The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1888-12-05
lIURIEL,
WMuricl. NImliel y

''Muriel, Muliel q"
The tone was sharp and authoritative,
snnd Madam Thorne's smooth, white brow
contracted into half frown as she
leaned out of the window and repeated
her imperative summons.
A foam bubble sparkling on the break
er's brim-a butterfly posing IN midair
"A thstledown careening on the breeze
how shall descr be the airy lightness,
the peHect grace of Muriels motion as
she came dancing, floating up the broad
lawn and stood before the open windowl
''Well, aunueN
Come in, Muriel; l wish to have a
little s, rious conversation with YOU"
The limpid gray eyes shot one re.
belious fash from under their silken
lashes, and the rich red mouth took an
unmistakable pout.
''ls it about Lawyer Grant"
"les, Muriel. That worthy gentle
man has magnanimously overlooked YOUR
scornful reception of his avowal of love
and renews his offer of hand, heart and
fortune
''And if | refuse"
Then the mortgage which he holds
on Buckdale will be foreclosed immedi-
ately and you aud will be homeless out
casts"
"And so you propose to sell me to
Lawyer Grant,"
Even madam's well-bred composure
was not quite proof against the bitter
seorn in the question, aud she flushed
little as she replied
Don't be vulgar child. Mr.. Grant
oilers you home riches and an honor.
able name"
IAN offer that l despise and reject. Z"
Madame Thorne's snowy eyelids went
down, and her snowy hands went up, in
token Of her horror.
migrate Traitor! | sheltered and
cared for you in yonr infancy, kept you
from the almshouse; and now you will
not make this trifing sacrifice to save
my Old age from WANT
''Not to save your life, or minew The
gray eyes glittered now, and the quick
blood burned like crimson stain in
either girlish cheek. "Not for your
sake, Aunt Muriel nor to save the whole
world, would thus degrade myself"
Mrs. Thorne's cold blue eyes fastened
themselves on Muriel's glowing face
with pitiless scorn.
"Will you tell me, Muriel Vance, how
you propose to support yourselfl You
have no money, no accomplishments
and no special aptitude, that have yet
discovered, for making yourself useful
in any way whatever"
Muriel gave little sigh.
81 am a sad scapeGrace, aunty-I
acknowledge it. But it is said that
there is a special Providence that
watches over fools. On that | place my
reliance. Eut there, see that you are
angry, so / will say no more. "
And to Mrs. Thorne's infinite disgust
she began caroling a Wild rythmic
melody, her little slippered feet keeping
time, as she whirled down the long
piazza in perfect Bletes of whirls, pir-
ouettes and impromptu ',pas dc JaseiHa-
tioa,n till at last, with a grand flourish,
she stood before her aunt, flushed, pant
ing and smiling.
al danced away all my i'll humor, dear
aunte-n
encore! encore cried a wheezy,
cracked voice behind her aud Muriel
turned to see the wrinkled face and leeT
ing eyes of awyer Grant
"A light heart makes light feet" he
said, chuckling and rubbing his withered
hands in ecstacy;" "eh, Miss Muriel %
But AIuriel had fed to her room. a
secluded little retreat in a remote wing
Of the great rambling farmhouse.
Whea, after an hours patient watch