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

trimming wanted may show that the con-
trary wind has changed and o 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, Fortune"
she said. ''Here you are, looking as
fresh and happy as possible, while poor
Gertrude and are worried to death. 1t
is too aggravatingl
"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
it 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 |
He never has particle of considera-
tion."
Mamma, do not care about going
away. | have had six seasons, and, as
you say, done nothing with them. Spend
what money you have 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 rcconciled to the
lot she had proposed for herself when she
saw how happy the plan made her
father.
81 have not forgot, Fortune" he said,
''what splendid little house keeper you
made six years ago."
So Mrs. Wayland 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 Mr.. 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 great
deal, and Gertrude said he was ugly and
cross and old.
''He 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; dare say she has for
gotten me.
In about two weeks Gertrude's letters
began to name MIR. Symington very fire.
quently. He and his cousin, Colonel Hill,
had called ON them, and Gertrude
thought both gentlemen Every nice"
Pretty soon every letter was full of the
two names. They were the keynote to
which all Gertrude's life seemed to be
set, and Fortune noticed that Ray Sy-
mington was the prevailing refrain.
Even Mr.. Wayland began to speculate
on the probabilities of so intimate an ac-
quaintance. II 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 l 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
ment-aS useu 10 90.
He had taken Fortunes hand, and
stood looking in her face. Then he drew
a chair between father and daughter, and
sat down. He had come on business, he
said, but it would keep till next day
there was plenty else to talk about, and
it must have been very interesting mat
ter, 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-
turned. There were dwelling houses to
be turned into stores, and he decided to
stay in the city until the architect had fin
ished the plans. 1t was very hot weather,
and the architect could not be hurried,
and Ray was in no mood to hurry him.
So the days came and went in a slow,
dreamy monotony that every one seemed
perfectly happy with.
Ray generally strolled in to Mr.. Way
lands as they were taking breakfast, and
Fortune gave him cup of coffee. He
slipped it, and talked over the news in
the morning newspapers. Then the two
gentlemen went down town together,
and Fortune took her sewing into the
coolest room, and found her own
thoughts pleasant enough company until
afternoon. Before dinner she went with
her father to drive in the Park; and
they generally met Ray before they re-
turned home. Sometimes he rode home
at their side, sometimes he gave his horse
to his servant and took a seat beside For
tune in Mr.. Wayland's carriage. When
he did so he stayed to dinner, and when
he stayed to dinner he stayed until mid
night.
They did not even talk together; he
had fallen into the habit of asking her
assent to any of his opinions by look,
which she generally answered by bright,
intelligent little nod of acquiescence; and
when he had received this he went on
with his argument.
But perhaps this silent understanding
each other wasmore dangeroust than words;
at any rate. Fortune felt it to be so. She