The Penn's Grove record., 1885-03-07

DEAN 4 Elk.
The half.hour had just chimcd from
the Cathedral spire, and the bells were
softly ringing for eyeu-soUg. The Dear
stopped in lls hurried walk across tht
close to shake hands with Robert AR
main, the richest and handsOmest mar
in Dodingt0n.
y want to speak to you, Bob, aftel
service. GO in: the girls will entertain
YOU"
Mr. Armain stopped at the Deanery
gate aud looked back over the quie'
close.
.,I'n ask Clare tonight. By Jove,
shouldn't like to be refused by that colo
stately womaut I don't think she
would but III ask Clare-In ask
Clare. y
Tie Deans daughter and rdece wer'
together In the drswing-rOom wher
Mr.. Armain was announced.
'Bon soir, young ladies'. l am YOU
prisoner TIL the Dean returns"
"A willing one?' said the DEAN
niece.
''Such captivity is better than free
dom, Miss Margaret. How does tht
taftiug get on, Clare? Still at it?"
yes she answered, lifting he.
mead fol g moment. with a smile tina
made her dark earnest face almos
beautiful. r
Don't smile 70 brightly. Clare. !
have some sad news to tell you. JOIN
Mortison's regiment is ordered to India
Hya 7aa-yau T1~N4fpnrNp~ fP-rnOvr1u -
"Why do you call it sad2 Jack i
glad to go. Who but towards would
wish their swords to lie idle now2
should rejoice, If l were a man, TO b
able TO help our poor country-people ii
India, - exclaimed Clare, her dark eye:
lighting up with the passionate fire o.
her nature.
Mr.. Armain shrugged his shoulders
Il won't pretend 10 judge Morrison:
feelings as well as you, Clare. He die
not look very delighted though at tbs
prospect Of falling a victim to some Sc
poy's knife. We all would wish tbs
poor things saved, but few care to be
uJi .ri6ce to redeem them
Clare rose impatiently, throwing
1owa her work.
Il am going into the garden. Flowers
are better company than you this even
ing. Mr.. Armain."
Poor Clare ~ he said softly, as She
left the room,
..Nhy poor ClsreP'" asked hel
cousin in her calm clear voice. She
looked at him steadily, without 8
shadow of pain on the proud beauty OF
her face, though her heart was beating
wildly with its grief.
Cant you guess, Miss Margaist?'
81 think you have offended her, Mr.
Armain. You had better 60 and make
your peace" she answered coldly.
That's easily made. Clare and ]
have always been good friends since !
came 10 Dodingtou,"
lie left the room and went out into
The sunny garden.
Won't you leave the flowers and me
TO talk to each otherI" Clare asked as
he joined her.
Il want to talk to you; can you
listen, Clare?. 1t is about myself"
sYeilI'
lie hesitated a moment.
1T is terribly lonely at the Court,
Clare 1t wants a mistress
She lifted her beautiful eyes TO his,
with a sudden light III them. Did be
read the secret they revealed He did,
with sudden surprise and dismay, but
be went on.
II don't love your cousin much, Clare,
but she Is a 1t mistress for my fair an
cestral home. The Armains have al
ways married such beautiful, stately
women TO reign at the Court"
Indeed But why do you tell me
this?" said Glare, speaking with heI
burning, fearless eyes upon the flowers,
Won't you answer me as a sister,
ClaTe2 Do you think she would be my
wifi. ?"
~ don't know. Why do you trouble
me with such questions, RobertS ASK
Margaret herself"
But, Clare"
"For PHYS sake go away I will
not listen" She turned away bIavely
struggling with her emotion.
"Clare dear" RoberE said, gently
laying husband upon herarm, "a woman's
pride should be stronger than her love,
Don't reveal that you care for any one
before he asks TO know"
They we've cruel words, but they
brough5 back CIare's calmness.
"Tuank you, Robert; when | do care
for any one, l will remember your adj
vice."
lie left her without speaking again,
and went back into the drawing-room.
Miss Temple was standing at the win
dow, the evening light falling brightly
on her fair face and stately figure.
"a lovely evening, remarked Robert
SIT IS. Where is Glare, Mr.. Armain?''
"She will not leave her flowers. Miss
Margaret, shall l. tell you why l came
to He Deauery tonight Z"
"If YOU please.'
81 came TO ask you to be my wife. l
cannot woo as some men, Miss Margaret
Give me a plain answer to my plain
que tom
She turned calmly towards him.
81 do not care for you, Mr.. Armain.
But there were no words of love in
your question; there shall be none IN
my answer. l will marry you"
mot loving me, Margaret ?"
"You did not ask for love ; l have
none to give you, If I become your
wife, Mr.. Armain, l shall marry for
wealth and position. You have my an
swer."
She spoke without a flush on her face
or a culver in her voice.
Few women wonld be so candid,
Mss Margaret, Why do YOU not care
Tor meI"
Love cannot be gained without be-
Ing gwen, Mr.. Arnain. You care only
for my beauty; you don't love me-you
don't understand me-"
'1t's . isr bargaLn-youE beauty for