The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1888-12-05
NlURIEL,
sAIuricl, AIuliel -

Murlcl, Mullel
The tone was sharp and authoritative,
sand Madam Thorne's smooth, white brow
contracted into a 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 thistledown careening on the breeze
how shall descr bic the airy lightness,
the peEfect grace Of Muriels motion as
she came dancing, floating up the broad
lawn and stood before the open window Z
swell, auntlcfh
Come in, Muriel; wish TO have a
little ssrious. conversation with you."
- The -limpid gray eyes shot one re.
bellious flash from under their silken
lashes, and the rich red mouth took an
unmistakable pout.
us it about Lawyer Grant,"
ayes, 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.n
''And SO you propose to sell me to
Lawyer Grantip
Even madam's we'll bred composure
was not quite proof against the bitter
scorn in the question, and she flushed a
little as she replied;
Don't be vulgar, child. Mr.. Grant
offers you home, riches and an honor.
able name.n
san offer that despise and reject. Z"
Madame Thorne's snowy eyelids went
down, and her snowy hands went up, in
token of her horror.
''lngratel Traitor sheltered and
cared for you in yOnr infancy, kept you
from the almshouse; and now you will
not make this trifling 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 q crimson stain in
either girlish cheek. "Not for your
sake, Aunt AiuriAl nor to save the whole
world, would ! s degrade myself"
Mrs. Thorne bid blue eyes fastened
themselves OF &Biuriel's glowing face
with pitiless scorn.
W III Ou tCti luC1 NtutAct dutCg nOH
you propose to support yourself9 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. Rut 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 melee of whirls, pir.
ouettes and impromptu '.pas dc Jaseilsa-
tioa," till at last, with grand flourish,
she stood before her aunt, flushed, pant
ing and smiling.
81 danced away all my i'll humor, dear
auntie--p
"Encorel encore" cried wheezy,
cracked voice behind her, aud Muriel
turned to see the wrinkled face and leer
ing eyes of awyer Grant.
"A light heart makes light feet,n be
said chuckling aud rubbing his withered
hands in ecstacy:" "eh, Miss Muriel ln
But AIuriel had fed to her room, a
secluded little retreat in a remote wing
Of the great rambling farmhouse.
Whes, after an hours patient watch