The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1886-01-15
WON FOR A WAGER.

Certainly, my dear boy" answered the
general, opening the drawer of table
standing near, and pulling out a cheque-
book I've been young myself, and /
know what it is to outrun the constable.
How much do you wAntf Don't be afraid,
speak QUIT"
my dear sir, you have mistaken nv
meaning" answered Harry, deeply af-
fected. Thank Heavenl l am not in
want Of money"
What can 1 do for you, thenY"
"Why, sir, you were kind enough this
morning to express o desire that you
might have an opportunity of doing me a
favor. You have now the opportunity ;
N fact, the happiness or misery Of my fu-
ture life lies in your hands"
! What is it, my boy9 I'll be hanged IL
can understand you"
| "To speak plainly. sir, love your
daughter, and she returns my affection.
Have your permission to make her my
! wife r.
| For half minute the old gentleman
sat silent and motionless. Then, speak
| ing slowly, he replied: THAT was the
| very last thing in my thoughts, and the
/ shock upset for moment. She is the
only thing left now that have to live for;
out OF course it must come sooner or
later" The old general, deeply agitated,
bent his head down for moment, then,
as II recovering himself, he said huskily:
Take her, my boy. l am sorry, more
than sorry, to part with her; but 1 would
sooner you had her than anybody else in
the world"
The tears stood in the old gentleman's
eyes as Harry seized his hand and ex-
claimed:
"t+eneral, will never be the cause Of
separating you from your child"
The general shook his head doubtingly.
"In my old home down in Warwick
shire there is room for half-a dozen fami-
lies, and if you will consent to take up
your abode with us, nobody will be more
pleased than myself
hearty shake of the hands was the
only reply, and St Adams Quilted the
Den SO full of happiness that the house
seemed too small and contracted. and he
was obliged to go out into the park and
to walk of some Of his excitement.
Meanwhile, after lunch. Isabel had re-
turned to the morning-room
She had not been seated very longwhen
the door opened, and Horace Austen
walked in.
Mr.. Austen" cried Isabel in surprise.
yes, Miss Carlton" answered Austen.
who looked pale and worried, "and 1
trust you will pardon my intrusion"
Isabel bowed assent
"Iour butler told me you were here,
and alone, and as 1 particularly wished
to see you, thought [ would take ad-
vantage of the circumstance"
asIVba4 .o,, 7 4 49,.
Everything, Miss Carltorr7 replied the
young man, turning very pale. The
fact Is, have come down here on pur-
pose to-to-to settle my future fate Do
you understand me7"
Isabel Immediately thought of her
cousin Lucy, and replied encouragingly:
ii think do, Mr.. Austen, and I NAV
say that / do not fancy you have any ne
cessity to be 50 nervous over the matter"
Indeed! Is that really sol" cried the
poor fellow, seizing her hand as he spoke.
docs the object Of my alteration return q
my affection, then
Perhaps it is not quite right of me to |
say as much" answered Isabel with a /
smile; "but 1 think can assure you that |
she does"
"Oh. Isabelr- exclaimed Austen, cover
ing her hand with kisses. AThe devotion
Of lifetime cannot repay you for the
happiness, the ecstasy you have caused
me! On, my dearest, sweetest-
What do you mean, Mr.. Austen z" en-
Iuired Isabel, pulling her hand away,
and drawing herself up somewhat haugh-
lily. II think we have been making n
"Oh no, do not say thatr' cried Austen.
i have come down on purpose. Isabel, to
ay my heart and hand at your feet, and
81 thought you were speaking of my
.ousin, Miss Meredith" interrupted
sabel
"Not for moment" replied Austen
1t is you that / love, Isabel; will you
onsent to become my wife 2"
II am really very sorry, Mr.. Austen,
hat should have bad this misunder-
tauding," answered Isabel, "for although
am deeply grateful TO you for the honor
ou have done me, I must decline IT,"
"Dul.'s say that! for Heavens cake.
ont say thAtW exclaimed Austen, his
yes growing dim. BE my wife, Isabel
nd will devote my life to ensure your
sppiness~
at cannot be, Mr.. Austen replied Isa-
el. Il regret having to cause you pain;
ut it is no use my allowing you TO in
ulge in false hopes, so it will be kinder
me to tell you at once. 1 love another
Austen sank into chair standing near
i'm, and covered his face with his hands.
There is always something painful in
a mans grief, and especially
,-for a woman when she knows she is
Ie cause.
Isabel watched him in silence for a few
inutes, and then approaching, placed
sr hand upon his shoulder and observed:
"Do not give way like that, Mr.. Austen.
ear up against your grief like a man.
Ill promise to forget what has passed
Iring the last half hour. so that nobody
all be any the wiser, and in the course /
time you will no doubt find somebody
lo will make you happier than / could '
ssihly have done.'
Never, neverrr murmured Austen; l
Nv future life is blank. l shall never
re for another woman"
.Donr say that" exclaimed Isabel
othingly. Compose yourself, and look I
it from sensible point Of view; il you Il
We way in this manner You will only
Ike yourself the cyuosure Of all eyes,
d possibly the laughing stock of your
ends Be man, conquer the weak
50. and show me that l can still reckon |"
Horace Austen as friend
you can, you canP' answered Horace, =.
STEERING his agitation. IF ever you =
Mt a friend. come to me. I viii serve =
a TO the death" >,
i was sure Of it." observed Isabel; =
n now / viii leave you to recover
Irself"