Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1885-01-22
MILLHEIM, PA. THURSDAY, JANUARY 22 1885,


ested her guardian. One evening he
playfully rallied her on her application
to sundry big volumes In the library.
~ shall be accused OF transforming
a merry and bewitching young lady in
to a blue-stocking disciple of my
own dry-as.dust pursuits" he said !;
"some one soma day may have special
cause to blame Inc, fear"
A sudden blush was on the maiden's
cheeks, and her glance fell. It was
impossible that she should misinterpret
Bernard's meaning.
"There is Oswald Harbury to think
of, )" Oliye's guardian was daring O.
nough to add.
Two shining eyes were momentarily
uplifted. Was the flash they gave one
of indignation. Of scorn, or merely of
confusion at betrayed secret ? Ber-
nard could not guess.
1.-The nature of my employments can
make no difference whatever, in any
way that can imagine, to Mr.. Har-
bury" she answered. Then--it seem.
ed to Bernard strange transition
"Wlll you forgive me for asking ia
vor ?" she went swiftly on ;"I should
like--oh, so much Ito help in your
work. Could l not copy out your notes
or revise proofs sometimes p"
What philosopher could have sue
cessfully resisted the volunteered help
of such an amanuensis ? Not Bernard
Ralston.
1t was summer, three months later
than the date of this conversation. OIL
ives guardian was seeking his ward in
her own boudoir, with gloom upon
his face and depression of soul which
defied his analysis. He had message
to convey and a proposal to informally
submit, which he had little doubt
would be accepted. Oswald Harbury,
the young owner of half Cleethorpe
had asked permission to lay himself
and his fortunes at Olives feet. He
loved her, he said he would do his
best to make her happy.
"And l believe that he will. He has
a home to offer you and is true heart
ed honorable gentleman. AS your
guardian, Olive, l am bound to give
my sanction TO so fair and promising
suit. May bid Mr.. Harbury TO come
and plead his own cause ?"
He had spoken hoarsely and in a
queer far. off kind of voice that he hard
ly recognized as his own. It was sure
ly singular and must testify to an un-
suspected weakness Of character, that
the prospect of separation from the
ward originally received with so much
doubt and dread thus make havoc of
his peace. He waited for the answer
in suspense that was positively har-
raising. At last it came.
mo you may not," Olive, said, sun
less, indeed, you wish to get rid of me
to send me away. And not even
then, for cannot consent to marry
man whom / do not love-"
Send Olive away Was not every
pulse in his body beating with fierce,
unbdden joy at the verdict she had Civ
en- =? The measure of his present re-
lief.
THAT is fear which my ward-my
wayward ward ! never need harbor"
he said, with slow broad smile "she
has brought too much sunshine into
my lonely life for me to wish to lose
her. But change is inevitable some
day."
"Why ?n low voice murmured !;
and again came the mysterious illu.
mination OF Olives eyes.
because, Olive-f for no other
reasons the years of my guardianship
will soon be at an end," he answered
steadily. almost sternly. He must face
the future resolutely, as benefited a
teacher of his fellows.
And few seconds later his quick,
nervous step was echoing in the pas
sage without.
An early summer vacation in Switz-
erland-when the glorious Alpine fora
should be at it's loyeliest had been the
cherished dream of years of Bernard
Ralston, and it was realized. A wo-'
mans hand guided his steps thither-
ward. OLIVE power had pursuaded
him to lay aside his work and make
playtlme of the sunny weather.
"Ycu can finish your book on 'Vani-
ty as Force in Human Affairs when
you return. and the critics will all say
that the last chapters are the bright
est" she said pleadingly. And when
she added a slight involuntary express
ion of her own eagerness for the change
he surrendered. The trio-Miss Rtls-
to1, Bernard's sister and housekeeper,
was Olives chaperon-had now been
from England fortnight.
They had reached the Riffel and were
Ikt- 4 I0c chn1 = I,