Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1882-08-03

1 @e~NS
such o god.send. ID won't be any
trouble for dear old Elsie to cook for
one more, and that big empty room that
looks out on the chimneys of Deacon
woode-we will never use that room
Annie. And only think-ten dollars a
week! 1t will tide us through the winter
so comfortably"
And so it came to pass that Mr..
Meredith Alwyn took possession of the
room in the Field sisters cottage that
looked out ON the chimneys and tur-
rets and towers of Deaconwoode-
took possession as their boarder, and
gave his name as Curtis, and in course
of time very naturally came to be on
the most excellent terms with them.
One day Miss Field, in a particularly
confidential mood, told him all about
the romance of their lives; how until
about so lately they had lived their
life of elegance and ease at Deaconwoode,
and how the prospect of their future
had faded as completely and suddenly
as beautiful dream.
"Whoever this usurping heir is he
must be double-dyed rascal-selfish to
the hearts core-to have defrauded you
So"
Mr.. Curtis seemed remarkably en-
phatic in his depunciations.
ooh, would not think that" Miss
Field said, in her gentle, womanly way,
'because he certainly had right to it,
and dare say he was delighted at his
good fortune, and surely he ought to
enjoy it."
81 don't know about that, Miss Field,
think it simply inhuman for any mau
to turn Two delicately-bred women out
of their home of elegance and ease, as
this villain has turned you out. PET
haps he did not know, but he should
have been told, and he certainly should
at least have divided"
Miss Field smiled.
"But people are not often so gene
rous, Mr.. Curtis. Yes, for Marian's s
sake it would be pleasant; but / don't
know. The discipline of adversely and
the necessity for effort are making a
grand woman of her, while must con-
fess rather shrink in distaste."
An hour or so later he and Marian
went out for little stroll they had
fallen into that habit lately.
1--WE were talking about Deacon
woode and that detestable cousin of
yours-Miss Field and I. Do you know
we both agree that it is piece of sell
ishness that he doesn't divide with you
under such peculiar circumstances"
Marian laughed.
"That's nonsense, Mr.. Curtis, and l
shall not allow you and Annie to discuss
such incendiary topics. Divide? OF
course not--do you think I'd accept
charity at the hands of Meredith Alwynp
Deaconwoode is lawfully his-let him
keep it-dearly as love it, every stone,
every tree, every room, every picture"
Her impetuous young voice thrilled
out, brave, almost defiant, as they
walked along in the gathering dusk.
Then he suddenly called her name
in tone that instantly brought flush
to her cheek.
"Marian!"
"It was the first time he had omitted
the formality of the prefacing title.
"Yes?'
ST am jealous of Deaconwoode be-
cause you love 1t so, and I want you to
love mel Marian, my darling, tell me If
you can't you do! Marian, sweet, I
love you so If you will let meP'
1t did not need more than one look
into her eyes to read his answer.
"I-cannot help it-can I2" she said.
slyly. and then, on the quiet suburban
road, in the gloom of the early night.
fall, he took her in his arms and kissed
her over and over again.
'And now." he said, as she nestled
on his arm and they turned their steps
homeward. "about this Deaconwoode
affair. You, Of course, have no objec.
ton to going back there? You have sc
imperiously declared you will not &C.
cept your cousin Meredith Alwyn's
charity that there remains only one
more course open. That is to ask you
to resume your sweet sway there as
rightful owner, and-Meredith Curtis
Alwyn's wife-my own little blue-eyed
darling. 1t is yes, again. Because yor
know you cannot help yourself, mol
will you want to if you love me, little
Cousin Marian, little wife Marianl''
And that was the way they went bacl
home.
| Odd Delivery of Letters.