Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1886-03-11

to definite understanding with Vic.
let, and she promised to marry him
with or without my consent.
Don't look at me so reproachfully
Harry. 1t may be that / acted un.
wisely. all through; but if so l have
been severely punished for my folly
You have let your cigar go out.
Here are the matches.
"You want me to tell you all she
said and did-her very words, As well
as | can remember. That's q harl
matter, for my memory is not so good
as it used to be.
II was sitting hereone eveaing when
Violet came in slowly. and, sitting
down where you are, looked at me
sadly for some minutes.
Uncle, dear she said, at last, 4
cannot understand you. / never be-
iieved that you could De so hard and
cruel
1T is not like you to be so unjust
SO arbitrary, she went on. 1t seems
to me, uncle, that in the matter of
marriage woman should choose for
herself and not be influenced by any,
one. have made my choice and
given my word; but oh l should be
so much happier if you were not
angry. Do forgive me and be your
own kind self again.
"'Yes, when you yield to my wishes,
answered coldly. You are a mere
girl, Violet, and have had no expert
ence of men. If you were ten years
older should leave you to take the
consequences of your rashness, but as
it is
"'As it is-what then? Oh b.! uncle,
and she slipped from her chair and
kneeled here on the rug at my feet,
'pray-pray be your old self again.
You were never angry with me before
and it seems so strange and unnatural
to see you turn your head away from
we without smile. Do you love me
only if l have no voice, no will Of my
own?
"'Listen to me, child, said, look
ing her in the face. i have striveu
to be father to you since l brought
you here: l have loved you, heaven
only knows how dearly In return l
only ask you to let me prevent your
making complete wreck ofyour life.
l want to save you from a sad fate,
and you think me tyrant.
"She took my hand in both of hers
and pressed her face on it, and then
looked up with smile.
al wish Harry was here she said.
He would help me convince you. He
always took my side
Il ought not to have told you that,
my dear boy, but it was so fresh in
my mind, as it struck me forcibly at
the time, knowing as l did your love
for her. Forgive my want of tact.
She was not given to shedding
tears like some women, or she would
have cried then. Her cheeks were
hot and burning as they touched my
hand, while her eyes were feverishly
bright. She used every argument she
could find to induce me to consent to
her engagement, and as remained
silent she drew nearer and gazed up
eagerly in my face.
"'You relent, uncleP' she whis.
pered. in an agitated way. You will
let me be happyf-.
"'In that way, never, told her
sadly and sternly, and I tried to draw
away my fingers, but she clung to them
tightly, while her lips quivered.
Don't say that, dear uncle + she
said hoarsely. Dear uncle, oh. what
can say-what can say to move
your
"You think was very hard, Harry,
I see, but thought it best.
Hush, child, I said. Nothing
will influence me. am resolved
"'And 90 am I, she said sorrowful.
ly, dropping my hand and rising to
her feet. I should always have wish.
ed to please you; but now as you are
harsh and unjust, and will not listen
to reason, what can I doS'
She waited for ne to speak, but I
had no words at hand. I was too
hurt and angry. She went toward
the door. then came back and stood
behind me. resting her hand lightly
upon my shoulder.
"'Try and forgive NE. uncle. !
love him SOL love his faults that
make you dispiss him, and his virtues
you do not know. Won't you kiss
me. unclsY
u was hall inclined to take her in
my arms and tell her she could do