The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1886-05-05

he overheard some words which seemed
to him proof positive ofSwhat he feared.N
Rose had stepped into the conservatory
to gather for him some of heryfavorite
flowers as parting gift and Max stood
alone at large bay window which over
| looked the balcony. st. Cloud and
Olive, who had been promenading the
balcony, apparently in deep conversation,
paused near the window, which was
partially open.
81 have much, very much, to tell you,
Olive" he heard st. Cloud say, eagerly,
''but l dare not. Never was a man placed
in more unfortunate position than my
SELF
"Why should you fear to speak9" asked
Olive, in a slightly agitated tone, ''ii
what you wish to say be indeed from
your hearth"
"Can you doubt it7" was the reply, ac-
companied bya glance which made Max
thrill with anger.
| But at that moment Roses cheerful
tones were heard, exclaiming:
sob, Mr.. Hart, cannot find a single
Marechal Mel in blooml am so sorry !
With one of those buds, your bouquet
would be perfect"
She stopped as she spoke to pin it on
his coat, and Max glancing down at the
little, white hand which held the flow.
ers, thought, bitterly:
Poor child Betrayed by both lover
and sister, what an awakening lies
before herl"
That awakening came sooner than he
dreamed, for the next afternoon, as Rose
reclined, half asleep, on a sofa in the Ii
brary, she heard st. Clond ring at the
door.
Before she could rouse herself sufficiently
to speak, his voice was audible in the
adjoining parlor, asking eagerly:
''You here, Olive, and alone2 Where
is Rosen
81 left her asleep, was Olives answer.
And St. Cloud, understanding her to
mean in her own apartments, said hur-
riedly:
'Do not rouse her. 1t is so seldom that
see you alone, and-and lately l think
you have avoided me, Olive"
There was no answer, and he contin-
ued:
Il cannot blame you; know how
true and noble you are, and 1 will not
even speak of what have suffered. But
|
Decide for me. Say but the word, and
I will marry Rose"
Olives head dropped, her breath came
quicker, as she murmured:
'sNor
A CLEAN of triumph shot from St.
Clouds eye. He drew near Olive, and
bent over her until his cheek almost
touched her own.
'tMy darling" he whispered, ''you do
not know what struggle have under
gone. But Rose is generous. Twill tell
her all, and at some future day, when she
is happy again, you will let me claim you
is it not so2 For you do forgive me /;
you do love me little. am sure of
it."
He laid his hand tenderly on her own,
but at that touch, Olive started abruptly
to her feet and turned her gray eyes, blaz-
ing like stars, full upon the astonished
St. Cloud.
"Love your she said. eyes, as you
have loved her-my poor, trusting little
Rose Forgive you9 Yes, when she
forgets you-not beforel Go, BERTHE St.
Cloud, and seek some other dupel have
outwitted you at your own gamew
st. Cloud waited for no second bid
ding. He had been shared in the tolls he
himself had laid, and silently raging at
his own failure, he quilted the house for
ever
Olive turned at once to seek her sister
She found her still crouching on the sofa
from which she had half f-arisen, her face
pale as ashes, her whole frame trembling
like a leaf.
solve, Olive, " she cried piteously, 81
have heard alln
And Olive, with the muttered COM
ment, ''Thank heaven !" knelt beside her,
and drawing the poor little head down
upon her shoulder, soothed her with the
tenderest caresses. From that time st.
Clouds name was never mentioned be-
| tween them.
But the rumor of the broken engage
ment must, in some way, have reached
Max Hart. for it was not long ere he
made it convenient to see the two sisters
again. He asked no question; he sought
no confidence; but his silent and respect,
full sympathy touched them as no words
could have done.
In time he gained the place he coveted
that of friend valued above all others
by them both But it was long ere he
ventured to speak of love to Rose, and
when he did, the color rushed painfully
to her cheek.
"Do you know the story of my past"
she said, bravely.
And be replied;
''Aye, and love you but the more i
You are still my rose-my queen of flow
ersn
ga poor, withered faded rosep she
answered, smiling through her tears.
''But the one rose in the world for me I"
he said.
And then she placed both hands in his
to have and to hold. katherine Hyde.
Horse Prayer Cure.