Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1886-12-28
Tales aud Sketthes.
4 GIRLS SACRIFICE.

The SAYING OF the Psalmist that weep
ing HAY endure for night, but joy com
eth in the morning." sometimes appear
to be woefully reversed in the human ex
perience. Out of the sunshine of grea
gladness the subject Of the parental chas
tening steps into the shadow of disap
pointment and loss. The fair skies ar,
suddenly overcast. and the poor, futterine
heart trembles at the thunder of the on
rolling stJrm.
1t was thus with Agatha Trenton. On
the heels of well-nigh bewildering hap
piness had come a crushing disaster.
| Agatha was the daughter of Brake
shire clergyman, and was the eldest of {
somewhat numerous family. Her mother
! for several years, had been complete
invalid. and on Agatha's shoulders rested
the burden of household management
It was not light one. The vicar o.
HiItworth had no private means, and his
income from titbes and endowment was
not large. There was need for consider.
able scheming and for continual self-de.
NAL, if the finance of the yicarage was &c
be ordered honestly in the sight OF all
men. 1t was probably the pressure oil
this load of care that made Agatha Tren-
ton different from other girls AT
twenty two there were those among her
acquaintance who openly spoke of her
as old-fashioned. She was fair of feature
and graceful of figure; the most captious
of critics was forced 10 admit SO much.
But there was about her reticence, Pc
culiar, subdued air that seemed to shut
her off behind walls of mental isolation.
Agatha is good girl only wish
were half as useful; but she'll never
marry" said yivacious Mabel Sutton to a
friend Agatha keeps too much in the
back ground; no lover will venture to APP
proach."
1t was an erring prophecy. In less
than a fortnight from the evening OF its
utterance. the friend who had so gravely
listened to it. had placed himself and his
fortunes at Agatha's feet.
Roderick Dalling was good match.
He was proprietor of a mill which had
just been opened at the north end OF Hit
worth, and which was destined-or local
opinion was mistaken-to revolutionize
the hitherto quiet midland town. He had
a handsome presence, an irreproachable
c
competency.
My love is not the growth of yester-
day." he pleaded; sit has been develop
ing day by day for months; it grows
stronger with every glimpse get of you,
with every word hear you speak Give
me an answer, Miss Trenton-Agatha!"
The maiden was rosy with surprise, and
trembled at the vehemence of the young
mans avowal. But already her heart was
enlisted on Roderck's side and before he
left her she had shyly confessed the
truth.
81 cannot deny that do-care little. "
she STAN nered; but, indeed, can't
promise you what you ask-this after
noon ] must have time to think. There
are difficulties"
Agatha was listening. as she spoke. to
the echoes of noisy voices in the nursery,
and before her mental retina rose the pic
ture of the pale, suffering mother in the
adjoining room. If she consented to for
sake her home. the vicar would have to
engage housekeeper.
II understand it all,' Roderick replied,
gently. Nevertheless. believe even
your father-who must of necessity lose
if I gain-will advise YOU to say ives. :
I will call tomorrow and hear my fate
Miss Trenton"
The morrow came, but the vicar Of
Hiltworth could answer no question of
human lips. In the night-walches the
masters messenger had visited the bed
side of the faithful toiler. Francis Tren
ton had gone home. 1t was heart disease,
the physician said, from which, unsuspect-
ed even by himself, he had probably been
in danger for many years.
The outlook tor Agatha was entirely
changed. When the last sad offices for
the dear one had been fulfilled it was
necessary to look the future fairly in the
face; and this forecast was far from
agreeable.
An insurance policy for no very large
sum represented the resources of the
bereaved family. Mrs. Trenton was in
despair. Fortunately, Agatha possessed a
genuine talent for painting She had
already earned slender store of gold by
utilizing it. and now resolved to make a
more extended and determined effort to
conquer the appreciation of paving
patrons. She must become. in a sterner
sense than ever, the stay of the helpless
household.
With an instructive delicacy. Roderick
Dalling refrained, during these days OF
trial, from even the remotest reference to
the offer he had made. He expressed
sympathy; he afforded transformations
assistance where an opportunity disclosed
itself. But of love he said nothing.
Yet the girl knew that, though silent,
he was simply biding his time. Sooner
or later it was inevitable that her ordeal
should arrive. Alone, in the solitude of
her chamber, not seldom on her knees,
she CROPPED her way to decision. and
having reached it, she held it fast She
would give Roderick up. She had no
right to ask any young man to wait in
definitely, and to the struggle she had
entered she saw no limit within a long
vista OF wears. 1t was impossible that she
should impose her burden upon Roderick
even if he were enamored enough to in
vite it She must fight her own battle
with her own brain and fingers. The
young manufacturer was expecting his
brother from the north shortly. The two
would then settle down together, and
Roderick would find a wife and house
mistress in-Agatha thought, with pang
Mabel Sutton.
A whole month went by, and then Rod.
erick ventured to speak.
Agatha, dearest" he said, "can you
not give me the promise for which | am
waitinpp hone this is not too hastv an