Daily Republican. [volume] ([Wilmington, Del.]) 1874-1890, 1888-09-12
a nOORLAND MAIDEN.


saw for the i1rst time the woman who
was TO sway his destiny.
Marion was Just budding into perfect
womanhood and beautiful as dream.
The young Cuban fell in love with
her at once, and from that time he was
a frequent visitor at the McGregor cot.
tage.
De Mornay did not tell Marion Of
his love, but spoke first privately to
her father, willing to abide by the old
Scots decision, McGregor might have
ielt proud of gaining such son-ln-
law, but Marion was all he had in the
world.
my daughter must marry In her
own station when the time comes" he
said firmly. "You Go US honor by
your proposal. but the time will come
when you will see the folly Of such an
Iunseemly union"
De Mornsy. true TO his word, de-
parted without seeing Marion, and
from that day the girl dropped like
flower In the sun. -
81 hope you arc not moping about
that chap who went away" sald Nc
Gregor, coming upon his daughter one
day in tears; "put him out of your
thoughts, lass, for he'll never come
back. l sent him quick enough about
his business"
A sudden joy kindled her pale face.
"0h, father, did he ask you for me7
Then heaven be praisedi / read his
looks and acts Alright. Oh" said she,
sinking down on her knees and catch
ing her fathers horny hand and kiss
ing 1t, 81 Lad lost my faith in human
nature and you have given 1t back.
Bless you for it. Oh, father, If that
face could tell false story, then the
angels themselves would be untrue"
"Cslm yourself, Marion" interrupt
cd her father, sternly. "Did you not
hear meH It's all at an end. You can
not be his bride. 1t would be like the
mating of q crow and dove"
Il care not, as he loves me-" muir
INJURED Marion, softly. 'Here my
VOW" she said, suddenly, and again
she sank on her knees, and raised her
pure, child like, but resolute face to
his. ~ will never wed Louis de
Norway without your consent; but /
win love him my life long and die
maid for his sake if l cannot be his
wife,"
II was too late to check her. The
VOW was taken and would be kept.
The strict old father himself would
not have dared to ask her to break IT.
Matters went on about the same at
tine farm. Several years passed by,
during which Louis was constantly
changing his location, as, indeed, it
was necessary for him to do 10 give
personal supervision to his various
estates.
During this period of unmitigated
prosperity to the wealthy young land
owner, Farmer McGregor had been
gradually but surely going down in
the world. A succession of bad crops,
a disease among his fine Durhams
until scarcely a poor halt dozen was
left, of his fine herd, and murrain
which proved fatal to the sheep left
him at last in very straitened con-
dltion.
Still he had managed to get his rent
money together. The pay day was
near, and the farmer had put the hard
earned money in leathern wallet pre-
psraiory TO a start.
"Well, wife," he said, with sigh,
"heres pay for last year. It's main
doubtful, though, where the next will
come FROM
keep up, Duncan" was her cheer
full answer. HIt's all tor the best,
though one cannot always ken why"
So he started away to the laird's
country seat on his stout cob, without
weapon OF defense, for it was a peace
full country, and he had no fear of mo
lestalion.
But his journey was not half over,
when In some lonely woods through
which the road ran an escaped con
vict seized his opportunity and struck
him senseless from his horse, ritled
his pockets, and mounting, rode rap
idly away with his plumber.
About half an hour later he was
found by the game-keeper OF an ad-
Joining estate, and taken at oEce TO
the big house and cared for. The
master was away, but the housekeeper
was kind and efficient, and under her
good offices he soon came to conscious
ness, but not to tine ability to help
himself. One blow had fallen upon
his shoulder, and it proved to be dis
located. There was no alternative but
to remain perhaps for weeks, SO Mar
ion was sent for. The day after the
young proprietor arrived also. The
housekeeper told him at once OF his
strange guests, and he hastened to as
sure them OF his cordial welcome.
As he entered the room Marion rose
from beside her fathers beside, and
alter one surprised glance, held out
her hand, her eyes shining like twin
stars. It was Louis De 1lornav.
His face frightened with a sudden
light as he went forward. Taking
her two tender hands within his own,
he turned to the old father.
"See," he said grayely, sit is the
will of God that you should give me
Marion for my very own. Her steps
have been led to my roof tree by the
hand of fate. She is to me the most
precious treasure in the world. Will
you not give her to mel"
The old man looked up into the
dark, earnest face. It's expression OF
sincerity and kindliness could not be
misunderstood; and in spite of himself
he became tor tho first time conscious
OF his noble, manly beauty.
AT last he reached out trembling
hand and placed II upon Marion's
bright head.
"Take her." he said, hoarsely. ut
IS Gods will, and the lass loves you.
I'm not sure II / would give her up,