The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1884-01-09

sombreness, as she stood by my side.
Bereavement and harassing cares
had set his mark on brow and lips,
though she held her head still proud
| ly, and her eyes looked inte mine
unmisted.
III had loved her in the midst OF
her happiness and light heartedness,
how much more | loved her now,
penniless. with a faint shadow OF
dishonor on her name, forsaken by
the crowds ofsummer day friends
| She looked into my face, for my
tongue was tied, and then bent her
head and kissed my hand.
MY DEAR said, my dear
The only safe thing for me to do
was to go to the window, and / went.
Presently she followed me, and, hav-
ing myself as thoroughly in hand as
an old fighter should by this time, l
sat down beside her, and we had a
long, serious talk.
The long rays OF sunlight paled
from grange to amber, and gradual
ly faded into the gray of dusk, and
as vet we had not spoken of the fu-
ture. Josepha had her fathers own
pride and strength of will, and my
| heart failed me as | mentally mar
shalled my forces and prepared to
advance. First, | meant that she
should come home with me.
Josepha, l began, this is nc
place for you; and then ! called
myself an old blunderer. who de-
served to be well kicked for his un-
alterable stupidity.
No, it is my home, my dear old
home, no longer. l have looked
over the papers which are in this
book enough to see plainly that the
place will not be sufficient to satisfy
the demands of the creditors. Let
me know as soon as you can the full
amount of the deficit; | have thought
! it all out. No, dear Major, cannot
be eontented to remain idly at Deer,
wood, kindly as you mean the offer,
while my fathers debts remain un-
paid. All, | am afraid you are ap-
gry. but indeed, indeed, | cannot,
Major
She was rock to arguments and
persuasions. She was her father
own daughter. After all, her spirit
and determination demanded adni-
ration. | gave it grudgingly enough,
feeling as if | would enjoy scolding
her soundly and then kissing her.
took the box, and chose to leave
her with the impression that l disap.
proved totally of herself and her de.
examinations.
sat down to hard work over the
papers. and when morning dawned
/ could talk definitely about the
state of affairs.
Well, they were in a bad way,
indeed. | made no effort to mince
things to Josepha, who had made
me an early call. She gave a little
gasp, turned her back on me, and
walked straight t5'the window.
1t was a beastly morning ; couldn't
have been nastier. The rain fell
drizzle, drizzle, drizzle. She could
see the gray shaft which marked her
fathers grave. 1t was dreadful. The
clock ticked on and on.
Josepha,' anything to break this
stormy silence.)
No reply.
You are not legally bound to pay
these debts. All the law can do is to
claim the estate
Perhaps she heard. She turned
her head triile.
4 do wish you would be more like
people. Here, | am with more mon
ev than | can use. Borrow of me.
Your false notions will benefit no
body, and as for your pride, | call it
foolishness. At any rate, stay here
in Deerwood | will go away will
lingly if it will be pleasanter in any
way for you. Let me, as your faith
er's old friend, advise YOU
She came to my chair, and put
her hand on my shoulder.
Did l rate your friendship (and
it is very, very dear to me- above
the duty | owe to the dead and my
conscience, should prove unworthy
of it. Risking the loss of your re-
gard, Major, | must still adhere to
my course.
She scratched off two advertise
ments. handing them to me as she
rose. Wanted Position as gov
erness.' and For Sale-Hamilton
Place, were the headings. | did my
best to obtain her consent to tearing
up the first, but all she would say
was
Do not urge me-
How like she was to Oswald, with
that square jaw, that clear, firm tone,
and imperious pose.
And so, perhaps because of the
reminder, gainsaid her no longer
Governess she shonld be if she wish
ad, and Josepha went home pleased
as any headstrong girl who has her
way.
In pursuance of a plan to head
her off sent telegram to Reg. The
idea of her not loving such fine,
manly, true hearted fellow, the best
man ever inside a lieutenant's uni
form. He had only to ask to wed
anywhere. He came as soon as he
could get leave. They were off in a
fortnight.
| told him of Josepha's resolves.
There is one power that will stop
her.
And that, uncle?'
Love Profound sigh from Reg,
but no disposition to open his
Do you try your luck again Re-
member the old rule about two neg
atives. | have observed the young
woman pretty closely, and | think
you will succeed. Tell her that in
case she consents to make us the
happiest of men you are to give up
your commission and come into my
firm at once. Pshaw, boy! Don't
look so dazed. l have intended it
all along; only taking time by the
forelock, you know. There, you
young bear. Would you hug me to