The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1886-07-30

the marketing and outdoor errands, and
q very beautiful girl, who has been seen
sometimes ut thewindow. Three people
went from the carriage to the house, but
only these two have ever been seen.
But, Hester, Tina says that every day
Franks gardener carries basket of the
choicest fruit from his place. and bou-
quet of his loveliest flowers to the cot
tage, and she has seen him going in
several times"
"Why not ask Frank ?"
because it looks as if I suspected
him, or was prying into his private
affairs. I am not jealous, Hester. I
believe Frank loves me rs dearly rs
love him; but it does look odd, doesn't
it,"
Hester did not reply. It certainly did
LOOK ODD. and yet she was unwilling to
give Marian pain or to think evil Of
Frank, whose handsome face, cordial
manner and straightforward wooing had
won her warm sisterly affection. She
had been glad to see her sisters future
promise SO much happiness, as she
thought it would have in Frank Brad
shaw's care; and any cloud that threat
ened Marians sunshine was o shadow on
Testers life as we'll.
On the other hand, why, if his love
was not given to Marian, had Frank
sought her for his wife? He was rich,
his own master, q favorite in society, and
man of great personal attractions.
There was scarcely a girl in Keyport
who would not have been proud of
Frank Bradshaw's love. And he had
chosen Marian. True. Marian was very
pretty, graceful and accomplished, but
the sisters were joint heiresses of q
very small cottage, and an income that
required close economy to feed and
clothe them without debt. Marian had
never owned, even for Every best, such
dresses as Tina belmont wore for every.
day walks. Tina's father lived in pre-
tentious house, kept carriage, had o
conservatory, and was lavish in expendi-
lures to crafty his only child. and yet
Frank Bradshaw had passed by Tinas
great black eyes, her rustling silks
and glittering jewels to seek Marian's
love.
He had come to Keyport from New
York. where he had lived from boyhood,
and he was not accustomed to the Curl
osity and prying of small towns. Totally
unaware that his movements were excit-
ing comment or speculation, lie busted
himself in arranging his uncle's estate
to suit his own convenience, giving his
leisure time to Marian and the mYsteri-
GUS occupants of the cottage.
It was late on the afternoon after
Tina's call that Hester came to Marians
room to tell her that Frank had called to
take her for drive.
"Take shawl, Marian" said the care
full elder sister; "the evenings are grow
ing cold. And, Marian" she added,
drawing her sister into close embrace,
"trust him. I cannot believe there is
any wrong hidden behind his honest,
good face" ......
IL will trust him." Marian said. "In
his own good time he will tell me What
it is best for me to know"
So the face that greeted Frank was rs
bright and uncloudel as the sky above
their heads, and Marian chatted as pleas
antly as if the little cottage ut the foot of
Myrtle Hill had never cost her q
thought.
But Franks "good time" for telling
his secret was nearer than she Thought
They were driving slowly through o
long stretch of shady road, when lie
said:
Marian. could you do something
very painful to your feelings Tor NY
sake 2"
! 81 think could, Frank"
! 81 must tell you something about
myself first. was not always the rich
man you have known, Marian. When
my parents died, was lad of twelve
years only, and my whole fortune lay
in my robust health and an average
supply of brains. But / was ambitious
and willing to work. and entered u large
dry-goods store rs errand boy, gradually
working my way to clerkship, where I
was when my uncle died and left me
independent. But in the years of pow
erty and toll, Marian. my fathers
brother gave me no aid from his full
I.