Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1884-01-16


room Her small white hands were
clasped upon her bosom, and her eyes
were cast downward until the long lashes
lay like golden pencilings upon her
cheek. Near her, in his great arm chair,
sat Mr.. Meredith, with the SHOWS OF
many winters on his head and his face
deeply furrowed by the hand of time.
There was an expression of care upon
his countenance. He looked troubled
and unhappy.
"Mary, >" said he continuinga ccnver-
sation that had been going on between
them, call my life / have made your
happiness my constant study and have
given YOU q luxurious home. Now you
are advancing in years, and shall ere
long be separated from you by death.
How can ] leave you alone In this cold
world? A home is now open to you,
and you must accept it. 1t is not be-
cause [ owe this man very large sum
that insist upon this marriage, although
if YOU refuse him we will be sunk into
the most abJect poverty, for L would
rather endure all the misery OF the stu
alton than risk your well-being; but L
know you vii. be happy with Mr.. Am
brose for husband He is good and
kind, as we'll as very rich.
erich in what, father?"
The old man started at these words,
but at length answered:
"In honor and manhood. Mary said
no more. 'sThe crisis is now upon
me-" continued Mr.. Meredith. sin a
| few short hours / shall be overwhelmed
with misery if you do not rescue
me. Mr.. Ambrose has asked me for
your hand. He has seen you many
times and loves you"
"And Mr.. Ambrose makes my hand
the price of your safety?
"No, he has not said so; but he is
aware of my situation, and asks the
hand of my child. It seems to me as if
God had kept you free to save your
! father from ruin. What answer am /
| to return TO Mr.. Ambrose p
"My heart was broken long ago, :"
Mary answered, looking into her father
face. 81 will marry this man for your
| sake, but he must not expect affection,
for / have none to give. Tell him this
that he may not be deceived"
81 will bring him here tomorrow
evening, for he's anxious that the inter
view shall be over"
Mr.. Meredith was relieved; the fear
| of disgrace was removed from him, and
| he rejoiced In the prospect of a prosper
Gus marriage for his daughter.
On the following evening Mary again
sat by the drawing room fire. She was
alone now and calm, and her face was as
pale as Parian marble. The outer door
opened and she heard the sound of
! heavy footsteps In the hall. Once more
the image of Felix rose before her; q
cold shiver passed over her and unbid
den tears trembled in her eyes, but by
a great effort she subdued her agitation
before her father and the man about to
buy her with his gold entered the draw
ing-room. Mary arose and extended
her hand; it was cold as ice, but did
not trembIe. She glanced at Mr.. Am
brose and saw a man of medium height
with brilliant dark eyes; a neatly trim
med beard concealed the lower part of
his yisage. He greeted her politely and
took seat. A short time was spent in
conversation, but gradually silence
| fell upon them which was becoming op-
pressive when the visitor broke the
spell.
" Miss Meredith" he said in soft,
low tone, "you are of course aware of
the object of my visit here? Pardon
me if Ispeak plainly"
Mary looked up, but made no reply.
Mr.. Ambrose's voice was so kind and
gentle that she thought he deserved a
wife who could love him.
Your father has told me you have
no love to give me. I, too, once thought
Il CHI S-.Iok
of you has dispelled the illusion. Let
me tell you my story. Long years ago
[ loved beautiful young girl, and she
returned my affection. I was young
then, and did not dream that fate could
crush out my souls dearest hope. That
fair girl was my all, my very life, and l
had not thought of the future separat-
ed from her. Her father was wealthy
merchant and his poor clerk. When I
told him loved his daughter he spurn-
ed me from his door and ordered me
never to enter it again. Oh, who beside
myself can ever know the utter mid
night Of my blasted hopes Crushed
and broken I fed in my despair. In the
whirl and excitement of business [
stroVe to forget my sorrows. Fortune
singled me out as her especial favorite.
My widest speculations were successful
and money accumulated as if by magic.
Thus eleven years passed. I returned
to the scene of my unhappiness and saw
you. Need say that all the old love
surged up in my heart again !? Once
more l asked the old merchant for his
daughter" the speakers lips trembled;
he extended his arms as he continued
and he consents at last. Oh, Mary
will you now be mine ?"
Mary cast herself into her suitors
outstretched arms. After all these
years of misery Felix was restored to
her
"Felix Traford!" gasped the old man
as he started to his feet. Felix Traf-
ford, my old clerk!'
Yes, sir; the same. Do you retract
your promise % 1
"No, Felix, no. Take my Mary and
forgive her father" ~
The happy sutton led Mary away to a
seat and sat beside her with his arm still
encircling her, as if he feared he might
lose her again.
"Let US, he said, " forget all the
most b41% 1+O iovc onJ Loeb RI tho f,7%,,7.o