The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1886-11-06

room.
We parted early. for each was ex.
cited and eager to be alone. and once
in my own room, / opened Rupert's
letter. 1t was strange letter for me
to read. for my brother begged he to
win Madge for his friends wife.
"You know, dear Fanny, he wrote.
"that Arthur is younger than me
barely thirty-eight now, nearly your
own age-and he will make my darl-
Ing kind good husband. He has
grown weary of the life here, and has
withdrawn his handsome fortune
from the firm to live in America. In
little time, after / have arranged
the business here. will follow him."
And more followed expressive of his
wish TO see Madge his friends wife.
| Before Arthur came again she had
read her fathers letter and learned
that he had left her a wish to guide
her life. l dared not trust myself to
keep 1t from her, and 1 sincerely
tried to forward Rupert's plan. l
told her of Arthur Noell's youth, of
his honor, generosity and truth. of
his noble rectitude that won mems
respect. the gentle gallantry that
gained women's smiles. Stabbing
my own heart with every word, l
painted him to her young heart as he
had appeared to mine, and when he
came, with his noble bearing, his
frank, good face. and deep plying
voice. to ind0rse my words, l stole
away, leaving him to WOO the heart
had opened for him.
Many weeks passed finding him
our daily visitor, We had been re-
fused to all visitors after Rupert's
death, but the very cause that cast
out other society drew him into closer
intercourse. Every incident of his
life in China, every anecdote of our
lost one. every little event of the past
eighteen years possessed a never
fading charm for US.
Madge talked to me at first of her
fathers wish, always adding some
word of affection for her lover or
some hope for the future; but as the
weeks wore away these moments of
confidence became rarer, till they
ceased entirely. She spent hours
alone, grew silent and sad. while I.
thinking it only maidenly reference,
grieved but did not wonder. 1t was
springtime before she let me see her
heart then one day she bent her fair
head on my bosom. saying softly:
"Aunt Fanny, pity me; 1 am so
unhappy"
Surprised as I was,I gave no token
of it.only drew her closer to my arms
to say:
"Why. darling ?"
"Because cannot grant my faith
eT's wish. 1 do not. 1 never shall
lOye Arthur NoelI."
"He is good man. Madge."
"And l respect him love him as
my fathers friend. but not as should
my future husband F; and, then, Aunt
Fanny. he does not love me-"
"Oh! Margaret, he does he
must ~
"But he does not. His eyes wan.
der when he talks to me, to rest on
your face. 1t is your voice he listens
for. your step he watches to catch
when we are alone"
"We are old friends" 1 said
gently,
"Your heart Is beating under my
ear as If the tide of blood would burst
it. Oh! Aunt Fanny, you love
him. do you not ?" she said, implor'
ingIy.
1 put her from me. Dizzysand
faint, I went from her to battle ovel
again with my painful secret. Fol
hours I paced my room trying tc
school my heart,and then went dowr
again.
AS entered the sitting room saw
Arthur NOEL bending over Madge
heard his voice say;
"No. I am not angry, dear child.
thank you from my heart for your
frankness, which lightens my path
now. l like you, have tried to forc'
my affection, TO turn the tender affec
tion of father might feel into the
! burning ardor of lover; l like you
have failed. 1 loye you fondly
Madge. but my pulse does not leal
to your voice as 1t does To-" b.
paused.
: "Aunt Fanny ?" questioned Madg
eagerly.
"Ah you witch. you have guessed
my secret. Plead for me. Madge, 70
/ loye her,"
I was stealing away. but Madg
spied me. Quick as a thought sh
was beside me, drawing me forwar,
with cry that brought stronge