The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1882-01-25
"what . nuisance / Let me go !"

Il
he says, rather impatiently.
"No-no, you couldn't find it." I
say, and thankful for even moments
respite 1 hurry back to the organ loft.
at first l can distinguish nothing in the
soft, dusky gloom, spicy with the fra
GRANGE of the evergreens. but soon I
make out mans figure standing by the
organ. 1t is Jack I run to him and
catch his hands frantically in my own.
"Oh, Jack, I'm so wretched. Ar
lington has asked me to marry him"
"Then he is better than 1 thought
himp
" And had to say yes, for Mrs. Bah
bitt has turned me out; but Tn so
sorry He might-he might even want
to kiss me |"
"Quite likely" says Jack, with a
grim smile; but he looks deeply moved.
Don't laugh !" / say, piteously. "I
won't marry him--Tll die in the streets
first Oh, / hear him coming-hide
me, save me p
Quick as thought Jack draws me after
him into the book closet, and closes the
door just as Mr.. Arlington enters the
gallery.
"The little mink, she has slipped out
some other doorp he says, in vexation.
Couldn't believe / was in earnest,
suppose" And no hastened off in pur.
suit.
"What an escapsl" 1 say, as we
emerge from the closet.
Darling" begins Jack, with pas
sionate eagerness, " darling Olive,
would you rather that"
Yes-yes, a thousand times !" an
swer, and then break down into the
tempest of sobs and tears 1 have re-
pressed all the evening. Jack soothes
me tenderly with loving words and
caresses 1 have never known before
The rich incense of the evergreens wraps
me in delicious languor; feel that
have found blessed haven of rest.
Presently raise my head from his
breast, and look up with my poor
drowned eyes.
"Jack, you mustn't marry me-" Say,
tragically. "My good name is clean
gone forever-Mrs. Babbitt says so |"
/" Well, then, 1 must give you an
other, sweet" he says, blithely, and be-
fore half comprehend him we are down
at the altar, where the minister is still
talking with one of the deacons, and
Jack is saying that we wish to be mar
ried Immediately. We kneel down,
Jack in his overcoat, I in my ulster and
plain Derby hat; Jack uses my gage
d'anitie as a wedding ring, and in five
minutes we are husband and wife.
We go out into the street, and walk
along rather solemnly under the snow
laden trees and clear. starry heavens.
Jack, my trunk is on that woman's
doorstep" 1 say, difidently.
Good !" he says, with a joyous laugh
" Since you are all ready, let us go of
for wedding trip"
"Oh, but traveling's very expensive"
l say, dubiously. do you think you
can afford it p
He laughs again.
81 may not be such a wonderful
match as Arlington, darling, but you
have made rather good marriage, do
you know itP Halo there, driver p
He halls passing hack, and we go
and pick up my forlorn property, and |
then start off on our joyful little our
ney, while every moment / feel more |
safe and happy.
l really don't know how Tom Thur |
stone managed the service without the |
leading tenor and soprano, but we have
been so faithful ever since that he has |
forgiven us.
suppose Mr.. Arlington considers
me the most heartless, cold-blooded
fiirt in existence. He is very polite
when we meet in society, but he never
comes into st. Stephens choir.