The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1882-08-03

been only With great eIrOrb sne cOuIo III
duce her to meet strangers; now she
seemed to seek diversion with sort Of
feverish eagerness. The little French
eoverness, of whom Marjorie in her
sweet womanliness so gladly made a
friend, actually had created quite fu-
rore.
Her voice was something marvellous,
the society world declared, and she was
always so ready to assist in private con-
certs or charitable undertakings, that
really she was-they said-most valua-
BILE
So the world feted and courted, until,
but for the long hours of study devoted
to the children, Marie might readily
have forgotten herself "only a gov
erness." But in the midst Of all this
adulation, there was one whose homage
was more real. Marjorie's words had
proved prophetic.
For the first time in his thirty years,
Frank Ferrol was in love; first with the
voice and then with the woman. The
world shrugged it's shoulders somewhat
at this. After all, the girl was poor and
unknown, and he was a parti for whom
mothers and maidens alike had schemed
since his first coming of age.
It certainly was a most singular in
fatuation on his part, but it could not
mean more than Irritation.
But that it did mean more, none knew
better than Frank himself He was
fairly bewitched. And so, one day,
when he had found Marie alone in the
music room, in a few burning, passion
ate words, he told her the story of his
love, and asked her to be his wife.
She looked up then at him with lit
tie, mocking smile.
''You think you love me, Mr.. FerrolP"
she said. "For how long?"
''Ah, Marier' he answered, "once
loving you is to love always. Are you
so ignorant of your power?"
''Your sex are fckle," she replied.
care you unlike all the restP''
''f to be faithful is unlike-yes. I
love you! All, Marie, does my love
waken no answer in your heart, that
you stop thus to doubt and question:"
"My heart is deadr' she said, with
sudden gravity. Listen, Mr.. Ferrol.
You are good, and generous, and kind.
A few weeks ago, received from my
old music-teaeher an offer to go upon
the stage. L have accepted it. My en-
gagement begins in january, and binds
me for year. You see now why lean
not answer yes to your wooing."
Break this engagement, Marie! If
it is money forfeit win gladly meet
it, no matter what the amount! Dar-
ling, your voice is too sacred to be
heard because men pay for the privi-
lege." -,:4 --.s sss. ...s. 3
She smiled. Was the world all alike,
she wondered? s, .es....,... ..,..: ,.,-.
Il cannot break it, she said, after a
little pause. Il have given my word.
Once before L broke my pledge, but
met my punishment
ttWas the temptation greater than
that l offer you?" he@asked.
.sHushr' she commanded, gently
''Let us not talk of it. 1t is past. And
what is that line of the beautiful poem
was reading to the childrenp 'Letthe
dead past bury its dead.''
$50 be it, then, my darling. But the
future, Marie; have you no thought for
that-the future l prayed we might
share togetherp Listen, child! If, in
deed, you must do this thing-if you
must 90 on the stage for one year-let
me, at least, give you the shelter and
protection of my name!'
The girl hesitated. ..
. In two weeks she knew that Marjorie s
faascee would be here. How better
could she meet him than as the be-
throthed of another manp He would
never guess, then, the tears and kisses
which had fallen daily on the handsome,
pictured face which once had been
aye, which yet washer hearts idol.
81 do not love you, Mr.. Ferrol," she
whispered, in q low, moved whisper.
'.Nor will wear your proud old name
before the public; but if, at the end of a
year, you still care for the little French
girl to whom you have been so gener-
Gus, she will try and make you good
and faithful wife; and before then she
will have learned to love you as you de-
serve" '' ',-i5-.-
And with this promise alone, Frank
Ferrol was fain to be content.
But as the days slipped by, bringing
nearer and nearer that appointment for
Thornton Ellis coming, the girls heart
grew faint and trembled.
How could she meet himp Surely il
would be an unnecessary ordeal for
both. She must plead preparation for
her arrangements and leave before he
came.
But when she urged her departure
Marjorie was inexorable.
''You have forgotten the Christmas
concert" she said. mo one can take
your place. All, Marie, you will leave
US soon. You must not go now. Be-
sides, l want you to see and to know
Thornton"
So, fate was stronger than she, and
she could only pray for strength, and
sit with folded hands waiting for his
coming.
She was in her own room when she
heard Marjorie's glad cry of welcome,
and knew that her soldier lover had ar
rived. She did not go downstairs that
night, pleading headache-which In
deed was truth, poor child!-for she had
she'd her last tears over the grave of hel
dead hopes, until her eyes were swollen
grief and pain.
They still were too painful to permit
her next day to rise for breakfast, and
Marjorie, full of sympathy, brought
with her own hands the tray with the
cup of tea and delicately-cut toast upor
it, making her swallow both. All the
morning she lay quiet.
Late in the afternoon she rose, anC
stealing down into the music-room, idly
touched the keys, letting her voice breal
into q plaintive little air, when sudden
ly q shadow darkened the threshold. A
voice murmured her name. 1t was tn,
voice which once had been to her ear.
sweeter than the sweetest music. Sh.
sat still and composed; but her hands
were trembling, and the shadow hid thu
ashen pallor of her face.
| '.Marier' he said, and with one strid,
was beside her. "How came you herep'
The question restored her courage.
''You did not know was herep' sh,
answered. mo. But fear nothing;
have not betrayed YOU" t .u p -.
betrayed me! OF what are you talk
ingP For four months have not heart
from you single line.'' r
II wrote you when l was ordered OIL
special service. At any other time
should have received it as high mari
of favor, but tried my best to shirk it
since it meant leaving you. / told yo'
where to address me; begged you tt
write me by every mail. Not lette