The Delaware ledger. (Newark, Del.) 1879-19??, 1883-11-24

cried Mrs. Langmore, sinking into a
chair; "and living in such place as Cray
land Towers, too. No wonder, indeed.
we were taken in by him; and then
to find out that he is actually ruined :"
"And what is more to you, Pm ru-
ined, too," growled Mr.. Langmore,
plunging his hands frantically into his
trousers' pockets. "Why ma'am are
you aware what you have spent enter
tanning himp"
''Don't put it on me-" cried the wife;
81 never invited him, and that you
know"
''No; and you never wanted to marry
him to one of your daughters either, l
suppose, " sneered the husband.
"We wouldn't have had him." cried
the girls Indignantly. "The ideal''
"Sour grapes" snarled Mr.. Lang
more, mallciously.
"Fancy the bailiffs in possession of
Crayland Towers" sighed Mrs. Lang
more. "And 1 really did think one of
you would have it,
sits horrid place." said Rose,
"gloomy and full of ghosts; but must
say Mr.. Raby has behaved very badly" "
elias he lost everytlling2"aske Effie,
the color coming and going in her face
It's he very poor now2"
They all looked up at her in surprise.
She never, as rule, ventured to speak
till she was spoken to.
eyes, Miss Impudence, was the re-
ply. she hasn't a brass farthing left.
and the worst of it is, they say he has
defrauded his creditors"
81 am so sorry-so sorry" said Efie,
gently. Poor Mr.. Rabyl" and she
crept away, her eyes filled with tears.
Three weeks later Effie was sitting
upon the green, shady banks of the
pool thinking of Mr.. Raby.
Presently another face mingled with
her own upon the surface of the water.
She uttered glad cry, and in another
moment she was clasped by two strong
arms.
"Efliel my little Effiel haye you for.
gotten what boon you told me you
would ask the fairies if you might have
your choiceP" Mr.. Raby asked, tenderly
looking down into her changing face
"Yesl ! remember" she whispered
gently.
"Would you ask it still, Efie?"
"Yes, still-ever-always."
"Even though your lover were poor
Efle, very poor?"
And her lips framed Eyes"
He stopped to hear it, and her sof
breath upon his cheek answered him
''Effie, my child, my darling, yol
have your wish. The fairies have an
swered you. l love you, little Efiie
viii you come to me2 VIII you be my
little wife, and love and comfort m,
always ?"
Across her face there spread hall
which he never forgot, and without ;
word of promise she nestled like tireC
child into the arms he had opened t,
receive her. He went with her back t,
the house and saw Mr.. Langmore, whit
heard him scornfully, and with laugh
ter said
1T was one beggar asking for anoth
er, but if the girl had a mind to MARI,
he'd no objection it would save hin
something. When would he like t.
take herp"
There was lurking light of mischie
in Mr.. Raby's eyes, but he answered
demurely.
| "He must strive to prepare a little lit
tie home, first of course; about Christ
mas he hoped to be able to claim her.
Efie's engagement was now the con
stant joke; commented upon with man,
a taunt and jest, as they struck it like
shuttlecoek from one to the other; bu
Efiie had glad warm joy that filled he
pure young heart, and no unkindnes
would harm her. The arrows Of malic
glanced aside. The roses bloomed il
her cheeks, and a new born radianc
filled her eyes.
1t was Christmas morn when the
were married in the little church t
which Effie had stolen away alone, Sun
day after Sunday, whenever opportunit
offered.
No one went with her to the wedding
Her lover waited by the garden-gate t
lead her over the slippery ground, an
she walked with happy bushes by hi
side.
She had bid good, bye to all, but non
had prayed God to bless her. She ha
done her best to make her shabb
clothes look better, but King Cophetua'
bride could have been more poorly clad
The ceremony over they went to tn
hotel and had simple repast. The
he took her hands IN his, looked into he
eyes and asked:
''Efiie, do you know what faith is?
SIT is to believe in what you do not
understand, is it not, dearp" she quietl
answered.
"Yes, darling. And if 1 asked 80
to do something which you could nc
understand, and regarded as a strang
and unheard of request, would you hav
faith enough in me to follow out m
wishes without word of question
Could you trust me entirely and blindl
Efiie?"
Eyes, dear, " she said, sweet conf
ding smile upon her lips.
''Then come here, my WIFE"
She drew yet nearer to him, and h
} took from his pocket a folded handkel
chief, with which he bandaged her eyes
He saw that her lips still smiled, and h
stopped to kiss them. He led her b
the hand, and she felt that she was hal