The Labor enquirer., 1883-01-27

now reward you by making you my vile,
|! when I can continue your education on IN IN
Il definitely.
4 There was something very winning,
Il though, in Mr.. Clinton's deferential at
iEtentions to mamma. I could not but
4 think he displayed considerable STRAIT
egyn in this. "Get on the mothers side
\ is an old adage. But | often laughed to
myself, as / thought 1.-THE two plotters
little knew what / knew.
Frank Ghddon was becoming trouble
some, for I could scarcely make up my
! mind whether Loved him or not, and I
rather dreaded being alone with him.
His sisters too became desperately afec-
tionate; and I.was afraid that matters
were really getting to be serious.
| At this juncture mamma received a
letter communicating the loss of our little
all and it became evident that decided
measures must speedily be taken. Our
home would again be broken up; ''The
Vines,"' the scene of many pleasant
hours, pass into other hands; and I sat
and pondered over ways and means,
until a gigantic scheme OF self-sacrifce
presented itself
"For myself" said dear mamma, with
her usual unselfshness, II do not care,
but I feel sorry, dear child, that, at some
future day, you will have to 60 penniless
to the man you love-" :.
I knew she was thinking of Mr.. Clin-
ton and I resolved, more determinedIy
than at first, to sacrifice myself. be-
came more attentive, and less fighty in
my manner toward Mr. Clinton and her,
was evidently gratifed at the change,
Mr.. Clinton was not bit lover-like, i
however Helectured and advised me
rather more than ever; and evidently
regarded me from such an immense
height, that I wondered how in the
world I should ever get on with him,
after I had married him, and what he
expected me to call him. ! could almost
fancy him saying, MADAM, my first wife
was Percy, and would not have dared
to take such liberty!"
/ l sighed considerably over Frank Gid
don; for l had discovered that, if | did
not "feel it to be my duty" TO marry Mr..
Clinton, should certainly love him.
But dear mamma liked all beautiful and
luxurious things, and | could place her
in just such home as she was fitted for.
Frank had never told me that he loved
me, except with his eyes; and he was
only young lawyer, who, could not give
mamma the luxury coveted for her.
So, adjusted my dress, on that event
full evening, with the calmness that reso-
luton invariably gives; for Mr.. Clinton
had whispered to me, in the afternoon,
that he had something to say to me
|alone-would I see him? I had given
him my promise and although I knew
that Frank Gliddon sat alone and dismal
in his bark-the Fairy Queen-my mind
was made up, and I descended to my
fate.
Iencountered mamma on the stairs,
who hesitated when she saw me per-
haps she trembled for my happiness, for
she must have read a stern resolve in nv
eye; and whispered timdly, as she
pressed my hand:
"Try not to hurt Mr.. Clinton's feelings.
darling, even if you are surprised at his
communication. Do not let HIM see any,
thing that will annoy him, for he is very
sensitive and remember, Laura that I
have endeavored to consult your true
interests"
Il know you have, dear mamma,"I re-
piled, with a kiss; ''but never fear that
you will have any trouble from me-my
only desire is to see you happy"
Mammals face was fairly illuminated
as she passed me, and with the con-
sclousness that I had great deal in nv
power entered the parlor, where Mr..
Clinton was waiting for me.
Of course did not expect him to 90
down on his knees, as that would not
have been at all in character; but I was
not quite prepared for the benignant,
tatherl y style Of address with which Mr. /
Clinton greeted me-.
/, NY uear onllu' SAID ne, taking my
hand with a very composed sort of af-
fection, Il suppose that your mother has
prepared YOU"
Mamma has told me NOTHING - T ov