Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1886-08-19
His Punishment.
BIT x. L. R.

the rustic fence down Dy the roaostue,
waiting for Madge Warren to meet
him as she had agreed to do, exactly
at half past eight of that lovely
autumn night.
It certainly was a lovely night. as
cool moonlight nights in September
always are, out in the sweet, pure,
quiet country.
II was almost as light as day, and's
soft wind was stirring about IN the
trees, and Mr.. Etherege was think
ing how enchantingly fair Msdge
would look in that silvery moonshine.
with her pretty fair face and dancing
blue eyes that had created such sad
havoc, not only in his heart, but among
numerous others of the sterner sex,
who had come under the influence of
the girls joyous Taught and witching
ways.
Cecil Etherege stood leaning against
the pretty rustic tence that bounded
the domains of the Warren estate, in
the centre of which stood the large,
fashioned, ,roomy mansion in which
Mrs. Warren and Madge lived, and
where, in summer time, there was al
ways a house full of city boarders,
among whom, this past season, had
been Mr.. Cecil Etherege, whose black
ewes had looked decidedly tender
things in Madge Warrens blue ones,
and who had more than once told her
how dear she was to him.
Madge had been very happy all that
blessed summer season, and Mr.. Eth
erege had made up his mind that be-
fore he went away he would ask her
to engage herself to him, and to be
ready, when another summer time
came. to come to him as his bride.
There was not doubt in his heart
that possibly the girl might not care
for him as he did for her-not even
the shawow of doubt-except when
he thought of Philip Trevor,the hand
some, dashing young fellow who had
several times called on Madge, in whom
he seemed to be greatly interested.
Only when he thought of Mr.. Trev.
or, and the way Madge openly de.
lighted, in his attentions; for, to tell
the truth, the girl was a natural born
coquette, if ever there was one.
How could she have helped being
one when every day of her bright
glad young life gave added proof oi
the power Of her wilful winsomeness
her sweet, girlish beauty, her dainty
merry ways, over the hearts and heads
of men.
But Notwithstanding Philip Trevor
pleasant attentions, Notwithstanding
that he was handsomer, richer, more
eligible in every way than Cecil Eth
erege, the girls heart was as steel tc
her first lover, and all the firtatlont
in which her soul delighted had not
the slightest power to lessen her love
for him, or his influence over her.
Tonight, in her white dress, will
dashes of cardinal ribbon hero and
there, and a tleecy white shawl thrown
gipsy fashion over her head, Madgt
Warren made as fair picture as evel
stirred lovers pulses as she came VI
the dewy path, holding her snowy
skirt daintily in her firm little hane
and Cecil Etherege's heart gave
great throb of delight, and his blacl
eyes shone as he hurried forward t.
greet her.
Il was sure you'd come, Madge, be
cause you wanted to know what ha'
to tell you, equally as much as
wanted to tell you'll
He tucked her unoccupied han'
under his arm, and they sauntere'
down the road in the moonlight.
4 suppose | might just as well hav
seen you alone in the house some
where; but, then, wanted just sucl
nice, quiet time as this. Madge,
am going back to the city next week
you know
She looked at him with her Lowell
eyes.
Yes, I supposed you were,' sh
said, frankly; And / am so sorry. |
has been the most delightful summer
can remember
He pressed the round, white arr
that lay against his side.
sAnd has my being here made it ur
usually pleasant? Madge, ! neve
lived until this past summer. Madgt
darling, it is you who have taught m
what love, and hope and happines
mean. want you for my teacher al
ways, if you love me as I believe yo
do. Madge, am I right? Do you lov
me as I believe you do. Madge am
right? Do you love me? Oh, my dal
ling, you must know I worship you'll
The silvery moonlight showed hlr
q flush of exquisite happiness on he
fair face that was more eloquent tina
words.
4 am right Madge, you will be m
dear little wife? Madge darling, sa
sYes!'
The little word came almost unde
her breath, but the lovers ears hear
it, hushed and whispering as it wa
and he stopped in their slow walk
take her in his arms and kiss her, an
place on her slender finger q glitterin