The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1886-08-04

trimming wanted may show that the con.
trary wind has changed and q favoring
gale sprung up. She was not conscious
OF reasoning in this way, but she felt a
change, and under its influence looked so
bright and happy that, when she met
her mother and sister at Madame De-
cimers, Mrs. Wayland chose to feel irri-
tated at it.
You are so contradictions Fortuner
she said. Here you are, looking as
fresh and happy as possible, while poor
Gertrude and are worried to death. 1t
is too aggravating!"
what is the matter, mammal"
"Your father is so provoking. He
came home early to-day, just because he
knew we had an appointment with mad
anne; and he talked such nonsense about
not being able to afford this and that, and
1t really took all interest out of our spring
costumes. Beside, he actually wanted
me to stay at home this summer, and
send you and Gertrude with your aunt
Lucy-and it's Gertrude's first season |
lie never has particle of considera-
ton"
Mamma, do not care about going
away. | have had six seasons, and, as
you say, done nothing with them. Spend
what money you nave on Gerty."
but what will people sayl"
Never mind people. Papa is far
from well-say that am staying to take
care OF him. l am sure some one ought
to do it, especially as he cannot possibly
leave the city,"
Fortune was quite reconciled to the
ha1 4.
saw how happy the plan made her
father.
81 have not forgot, Fortune" he said,
what a splendid little house-keeper you
made six years ago"
So Mrs. Wayand and her younger
daughter went to the Branch, and For
tune and her father lived together in
regular quiet fashion that was the great
est luxury to the overworked lawyer.
Twice MIR. Symington had called before
the ladies left, and both times Fortune
missed him. The call seemed to have
made little impression on the family. Mrs.
Wayland said he had aged a great
deal, and Gertrude said he was ugly and
cross and old.
''EIe asked after you, Fortune said
Gertrude, carelessly as she was examin-
ing her new riding hat, "and mamma
told him you were absorbed in toilets at
present. So he said: 'Pray do not disturb
the young lady; 1 dare say she has for
gotten me. ,"
In about two weeks Gertrude's letters
began to name Mr.. Symington very fire.
quently. He and his cousin, Colonel Hill, |
had called on them, and Gertrude
thought both gentlemen Every nice.n
Pretty soon every letter was full of the |
two names. They were the keynote to
which all Gertrude's life seemed to be |
set, ana fortune noticed that Ray Sy- |
was the prevailing refrain.
Even MIR. Wayland began to speculate |
on the probabilities of so intimate an ac-
quaintance. Il do not think it would |
do, Fortune" he said one evening, after
he had read and re-read letter from his
wife. "Gerty and Symington mean.
She is so fond of society, and he never
cared for it. 1t would not do; all the .
money in the world would not make
them happy. Mr.. Symington is"
''Here, my dear old friend. The SER
want told me where you were. and took
the liberty of coming without announce
used to do"
He had taken Fortunes hand, and
stood looking in her face. Then he drew
4 chair between father and daughter, and
sat down. He had come on business, he
said, but it would keep till next day:
here was plenty else to talk about, and
t must have been very interesting mat
er, for the three sat together chatting
happily until the church clocks were
striking midnight all around,
1t was about the alteration of some
property that Mr. Symington had re-
urned. There were dwelling houses to
De turned into stores, and he decided to
tay in the city until the architect had fin
shed the plans. 1t was very hot weather,
md the architect could not be hurried,
md Kay was in no mood to hurry him.
% the days came and went in a slow,
lreamy monotony that every one seemed
perfectly happy with.
Ray generally strolled in to Mr.. Way {
and's as they were taking breakfast, and
Fortune gave him cup of coffee. He
ipped it, and talked over the news in ,
he morning newspapers. Then the two j
gentlemen went down town together,
nd Fortune took her sewing into the
COOLEST room, and found her own {
thoughts pleasant enough company until
fternoon. Before dinner she went with
er father to drive in the Park; and
hey generally met Ray before they re-
urned home. Sometimes he rode home {
t their side, sometimes he gave his horse ,
0 his servant and took a seat beside For
une in Mr. Wayland's carriage. When S
e did so he stayed to dinner, and when {
e stayed to dinner he stayed until mid 5
light. '
They did not even talk together; he s
ad fallen into the habit of asking her |
ssent to any of his opinions by look, {
'hich she generally answered by a bright, c
ltelligent little nod of acquiescence; /; and a
hen he had received this he went on a
18th his argument I
But perhaps this silent understanding of a
lch other was more dangeroust than words; t
any rate, Fortune felt it to be so. She C