The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1883-10-20

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ino-vesseis, glistening like pearls
against the clear blue sky.
Mrs. Frazer's house was large man
sion of gray stone, situated on the
slope of a hill. The big geranium
beds in front were all aAame with red
blossoms the close-shaven lawn
seemed soft as velvet to the feet.
| There were trees in abundance, yet not
so many as to give an air of gloom and
seclusion- everything looked bright
and CHEEKY and smiling, like the mis-
tress of the place. As she came out
with the fair Young bride, a murmur
OF admiration broke from the little
party. zoe,
Don't Helen LUX like an angelo"
1T was Mrs. Frazer gied her the
Draw white gown an veil, and real
lady she luiks in it. ="
"Ah, fine feathers aye make fine
birds" said one envious little mink.
but Helen was a general favorite, and
the Young damsers spiteful fling was
received with decided disapprobation.
As Robin advanced to greet his
bride, Mrs Frazer fixed a kind but
searching glance upon him. lie was a
handsome fellow, tall, well-shaped,
with complexion naturally fair, but
much embrowned by the sun. The
first impression of him was certainly
favorable, yet keen scrutiny of his
face left vague feeling of uneasiness
in your mind, you scarcely knew why.
But he looked very kind and love-like,
and proud of his young bride as he took
her on his arm, and Mrs. Frazer felt
somewhat treasured.
"Robin, | hope you will make this
girl of mine as happy as she deserves
to be. you are notreal good to her, l
shall take her back to live with me. "
She spoke playfully, yet with feeling
in her voice.
81 keen weel I'm not worthy of. her,
ma am. but I'll try my best to make
her happy" said Robin, and Helen an
swered his look with one of tender
trust. The vague shadow that had OPP
pressed her spirits that morning seemed
suddenly lifted.
Come, darling, it's time to start, "
murmured Robin, and the little bridal
procession set forth They were a
pretty sight. rs they wended their way
over the sloping lawn, and down
through the broad avenue of trees to the
gate. Just across the street stood the
little stone church-and the fragrance
of the flowers Mrs. Frazer had sent in
early that morning greeted'the little
party as they entered the door.
''Well. | must confess | never saw
prettier bride!" said Mrs. FraZer's
sister. ''And the groom seems a fine,
manly young fellow, doesn't hep
81 do hope he will make her happy"
said Mrs. Frazer, with tears in herkind
eyes. 'Hush! the service is begin
ming"
A lovely summer evening, four years
after. At the door of Robins pretty
cottage sits Helen, her knitting in her
hand. The neat little table is spread
within and Helen is only waiting now
for the kettle to boil. Davie Stewart,
bright-eyed laddie of two years, is
frisking around his parents like squir-
rel. Their eyes follow him fondly and
and Helen says, laying her hand on her
husbands arm,
"Just to think it was four years to-
day we were married, Robin!"
'It don't seem possible"' said Robin,
musingly. "Weel, we've been very
happy, Helen, sac far?''
Something wistful and appealing in
the look he turned on her touched
Helen, while she could not understand
it. She laid her head on his shoulderas
she answered,
eyes, Robin, we've been very happy,
and there's nae reason we shouldna be
sac a the rest of our days, if we only
love and trust each ither, as we ought,
in il<a thingn'
There was something appealing in
her voice now, but Robins eyes were
turned away, and he only answered her
by cncircling her waist with his arm.
Robin" said Helen breaking the
silence, eye never tauld me why you
left the great city, lang syne, and came
to this little place sac far away?"
Again that uneasy hunted look came
into Robins eyes-he hesitated mo-
ment, and then said in would-be indif-
ferent voice:
'Whiles there's mair chance for a
friendless lad in sma' place like this
than in the great city And my father
was dead and my mither thought it
best to come ava, and sae-but isna
that the baby cryin', Hinny?"
"Ah, the lassier' said Helen, rising
with a smile. Its time she was waul<
ing, for she's slept nearly the hall at
ternoon. 1t IL be the heat that's making
her sac sleepy. I'll bring her DOT to
you, while | max the tea. :"
Here my young leddyr' she said,
appearing proudly with her fair six
months baby in her arms. Take her.
ROBIN, lad, while / -"
She stopped short as her quick eve
caught sight of man advancing to-
ward them. Robin looked up and sat
as if turned to stone.
''Why, Robin, man, don't YOU know
meP'' said the stranger, Selling his
hand and shaking it violently. Don't
you remember Dick Brocklewortho
Robin, who was on his legs by this
time, managed to stammer out a few
words of greeting, but had evidently
received too severe shock to recover
at once. His face was deathlv pale.
and he trembled from head to foot,
Helen 5 eye went from him to the stran-
ger with feelingof horror. The new
conner was man of about thirty-six or
| seven His clotba- vray, &c ,,,,,..,..