The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1888-01-14
TRIED BY FIRE.

"Marry Mr. Dysart? That old man?
Mamma, you are jestingw
She stood at the open window of the
shabby little sitting-room "a tall, straight
young figure in clinging black gown. A
girl with fair, sweet face, brown ayes, and
golden hair-Lucia Denelle.
At the other window-both of which
opened upon great, struggling, unkept
grounds delicate looking woman was
bending over huge basket of darning
All sorts and conditions of garments, all
Of diminutive size bespoke the occupation
the weary and toil-worn mother Of small
children.
Mrs. Denelle glanced up, with pair of
tiny, dilapidated socks in her hand, and
her tired face grew more careworn, as she
suppressed weary sigh
Daughter, the very thought of your be.
ing forced into loyeleless marriage breaks
my heart. If you do not-cannot--learn
to care for Mr.. Dysart' shrugged
her graceful shoulders disdainfully ly-'then
will say no more. But he is good and
kind. He offers TO settle handsome in
come upon me, so that the children can be
properly educated He offers to lift the
mortgage from this place, and secure it to
me free of all incumbrance; also to re-
furnish and beautify the house. Really my
dear, Woodland would be lovely place,
with some necessary improvements, and
with means sufficient to keep the grounds
in order And when l reflect upon our
forlorn condition since your fathers death,
and glance about me at the six little ones
all younger than you, to be fed, clothed
and educated upon the mere pittance which
is left me from your fathers life insurance
lit makes my heart stand still. And Mr..
Dysart loves you. His elegant home is
near enough, so that | would not have to
lose yon altogether. Oh, Lucia, darling,
would never consent for you to go far
away"
"Not even to Ialy, mammas"
The girls sweet face had grown tender
and gentle. She came 10 her mothers side
and drew the unfinished mending from her
hands.
There. Let me do it, mamma. Truly
am not tired. I've only given music
lesson this morning. Now, mammal
with mischieyous smile, which did not
conceal the undercurrent of anxiety in her
heart-'answer me! Mayn't 60 to italy
as Stuart Uarland's wite?"
"Good heavens"
Airs. Denelle started to her feet, pale and
trembling like leaf.
''Stuart Harland poor artist oh, Lucia,
this is madRessr'
Mamma, love him.
Madness-madnessr repeated the poor
mother brokenly. Lucia, | would rather
see you dead. You are Door enough now"
"Mamma"-the girls face was grave
and resolute-"I cannot endure the thought
Of giving you pain, but do not love Mark
Dysart, and have given my whole heart
to Stuart Harland, and can never marry
any one else.'
Mrs. Denelle was wringing her hands In
bitter sorrow. Neither of them observed
the tall, dark figure out in the oyergrown
grounds without, lying at full length upon
the garden seat, his hat drawn over his
eyes.
A man OF middle age, with dark brown
hair and beard just touched with gray,
keen gray eyes, aud severe expression. The
two women went on with the discussion,
and never dreamed of the listener without
81 would rot willingly grieve OF cross
you, Lucia, Mrs. Denslle was saying, sadly,
''but shall never give my consent"
Them "-rebelliouslv-''we shall either
have to marry without it, eI-forgiye me,
mamma"-with little cry of pain at sight
of her mothers distress. ''No, would
never do that; but would be doomed tc
life of Loneliness and unhappiness; aud
know that would make you unhappy, too. y
Mrs. Denelle made no reply, and Lucia
went on with the task before her. All day
long she worked; cooking, ironing. snd
mendng for the noisy, mlsehieyous six
filled the time 70 oYerfowlng. But Lucia
pale aud patient, worked away, and moth
ing was left undoue.
When the sun had set aud twilight haC
fallen over the green earth like benedIe
tion, when the last youngster was tuckeC
away In his little bed, then Lucia was a
liberty. She threw a dsecy white wraI
about her shoulders, and went ont into tn
dnsky grounds.
Ali tile later stuart Harland joined her