The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1883-12-26

VI 5oS III uOlut CDIuiuS, Oh u DlTtuudy
kept now and then, of house, shin
ing and garnished for a Christina;
feast, where friends and neighbor:
shall be called in, and the peace anC
good will made sweeter and more
precious than any gold! If | were
rich, l should have it SOP ended
with tumult of vain longing and
passionate despair, turning to my
book again.
Come here said Mr.. Travers
pointing to the stool upon which his
feet had rested before he transferred
them to the fender. Child, answer
me truly; are you not grieving for
an old lover? | heard something
from Mrs. Wilburton that an
aunt
Chose me a husband and i
laughed scornfully. There was but
one fortune, and she wanted it to
answer for both so she asked him
to marry me. 1t was year ago to,
night
And you
Refused to be bartered away, that
was all
| did not sit down but stood there
defantly, knowing there was a scar
let flush upon each cheek, and that
my brown eyes were flashing, yet |
was in no coquettish mood. l should
as soon nave thought OF trying to
charm the old housekeeper.
A brave lover, trulyl Child, /
am not sure but tina. | can bestow
some of that much coveted happi-
ness upon you. You are poor, and
a woman; you cannot go In search
of it as men do. Will you marry
me? | am old enough to be your
grandfather, and perhaps, no angel
III temper, but can appreciate your
pretty. delicate ways. AS my wife
you will have many luxuries, and
you have my promise not to be a
hard master. Do your duty faith
fully by me for few years, and
then you will be your own mistress
with wealth enough TO give you all
you desire Come, will you do this
and give me this little hand in
return
| was struck dumb with astonish-
ment. During the four months
that | had been here, not one look
or word could have given me the
impression that Mr.. Travers thought
Of me in any other light than that o
a paid servant.
A tap on the door arous
ed US both =; it was Mrs. Wilbur
ton.
Here is the evening mail, sir
Jasper went over to Wormley, and
was detained. VIII you have some
tea brought in p she asked.
Yes, take care of the papers, Miss
Delphv, and hand me my glasses
Mrs. Wilburton, will you take Mis-:
Delphy over to church, presently
end let her hear the carols {? She stay.
In doors 100 uiuCH.
The good woman glanced at NJ,
wonderingly, and assented. bidding
me roll out the table and put on th'
cloth, while she went for the tea.
1 1. Stay, Mrs. Wilburtonl and h
. detained her with a wave of tn
hand. How is this Pa letter de
layed, and a guest coming to keel
Christmas VIII you have a fir
lighted in spare room immediate
lv? And we should have sent t
meet the train. All! that must b
nv friend. Bring him in here
Miss Delphy, exert yourself to tid'
the room. Put away the books an'
, stir up the fire.
hurried through with the former
and was at the latter when a firm
2 manly tread sounded in the room
: and then a confusion of greetings.
+; Pardon my negligence, Vernon
but this letter, which should hav
| reached me yesterday, has Just come
) You are none tie less welcome, how
ever; but you would have beel
spared the tramp from the station
. Which l enjoyed exceedingly, s.
give yourself no uneasiness. | an
glad to find you so well. Have yor
not taken new lease of life?'
, Il was thinking of it, just as you
letter came. A creaking gate. yo'
know And Mr.. Travers gave pc
culiar little laugh. Miss DELPHI,
, Vernon-Mr. Mollineaux.
II have met Miss Delphy before
! | did not know" and he glance'
, curiously at me. How did yo,
come here ? Pardon me, but"
Il wanted some one who coulc
read decently, add up a column o
figures, write letter, and NOV
without disturbing the whole house
hold. My housekeeper recommend
ed this young woman, who was ou
of employment. Is there anything
unorthodox ? Has she run away
and are her friends offering large re
wards ?"
"My having met Miss Delphy be
fore Is unfortunate if it shuld lead t.
r any such misrepresentation" he an
swered quietly.
Mrs. Wilburton brought in tn
tea.
will you wait upon the table
Pauline ?" she said. Josephine ha
gone to her sisters, so | must lool
, after the room"
"And see if you cannot fine
something more substantial for I
weary traveller. | always take my
tea here of an evening. 1t is hare
work to get about"
"And it is really delightful will
this beautiful fire. | have seer
nothing so home-like for a long while
What are you going away 70
Vernon ?" Mr.. Travers asked in hi
abrupt fashion.
81? Oh, love of change, l sup
pose" with a short, forced laugh.
"But l thought you had determin
ed to settle down and be happy
which savored of marriage to me
A fine old estate, too Vernon, yol
have not learned wisdom yet. o
did your old relative saddle tn
property with some unreasonabl
request ?"
ut certainly was right that tn