pardoned hel
81 should make any honorable sac
:eoo t>, so,,a xyou from tho min an