Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1881-03-10
ing at all1" demanded Madeline, still more
indipnAntly

occasionally with you, by way OF keeping
you In countenance; but now | say yes!
There Is something original about you; 1t
may be only spark, glimmer; but what.
ever it Is, will develop it,"
"l on leave my individuality out OF ac-
count, | think"
Not in the least. count on it for my
amusement.
Amusement We share the same blood,
Mr.. Chathard. think you should know
something of the will which is among our
heirlooms. doubt if shall choose to
serve even Chathard as amusement.
"You will have no choice. You will go
to church with me to merTow. You will
see aud be seen of all the magnates. They
wilt forthwith call upon you; you will go
TO make a round of dreary visits; you will
go to solemn tea .drinkings; you will talk
to Capt. Fanway and Sir Peter FarquhLr,
the two eligibles of the parish; and when
you have talked over the weather, you will
begin to fidget, and wish yourself home
with me Even bear like me will prove
more endurable than those unmitigated
young men. You will talk with me, and,
in the nature of things you will amuse me.
You cannot help yourself"
II have other resources" answered
Madeline, loftily. 81 have arranged a dIa-
matte course of study"
Mr.. Chathard laughed.
TRY it, my dear cousin, by all means.
1t is most enchanting thing in the world
in prospect. Try 1t, | say again; and
remember, shall be very happy to AID
you if any difficulty occurs-w which, though
it is to be presumed, is not possible"
With which be took himself on, leaving
Madeline, piqued and curious. She had
ample time, however, to recover herself,
and proceed with her studies. 1t was three
mortal weeks before he presented himself
again. When he did come, it was in a
ghostly fashion. She was bending over
book, and looking weary and strangely dis
satisfied. He gave her char near him.
"Talkl" he said imperatively. 81 am
bored"
Madeline's hot blood leaped up in revolt.
Words lowered on her lips, that, cool as
he was, could not but. have placed an effec-
rested them. A PANIED look was In his
eye, anguish about his mouth, showing
dimly through the mask of cynIcism. A
new impulse possessed her.
Cousin" she satd, gentle enough.
"Why should we be at warl We are of
the same blo-d; and think we are alike
in one thing at least that We are both
alone. Why goad each other with bitter
words? Would it not be better 10 help
each other2 / don't ask nor offer any con-
tidence; only if there could be liking and
a friendship between us, let it develop it.
self. Let us not hinder it. | am so lone
ly; and l think, if you would let me, tha'
should like you"
81 swore once" he said, ''never to trust
mankind, still less womankind, again"
Unsay the rash oath, " she sald eagerly.
cit shuts you from all happiness and good
ness"
"How dare you ask me2 In whom shall
/ trust?"
''In met"
"a girl-a child, that doesn't know even
the meaning of things about her, much less
her own heart2"
81 know one thing; the truth that feel
within me. That never tiies, and never
fails. Only try me, cousin. . l long to do
you gooC."
81 believe you do" he said much sof-
tened. II believe, with all of my inno-
cent fervor, you do wish it. l will trust
till see that you, too, are going to deceive
me. Will you take the responsibility"
Madeline held out her hand, and SO there
was a truce between them. Every night
they studied and talked under the super
vision of the prim housekeeper; and at
last he fell into a way of taking a morning
walk with her in the garden, and riding
with her to several parties. and always TO
church; and the neighborhood held up its
hands in astonishment.
Months passed away. Very peaceful,
| happy ones they were. But one evening
ne failed to make his appearance. All the
next day Madeline watched for him, but in
vain.
"He has gone away" she thought, with
keen pang, ''and did not tell nae. )"
One week passed-two-three. Sus-
pense grew uncomfortable. She ventured an
inquiry of the prim bousekeeper.
"Mr. Frederic is not far away-he's s
Ill"
Gill Why was l not told2 l will 20
and see him at oncel"
"He has the typhus fever, Miss; and
Mrs. Chathard ordered that you should on
no account be admitted, for fear of the in
fection."
Madeline left the housekeeper without
another word, and went straight to Fred
eric's room. She was not very sure of its
| locality; for it was in the other wing of
the house. place where she had never
ventured. She was however, exceedingly
doubtful of the propriety of going in at all;
but if he should die without her, would
propriety corsole her? She went in trem-
bling. He was alone and awake. He
turned towards her, hollow, reproachful
eyes.
'Are you betterp" was the first ques-
ton.
eyes; but why have you left me alone
SO longa l thought that you cared for
me-"
81 do, dol l never knew. waited
and wondered, and grew sick at heart. No
one told me, and to-day | asked. l was
LOO proud to do it before. | thought you
had gone away, after the old fashion, with.
out telling me. Then they said mustn't
come to you for fear of the Infection
There is dangerI Go away at once!"
81 will not. Why should i not share
danger with you! All the orders in the
world shan't drive me from youl"
He turned toward her with sudden ami
nation, seiziDg her hand, looked earnestly
into her face, and said, ''My little darling,
I really believe that you love me as | do
you!"