, 1881-05-06
A REWARD OF GENIUS.

Married! My papa married? have
stePmother? Surely, aunt, you are mis-
taken" And the speaker, a dark-eyed,
handsome girl, looked surprised and in
credulous.
But it is quite true, for I have Just
received letter from your papa, ard he
wrote that he had married DIGNITY dar-
ling from thee~NSew England States, and
he sends his love to his precious Ola,
and wants her to welcome her new
mamma and love her for his sake. 1
hope you viii be happy together, added
the aunt, kindly, and she meant what
she said, for she had been friend, mother
five years, and although Olive was only a
distant relative. she loved her as though
she had been her own daughter.
"Oh auntl Papa married.
There was world of woe in Olives
voice as she repeated the words.
"Yes, your papa is really married.
Surely you are not annoyed or angry,
Oliver"
Annoyed or angry?" repeated Olive,
her black eyes growing blacker, and her
scarlet cheeks more scarlet than ever.
'Oh, auntie, I am shocked and hurt be-
yOnd expressioni The idea of papa S
marrying and bringing a stepmother to
take my angel mammals place in our old
home, and"
But Olives words were interrupted by
the entrance of gay young fellow of
about twenty years of age, the handsome
stepson of her aunt, Gertrude Vaughan.
He was little wild, perhaps, as his only
occupation now was the cultivation of u
stunted mustaehe. But he was a good
hearted fellow, and full of fun.
Why, Ola, pEacticing for the
boards?" were his first words as he saw
indignant Olive. "By jove! you do the
grand tragedy wellr'
Don't talk nonsense, Frank! This is n
serious matter-at least to Olive it is, 4"
said his stepmother.
''Whew! well, just wait till get my
handkerchief. Now I'm ready TO weep.
Tell me the worst. Tn prepared for il.
And Gertrude told him of Olives
fathers marriage, and of Olives angry
sorrow at the thought of having u step
mother.
well, amt that enough TO make any
one angry?" asked Frank. "Words can't
do the subject justice. Look at me, my
beloved cousin, and shudderl Am not
q surviving specimen of the tyrannical
rule of a stepmOther? l would shed tears
for you, Olive. but have used up all 1
had to spare on my sorrowful SELF"
Now you are just laughing at me-"
said Olive, half crying.
Laughing! No. indeed! There isn't
even the faintest shadow of smile about
me. This serious affair and nv sincere
pity for you has given me gravity enough
TO last lifetime. and plenty to spare to
set up four deacons with the article.
Olive was disguised, and she left the
room with all the dignity she could
command.
Frank gave his stepmother hasty
kiss, and muttered something abont
leaving the matter TO him he knew chow
to manage Ola, and followed his cousin
into the garden.
''I say. OLA" began Frank, as he
flung himself on the grass beside her,
'why don't you get married too. and be
even with the GOVERNOR"
The ideaI' pouted Olive. Il
wouldn't get married for anythingl And
besides, there is no one to marry me,
even if wanted to get married"
We'll, now, 1 call that treating fel-
low rather coolly. Here I've been your
devoted slave and admirer for the last
two months, only to be snubbed in this
way. But 'sich is life.' and I suppose I
shall have to stand ii"
why, / never thought of you Frank,
answered Olive.
'You didn't? Well now, that's queer
And then suppose you haven't the as