The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1884-06-26
FOR HONOR'S SAKE.

''Well, father, what is it?" said
Hugh Fortescue, as he shut the door
behind him, and waited to know why
the general had sent for him.
''Only this-that if you want to save
the Hall from being sold, you must set
about fulfilling the family compact at
once"
The young mans handsome face
clouded, for the family compact was
that he should marry his cousin, Marian
Chesterfield, and win the broad lands
of the Chesterfield estate by the match.
Now somebody had played him an un-
pleasant trick last Valentines Day, and
sent him the photograph of "a short,
stumpy girl with homely features, un-
der which was written, "Your future
wife" He had thrown it Indignantly
into the fire, and persistently refu sed
all invitations to meet his young cous-
in. The idea of marrying her for her
money was utterly distasteful to him.
and there was no chance of marrying
her for love with such an ugly face as
that.
Il always looked upon that compact
as fudge he said, after pause.
Then let me tell you that you are
very much mistaken. You are bound
in honor to marry the girl, and if she
were a pauper instead of an heiress it
would not free you from the obligation.
She is staying with Lady Mornington,
who gave you general invitation for
September, SO you can run down there
tomorrow and settle it at once. Half
my creditors would be content to wait,
if they thought you were sure Of this
Chesterfield girl. "
Thus adjured, Hugh had nothing to
do but consent, and few days after
ward saw him at The Chase, Lady
Mornington's place. and he was i'll
formed that Miss Chesterfield and Miss
Wyndham were in the garden. He
made his way across the lawn, and
found that two girls were sitting in
low chairs under Il willow.
Directly they caught sight of him
they got up from their seats and ad-
vanced to meet him. In the one who
was nearest TO him he recognized the
original OF the photo, and his heart
went down into his boots; the other
held back, as if overcome with shyness,
and dropped her sunny head, as if
afraid TO meet his eye.
'.How dye do, Marian?" said Hugh,
shaking hands with the first.
She looked rather taken aback, as if
she had not expected to be addressed
by her Christian name, then turning in
hurry to her companion.
Captain Fortescue, let me introduce
you to my dearest friend, May
Hugh bowed low, while the girl shy
ly extended a small white hand, her
long lashes resting on her cheek. He
involuntarily gave it q tender squeeze,
for she looked so bewitchingly pretty
that he could not help it, and the blue
eyes looked for one moment into his.
They dazzled him as no woman's had
ever dazzled him before, and Marian
watched him with a twinkle in her own.
Then she invited him to sit down and
have cup of tea after his dusty journ-
ey. and they were soon chatting ami
cably round the little tea-table on the
lawn.
Hugh addressed his conversation to
Marian, as in duty bound, telling her
all about his life in Canada, and the
loneliness of his home at the Hall since
his mothers death.
''How l should like to see itr' said
Marian, as she filled up his cup; 81 am
so fond of an old place like that"
''Won't you come over some day and
make my fathers acquaintance? Per-
! haps Miss-Miss, stammering, for the
name of Wyndham had slipped out Of
his head.
"Call her May" said Marian, with q
mischevious smile; ''we are all cousins
here"
'.May I?'' said Hugh, getting rather
red, but subduing his inward astonish.
ment.
Certainly, if you wish it. l mean to
call you Hugh;" and the girl smiled
and blushed.
When the moon was shining they
wandered about the strawberries after
dinner, and Hugh, who had fallen in
love for the first time in his life, walked
as if in a dream under the silent trees
Half beside himself with dismay he
determined to make his offer that night
and leave the first thing on the morrow,
If it had to be done, it must be done n
once, or else he might be laying hi.
impoverished self at Mays feet instead
of Marian's, and stealing kiss from
her lovely lips. He chose his momen
when they had fingered behind, anc
STOPPING his head very low, said, hur
riedly:
marian, will you tell me if it il
Yes or Mop"
She lifted her head in great surprise
then, as if sudden thought crossed
her mind, whispered, ASK May
and taking to her heels ran lightly
dawn the path.
Hugh, utterly taken aback, stooC
still, watching her disappear with th'
utmost perplexity, while May CAM
slowly toward him with the moonligh
shining on her golden hair.
"Where is MarianP" she asked, il
surprise.
"Flown!-telling me to get an answe
from you"
What answer?" turning her hea'
away.
"Marian must have told you, speak
ing very hurriedly. ''ls it to be Yes
or Mop"
She dropped her handkerchief, an
stopped to pick it up.
Wouldn't it be better to waltz" sh
said, shyly.
"WaitP What for? l must get
over tonight; 1 am going away tc
morrow.
Oh, Heaven, how lovely she locke
as she raised her eyes for one momen
to his!
.Why are you goingP"
because / am afraid to STAY" hi
pulses uuickening. '.May, can't yo
guessP l love you already, and sha
90 mad if stay. 3"
She sat down on a bench under
syringa, her limbs trembling SO ths
sbe could not stand, -.s@ g. .----e,s