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

citation. All was not gloom. though the
lights of earthly ambition had gone out.
In the exercise of unselishness, Agatha
Trenton found deep and abiding
peace.
On learning OF the vicar of Hiltworth's
decease, and of the straitened circum-
stances of his family. certain friends in
% sou hern centre exerted themselves to
obtain admission for the two eldest lads
into higl-class charitable institution.
established for the sons of glergvlnen.
The endaavor was successful. and it
seemed to both Agatha and her mother
that it would be best to remove into the
immediate neighhorhood of the school.
The abandonment of the vicarage was
in any case inevitable. There were few
ties to bind the Trentons to Hiltworth,
and 80 the project of departure was
quickly carried out; at Melburv. within
sound of the city hum, the wrest|e with
poverty was continued under slightly
less strained conditions.
maintained between Agatha and several
of her midland acguaintances But in
all her letters the girl WAS exceedingly
careful to avoid even the most distant
and enigmatical reference to Roderick
Dalling. His life and hers had drifted
apart, and it was better that a thick veil
of Oblivion should cover the gone-by
episode of love-malsing. But before the
summer was over fragment of intelli-
gence had come, which Agatha tried
her hardest to receive with equanimity.
"By the way, there was quite fash
ionable marriage here last week." wrote
the unsuspecting friend "Mr Dalling
and Mabel Sutton have gone into bon'ls
of holy matrimony-isn't that the
proper EXPRESSION" And then followed
details of the brides dress and behavior.
which only feminine pen could have
mirrored so exactly, and only lady's
eyes could have been expected to peruse
with interest and with the orthodox
admiration.
1T is oil ended, then-all y murmur.
ed poor Agatha, with sigh and stray
tear. IT hope they will be-happy "
She went upstairs, sat down by her
mothers sofa. and read with even voice
and unwonted pathos. She would
crush down unlawful repinings at the
very outset.
Very nearly two years had gone by in
this PLACID. humdrum manner. Ag-
atha's painting had prospered, and the
heavy breathing of the gaunt old wolf
was no longer audible at the family
ooor Moreover, Mrs. Trenton was
4 jn,tv improving in health and
T., Oh, - Lib nv i,.'i
accomplished What medicine could oniy
feebly attempt. The boys were doing
younger children were day by day be
coming more helpful. Their horizon
was decidedly brighter than at any date
since the death Of the revered father,
and the good fortune-so far rs Agatha
was concerned had not yet reached its
climax.
Strange stories had recently drifted TO
Melbury respecting tie doing at Hit
worth. It wns said TINT coal had bAen
discovered i'll the vicinity that Il min
ing shaft had been sunk in field in the
rear of Messrs Dalling Bros. mill, and
that nothing short of an industrial revo-
luton was before the entire district.
Agatha longed to explore for herself
these wonders, but scarcely dared t,
venture as yet into the possible pre-.
sence of her ancient lover, even if she
could easily have spared time; she lii
to be content with the reports of her
correspoudents-for awhile
Tt was hot August day, and thu
silence of the Summer noontide seemed
to have penetrated mo every cottage
and homestead i'll Melburv. The TICK
ing of the corner clock was the solitary
sonnd that troubIed the repose of Ar
athas trim little kitchen. The girl w;s
pausing i'll her task ot citing i'll order
some skefchiug materials. Suddenly
ring came at the hell She hurried
through the passage AMI opened TIL
door.
Agatha in person. Surely goat
sign said Rndericl Dll'ing impul-
sively, with outsrntchr hntl
The GIRL hs1 nailed ana With ,litfcu tv