The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1886-03-12

goes. Nou know you gave us a hint
about his being bent on getting married
without delay when last You were down.
We have discovered that your surmise
was correct.
"Eh-eh?" he saws. fidgeting anxious
y IN his chair. But I was wrong then
I alluded to his cousin. Lady Maud; but
she has married McGregor since that.
May l ask whom Rumor has given him
to nowY"
We'll. to Cecil, I believer returns
Ronnie, with provoking unconcem-
This is a death-blow The Major
turns pale, and blows his nose violently
TO cover his chagTin.
All, RumOr IS worthless jadei7 he
says, with a miserable attempt at dis
belief IN her news AS a rule, she tells
more lies than truth"
This time she has varied il, returns
ROnnie, by telling more truth than
lies. My sister and Mr.. Craven have
quite made UP their minds and are en-
gagged to each other"
4 don't believe it" cries the Major,
rising to his feet.
At this instant the folding doors are
flung open. and Craven. appearing on
the scene most unexpectedly, enters.
leading Cecil by the hand He draws
her gently forward. until they both
stand before the discounted Major.
Major Jeryis won't believe YOU are
a little laugh.
"Oh. yes. am Am 1 not. CecilY-
asks Duke, glanCing down lovingly at
his betrOthed, who laughs a little too
and bushes deeply.
You viii come to their wedding.
won't you, Major" asks ROnnie, mis-
chievouslv
The Major. though overpowered by
numbers, still lets his evil humor have
full sway.
With pleasure" he replies. with an
i'll grace. And then, maliciously. ~Only
sorTy l can't come 10 yours too, Miss
ROnnie.n
Don't be sorry another instant.
Major" says Lord ETTington, pleasant
ly, he has come up TO them umoticed
by JeTYlS. "ROnnie and 1 viii be only
too glad If you VIII promise to dance at
our wedding also. 1t viii be quite
simple, you know, as we all intend to
be married on the same day from
the same house
Very charming arrangement. I'm
sure," returns the defeated Major. 1t
would be quite superfluous 70 offer my
congratulations. You all know exactly
how L feel towafd you"
He smiles gTImly as he saws this.
y es. weall know that. rejOins Er-
rington, with emphasis.
Dear me-" says the Major pulling
out his watch. 1T grows very late. i
shall miss the up-tram If L don't make
haste Goodbye. gOod-bye.7
"Stay and sleep the Court tonight =
says Craven, Hospitality, if a triie cold
".
NO. thank you-no. 1 am bound to
be in town tonight"
why. where are YOU going in such
hot haste2' asks Craven. CuTiOusly.
I Im-Im going abroad" declares
the Major, desperately; after which he
shufles ont OF the room. and is lost 70
sight Iur many a day.
Poor Major" SAYS Cecil. How dis
concerted he looked, I know he de-
served anything bad but 1 couldn't
help feeling sOrry for him.
lie X unworthy of Your pity" an
swers Craven. drawing her away from
the Others into the deep embFasure OF
the window. Did he not very nearly
take Won from me-
Would that have been such a terrible
thnr:7 she asks. with an upward
glance. and very pardOnable touch Of
coquetry.
Cecil, what question:" he returns,
reproachfully.
Z think you put it wrongly" saws
Cissy. softly. 4 think he meant TO take
you from me"
Would that have been such aterrible
things7 he asks, in his turn, with a lit
tie smile.
i don't know. Would it," she ques-
tiOnS. TREMENDOUSLY.
NV lOve-mv life-it would have
been DEATH SAYS Craven. with passion
ate earueStuess. Turning 10 her, he
I takes her into ms arms and holds her
i close claSped against his heart. where
indeed her proper home most surely is.
tT5 b Gontinussl