Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1882-05-17
Gales al,o Sketfkfs.
MRS. MoyflGU's GovRRysss.
Confined from Yesterday. }

Confined from Yesterday
So Miss Lockhart, mindful of her re-
sponsibilities. made the tea, and brought
him cup with her own hands. North
watching the process and admiring her
dainty grace while she was at work. She
was dressed tonight only in plain. dark
woollen gown, but it fell about her slender
form in soft, undulatiDg folds as she moved
across the room, while about her neck
was drawn white handkerchief of filmy
lace. the quain. style of which set off her
peculiar beauty. Talbot North found
himself noting all these details with ex-
treme interest. Every pulse of Talbot
incidents Of that evening: every word
spoken was craven upon his heart in let
tiers of enduring stone.
Mr.. North bad Just finished drinking his
tea when slight commotiou in the hall
announced the return OF the church-goers.
Miss Lockhart arose in haste. II had
said, and left the room.
In a moment Mrs. Montagu had reached
the drawing room, and her plump little
form was clasped in her brothers arms.
"Oh, Talbot! you promised to write or
telegraph. Imagine our being gone to
church and everything! What have you
had 20
miss Lockhart very kindly gave me a
cup of tea" answered North.
"A cup of teal" exclaimed Mrs. Mon
tagu, with a shrek of horror. "A cup of
tea after coming from Bombay! Good
graciousi we must have supper at once.
And for me to be out when you arrived.
/ could cry! Where are your belongings
Shall we send to the station for them '
II have nothing but hand bag. An
accident detained me in Paris. and they
left by previous train. l suppose they
will turn up all in good time"
III.
1t was only very few days later that
Mr.. Montagu. talking alone with his wife.
suddenly started novel idea in an inquiry
he made and although the question was
put in joking form, it was none the less
suggestive.
My dear. are you prepared to lose
your invaluable governess, and to receive
her in the new relation of sister-in-law ?''
What do you mean, Roberto
docs nothing strike you with regard
to Talbot and Miss Lockhart ?''
Talbot likes Miss Lockhart, and re-
spects her, as we all do; but there is moth
ing more between them that see.'
talbot likes Miss Lockhart very par
ticularly and not as we all do retorted
Mr.. Montagu. laughing. "Iier sentiments
are. to my mind, the only doubtful point
in the affair" added the speaker, thought
fully.
"A royal princess would be proud to
Talbot = said that M cic
ter. fondly; and the belief was not so very
remarkable. for Talbot North, with his
charm of manner and his sunny temper,
was universal favorite. "But Talbot
might have looked higher than a girl in
Marion Lockhart's position" concluded
Mrs. Montagu, a little regretfully.
''She will make him an excellent wife,"
said Mr.. Montagu, with commendable
common sense and right feeling.
mo one says otherwise" returned his
partner in gentle reproach. 1.-The marvel
to me is that Talbot has not married be-
FORE
The very contingency that had seemed
so impossible in his sisters judgment
came to pass. Mr.. North made formal
proposal of marriage to Miss Lockhart,
and was rejected Her refusal was firm
and decided. but on the other hand, it was
given with evident emotion seeing which
North took heart of grace, and in con-
GLIDING the interview, spoke hopefully of
different result in the future.
II shall plead my cause again, Miss
Lockhart. | deserve my present failure,
because in my eagerness | have spoken
too SOON"
II wish could persuade you that my
answer is quite final" replied Miss Lock-
hart. with distress of manner that was
in strong opposition to the tranquil conf
dence of his tones and mien. You must
indeed 90 away and forget me-"
Forget your he returned. in voice
trembling with earnestness. "My darling.
| shall never forget you while the world
stands
Moving her head from side to side. as
though seeking some visible refuge in
which to hide her distress, she stood in
silence for few minutes. while her COM
panion awaited her next words with an
impatient anxiety.
'If you only knew il, am unworthy
of your least regard. of moments inter-
est" she said. at length, with cry of
anguish. Put me out of your thoughts
give me no place in your heart" she re-
sumed, after a space of silence. II do
not want You to hate me, but you must
forget me. And let this interview be our
last meeting" she added in broken
voice. Then giving one quick. depreea-
tory glance into his face, which pain and
trouble were beginning to darken, Marion
stole from the room.
Avoiding the drawing-room. with its
cheerful atmosphere of talk and music,
Mr.. North chose to pass the evening of
that momentous day alone in the library,
an apartment little affected by any men,
Der Of that unstudious household. Long
he sat there immersed in thought. review
ing the events of the afternoon. A san
guine man by nature. and desperately
anxious for success in this matter. he was
very 10th to give up the hope of winning
Marion Lockhart for his wife; yet the