The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1885-05-02
FOR HIS MOTHERS SAKE.

Unmarried at twenty-five. was rich,
entirely my own mistress, and consii-
cred more than pretty; and still, in spite
OF many excellent opportunities to change
my condition, was rapidly drifting on
towards old-maidenhood; no wonder
people called me hard TO please.
/ had admirers and suitors in plenty;
where Is the heiress who has moi? And
two men loved men.
] say ''two men," There were many
who made professions, and of whose sim
cerity l have no means to Judge, but
these two | can answer for as for myself,
and know they loved me.
Never were two people more unlike
each other, in looks, in taste, disposition,
temper, everything, II seemed the
stranRest thing in the world that both
should fancy me.
Even their respective circumstances
and positions in life offered striking
contrast. George Redfern was a wealthy
and influential banker. forty years of
age, grave, quiet and reserved in man
ner. and with an indisputable and enyl-
able standing in society--a man against
whom no breath of reproach or blame
had ever stirred; while Robert Dene-
L
paratively poor, haying only his salary
as confidential clerk in the Redeem bank
(out OF which he supported u widowed
mo!her), and WAS one of those merry,
cheerful, light-hearted fellows who
somehow-perhaps from their love of
company aud pleasure-get the name of
being 'wild," without deserving it.
Certain it is that Robert merited no word
of evil, though there was time when it
looked otherwise
Mrs. Dene had been my dear dead
mothers friend. Naturally l often went
to visit her. She was great invalid
and hardly ever went out, except for an
occasional quiet drive with her devoted
son, who idolized her; so much SO that l
grew positively jealous.
For Robert and / understood each
other, as lovers will. He was very SEN
sitlve and high-minded. thought, at
first, that because l was an heiress he
would never speak the loYe / knew he
felt, and which longod to hear; but the
welcome declaration came at LAST.
Aud had Mr.. Redfern TO thank for
it. l met him at Mrs. Dene's cottage
one evening, when he had stopped TO
speak to Robert on some business, hay
ing chanced to see him in the garden
as be was riding past.
/ was at the window, leaning out, and
he saw me. / knew, afterwards, that
that was the reason he astOnished Robert
by accepting his invitation to come in.
He was a very quiet retiring man. 60
ing little into society, and bearing the
reputation of a confirmed old bachelor.
but after that evening he changed
L seemed to meet him everywhere. He
made the acquaintance of people whom
| visited. He took to going to balls )
theatres, operas; and when / had met
him a good many times, he requested
permission to call on me.
Robert heard of it., aud grew Jealous.
one evening. lie came to me. his dear
handsome face looking gloomy and sad
enough.
1--WE have been friends for years"
said he, "and l believe you like me well
enough to grant me favor. love you
Kate, That's no news to you; is it?
Well, never should have told you So
never should have asked you to become
my wife, because you are rich and am
poor; but my girl, l can't stand I1ietly
by and see another take what I'd have
died to win; so want you to tell me
truly if you intend to marry Redfern,
and if it's yes shall go out of the
country, and stay out until can get
over it,"
Oh, the happy girl I was when l
heard him! The precious words had
longed for were spoken at last. He
might have seen the joy in my face. l
felt my cheeks burn, and my eyes grow
bright with happiness; but he kept his
face gloomily turned away.
So l stole up to him, half shy, half
bold, all joyful, and slipped my hands
about his arm.
"And can you get over it, do you
thinkf" l asked demurely.
He looked at me then, and disengaged
his arm. He thought was trihing with
his pain, and was vexed at me.
This is no lest with me. Miss Craven,
whatever il may be to you, he said quite
sharply; 81 did not expect that you
would make it one. Yes" very eoldly,
81 am not love-siek fool l do suppose
/ shall get over it,"
l looked at him reproNchfully. felt
the tears spring to my eyes at his words
and tone.