The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1886-02-26


little" she stammered; "but, indeed.
can't promise what you ask-this after
noon, / must have time to think.
There are difficulties
Agatha was listening, as she spoke, to
the echoes of noisy voices in the nursery,
and before her mental retina rose the
picture of the pale, suffering mother in
the adjoining room. If she consented
to forsake her home, the vicar would
have to engage housekeeper.
II understand it ALL" Roderick re-
piled, gently. Nevertheless, believe
even your father-who must of necessity
lose if I gain-will advise you to say
yes I will call tomorrow and know
my fate Miss Trenton"
The morrow came, but the vicar OF
Hiltworth could answer no questions of
human lips. In the night-watches the
Masters messenger had visited the bed
side of the faithful toiler. Francis
Trenton had gone home. It was heart
disease, the physician said. from which,
unsusp- cited even by himself, he had
probably been in danger for many years.
The outlook for Agatha was entirely
changed. When the last sad offices for
the dear one had been fulfilled. it was
necessary to look the future fairly in
the face; and this forecast was far from
agreeable
An insurance policy for no very large
sum represented the resources of the
bereaved family. Mis- Trenton was in
despair. Fortunately, Agatha possessed
q genuine talent for painting. She had
already earned a slender store of gold
by utilizing it, and nov resolved to make
q more extended and determined effort
to CONCUR the appreciation of paying
patrons She must become, i ;.sierll.r
sense than ever, the stay of the helpless
household.
With an instructive delicacy. Roder-
ick Dalling refrained, during these days
of trial, from even the remotest refer
ence to the offer he had made. He
expressed sympathy; he afforded
unostentatious assistance where an
opportunity disclosed itself. But OF
love he said nothing.
Vet the girl knew that. though silent,
he was simply biding his time. Sooner
or later it was inevitable that her ordeal
should arrive. Alone. in the solitude
of her chamber, not seldom on her knees,
she groped her way 10 q dec sion, and,
having reached it, held it fast. She
would give Roderick up. She had no
right to ask any young man to wait
indefinitely, and to the struggle upon
which she had entered she saw no limit
within long vista of years. 1t was
impossible that she should impose her
burden upon Roderick, even if lie were
enamored enough to invite it. She
must fight her own battle with her own
brain and fingers. The young manu-
facturer was expecting his brother from
the North shortly. The two would then
settle down together, and Roderick
could find 81 wife and house, mistress in
Agatha thought, with pang-Mabel
Sutton.
A whole month went by, and then
Roderick venture1 to speak.
"Aga' ha, dearest" he said, "can you
not give me the promise for which am
waiting? hope this is not too hasty
an appeal, but hear that Dr.. ROYAL is
about to remove from Brighton Villa,
! and and, if you give me permission. |
will take the house; it is commodious
one"
! It was the largest and best house in
| Uiltwortll. and the suggestion showed
very clearly that Roderick Dalling
| desired to surround his wife with every
comfort, and even luxury. But Agatha
was firm. Duty demanded the sacrifice
of sweet young hopes, and though now
and again her heart died within her Mt
the thought of the lonely lifetime that
might lie ahead. the imperative claim
should be obeyed.
+ az thank you very much for the
honor you have done me. Mr.. Dallino,"
she replied with the faintest perceptible
! culver in her tone; "but must refuse
/ told you there were Obstacles they
are quite insuperable."
IGNITE! may not help You to over
come them, Agatha -
"No, no!' she cried, hastily; "inleed.
! it cannot I've. lift Won care as Won say