The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1886-10-14
An AVERTEO PERIL.
BY EMMELINE ERIE.

Two men came through the gate, and
walked rapidly up the graveled walk to the
veranda where the ladies were sitting.
"Hilloi" exclaimed the leader, tall, dis
sipated- looking man, "this is my wife, and
you are my daughter Claire, l suppose.
The elder lady had fallen back in her
chair, pale and tainting.
"You don't recognize me, eh?" he con-
tinued. well. dozen years does change
a man some. And Claire was little child
when babe her good-by. Give me a kiss,
my girl, p" turning to Claire, "and welcome
my friend, and your husband that must be,
Andrew Morley. He is good man and O
brave one, otherwise | would not pick him
out for my beautiful daughter"
Edmund" at last gasped the wife.
"Then you still recognize the old Ed
mund in me?" and stopping he kissed her
cheek coldly.
"You are changed but little" faltered
the poor woman, shrinking from him.
"But your coming is a surprise. j thought
you were dead. / had not heard from you
in five years."
"And hoped never to hear from me,
and he laughed coolly, as he turned to his
friend.
Andrew Morley" he continued point
ing TO rustic chair, "my wife and 1 never
INDUCED in condolences, and you can hear
all we have TO say"
Andrew Morley had handsome face;
but it was, like his friends, marked with
dissipation. His sharp eyes were fixed
boldlyupon the beautiful Claire, and when,
in response to the invitation, he took seat,
it was close beside her.
He opened the conversation with q
cultured ease and an evident desire to
please.
Mrs. Byrn glanced at them, her eyes di-
lated with anxiety. Turning to her nus
band, who was watching them with q
cold smile, she said tremulously.
"You cannot mean it. Torment me, if
you like, but spare your own daughter, /
entreat Edmund"
"Pishi" exclaimed Byrn, 81 cannot mean
it, Ell? You'll find do mean it; I've had a
hand In paying for her existence in this
world, and now, that she has, as / learned
a few weeks ago, fallen heir to your old
aunts estate, intend to reward my friend
here with the wealth and herself That is
If he don't refuse the bargain. What do
you say, Morley?" he went on, turning TO
that individual, with coarse laugh; docs
my daughter suit your taste? You were in
clined to be very particular about her looks
before we got here"
Morley looked rebukingy at his friend,
shrinking Claire, said, in low tone:
"If you consent to your fathers proposal
you will make me supremely happy, Miss
Byrn. / assure you that your grace,
beauty, and evident amiability have en-
tirely gained my heart. Were you in the
greatest poverty, l should still pray you to
bless me with your hand"
There was the earnestness of passion in
his tones that convinced both ladies that
he was telling the truth.
Edmund Byrn, however, seemed to
think it a huge joke.
"You puppy" he cried, with loud
laugh; amt you ashamed to get off such
nonsense?"
Mrs. Byrn did not seem to hear her
husband. Her frightened eyes were fixed
upon Claire and Morley.
As for the latter, he took no notice of his
friend; but still grasping the trembling
girls hand, poured his suit into her ear in
low, fervent tones.
"Allow me TO hope. Miss Byrn. Say
that it is not impossible to win your favor,
and"
ooh! spare mel" murmured the girl,
forcibly Withdrawing her hand. al could
never love you. /"
"You will, though" exclaimed Byrn,
with an oath, his face cleaning with anger
"Do you propose to trample upon my COM
mands ia this manner"
lie strobe across the veranda, and seized
her by the shoulder, while Mrs. Byrn rose
and threw her arm around the trembling
creatures waist.
"Thrs must end, he cried; "I'll have nc
-child's play. You're my daughter, and
shall marry the man l choose, and the
sooner you make up your mind the better.
And now, instead of giving you year OF
two TO get used to the idea, Ill settle the
point at once, and you can get yourself
ready for the wedding tonight. Hold your
tongue, Morley" he added, as the latter
began a protest. Il know what I'm doinZ
We've no time to daily here; you know iha
us well as /; and if you want her, the soon.
er the thing is done the safer"
Then, turning TO the two frightened
women, he continued:
"Tll 60 and drum up a preacher. NJ
friend will go with me, and ut the end o
an hour you may expect us back. Hav,
things ready, for by my own welfare-that
my greatest oath-there shall be wedding
here tonight"
ooh, Edmund will you"
"Come, Mary" he interrupted roughly
don waste your breath; my mind is mad
up. And now let me escort you into To-
house"
If Mrs. Byrn and her daughter cher
ished vague thought OF making thei
escape after the departure of Byrn an
his friend, IL was for a brief space only.
After placing them in the sitting-roon
the man returned to the veranda, and Gale,
loudly:
"Sam!"
A tall, roughly dressed negro immedi
ately made his appearance, coming iron
among the trees.
SAM" said his master, pointing i