The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1884-03-19


dusk. And so deeply was the young
philanthropist interested in the cultiva-
tion of her pupils mind that it did not
occur to her that he had heart as well,
and that constant association with one
so attractive as herself was rather dan
gerous TO its peace.
But she was rudely awakened one day
to the truth. She was sitting alone,
some fancy-work in her hands, and had
just glanced at the clock to see how
soon she might expect her pupil, when
the door opened, without the ceremony
of a knock, and young girl entered.
Theresa recognized her at once. 1t
was the owner of the black eyes which
had flashed so Indignantly that evening
in the school-house.
She rose at once.
"Have you called to see Mrs. Dunn 2"
she asked. /" She is in the kitchen"
No, l haven't called to see Mrs
Dunn, answered the girl, insolently, as
she seated herself in a chair near the fire.
" I've called to see you, and amt goin'
ter leave till I've told you what l think
of you, neither"
Theresa remained silent, too much sur
prised at this attack to utter a word.
81 suppose you don't know who / am,
continued the girl. ''Well, Pm Matte
Collins; and now, l reckon, you under
stand what am here for, don't you?"
"No, l do not" answered Theresa,
quietly.
"Well, if you don't, you oughter
There's some as might be afcared O. you,
with your fine ways an your harnsome
clothes, but thar amt no fearedness
about me- 1 won't sit by an see my
feller took away from me 'thout sayin'
suthin'. I've stood your COINS on for
four weeks now, an l amt a-goin' ter
stand 'em any longer-so therem
81 don't know what you are talking
about" said Theresa, moving toward
the door which led into her bedroom,
'and don't care to stay to hear the ex-
planation."
Matte Collinss face grew crimson
She sprang before Theresa and put her
back against the bedroom door.
"You will stay, though" ," she said. 81
mean you to hear every word l came ter
say. So you'd better make your mind
up to it. don't stand no foolin', an |
told Sam Cosgrove yestiddy that / meant
ter have it out with you, though l amt
so sure as George Felton's wuth so much
talk. But"
She was interrupted by the opening of
the door, and the entrance of George
FELTON,, whose face changed perceptibly
as he saw the relative positions of the
two women.
Theresa moved toward him at once.
"Mr. Felton," she said, 81 must ask
your protection against this woman. l
think she must be insane
"Insane" repeated Matte, with
harsh laugh. "George'll soon put you
out o. thet notion. Why don't you
speak up, George, an tell her you've
been promised ter me these two years
back. Not that l don't believe she's
knowed it all along, though. But there's
some women as can't rest quiet when an
other girls got beau"
George FELTON, had grown deadly pale
during this TRADE. He scarcely waited
its conclusion before he advanced to
Mattie's side and laid his hand heavily on
her shoulder.
"Gop he said, in voice smothered
with rage" 60 at oncew
Matte covered under the fierce glare
of his wrathful eyes, but she did not
move.
"You want ter be alone with her. |
suppose ~ she said, throwing disdaln-
full glance in Theresa's direction. You
want to have some more fool talk over
them books. But don't go till Pve had
my say out. won't sit by an see her
a-ropin of you in this ere way. She's
fine lady, she is, ter"
Not another word" interrupted
George, fairly livid with passion, and in
spite of her violent efforts to release her
self from his grasp, he succeeded in get
ting her out of the room and closing the
door upon her.
She stood for moment on the step,
as if debating whether she had better
renew the attack; but finally walked OIL
down the road, much to the relief OF
FELTON,, who was watching her from the
window.
Theresa had sunk upon a chair ano
covered her face with her hands. She
was sobbing from modification and ner
vous terror. Never before had she beer
so grossly insulted
George FELTON, gazed at her in silence
an instant; the next he was on his knees
by her side, his arms about her, hi
breath on her cheek
"Theresa! Theresa" he whispered, IL
voice shaken with passion. "Oh, m!
darling! my darlingW
She started from him as if electrified
a CHASTITY pallor creeping over her face,
strange look of horror in her eyes.
"No, mop she cried, in voice of tn
keenest pain. "Oh, Mr.. FELTON,, hoy
could you think-how did you dare t.
think"
: "Of loving you, suppose you woult
say" he interrupted, bitterly. "Well
it is strange thing for me to do,
know. But / loved you fIom the tirs
hour met you, think.
"And-and you were engaged to tina
girl2" gasped Theresa. "Hou are en-
, | rraoaH fO har nOvJ -