Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1890-09-06
the two young people pacing slowly up

oh1 OAlob lOo tANoe L. ASi'hS"
kindly-as kindly as he would wish"
He was trying to smile, but his heart was
heavy. 1t seemed always to be SO now
Lena, with downcast eyes, made no
answer.
"Perhays you will say" continued the
Captain, still with his forced hghtness,
that you have not known him long
enough TOTO learn to think of him as he
would wish. But"
Do you think one must know
person long time to-care in that way2"
asked Lena, casting rapidly sly glance
upon him.
"No!-I-I think day-an hours
often enough-often too much, if it is to
make the unhappiness of whole life"
The poor Captain paused. What, what
hal he been saying3 Desperately he
strove to gather himself together. The
odor of roses and new mown hay was in
the air, and the rustic of Lena's white
dress upon the gravel of the park made
his pulses beat. Wildly he threw him
self back into the way of duty. "But
that must not be with poor Henri, I
hope. If you could learn to care even
little for him, the rest might come in
time"
Helplessly he foundered GA. Lena,
who moment before had flushed like
rose, had now turned pale as a ghost
under cover of the cleaning. When, the
next time, they reached the end of the
walk, she left her companion and entered
the house.
Her grandmother was sitting in the
great armchair, under a shaded lamp,
reading Herbert Spencer.
"Wnere have you come FROM" she
said. 'But know. Ishould do better
to ask where young Mr.. Bowen Is. You
have been walking with the uncle in
stead. Why was that2"
The old ladys tone had never been
more autocratic, her eyes had never had
a more arbitrary and sarcastic CLEAN. Lena
began to tremble. Her tense nerves gave
way.
"Grandmamma, she cried, "you have
no right-no, no right-to marry me
against my will"
Her blue eyes were flashing like dia-
monds behind the sudden binding tears
of rebellion.
"Tut, tut. What's this2 Who, pray,
is trying to marry you against your villa
Are you not very fond of this charming
young fellow who is so madly in love
with you2 If you are not, marvel at
your lack Of taste. All this is childish
ness. | know better than you. Old
people always know better than young
people. 1t is very sensible to make their
marriages for them. If it were always
done there would be far less matrimonial
laundering. Ask Captain Charter if l
am not right
"You speak of Captain Charter as
though he were old!" cried the girl, for
gettinga all things in her hot indignation.
''He is only thirty-sx."
"Well, that is old for girl of your
years." retorted the old lady, with I'M
rufled equanimity. "Come, kiss me,
and retire for the night. You cannot
present yourself before the gentlemen with
that tear stained face.
When Lena had left the room, Mrs.
Fredricks glanced at the closed door
with very curious smile upon her lips.
She was about to resume principles Of
Sociology" when the Captain came in.
He looked worn, haggard and pale.
After a few words of preliminary CONVEX
sation he observed that he might find
himself obliged to return to town within
a day OF two,
Provided" cried Mrs. Frederick,
"that you arc permitted, and don't at all
know that l shall permit you'll believe
you are all in league to make me pass
bad night. Here have | just dismisse ed
Lena in a very bad state of agitation, set
ting herself up against me, the little
rebel! and saying she would not do this
and would not do that, ETC., ETC., and
row you talk of leaving me! What does
it all mean? That is what l would like
to know"
The Captain, who had been looking at
the floor, with his arms upon his knees,
in an attitude of corporal recklessness
and mental detection very unlike his
usual grave, strong, 8oldierly bearing,
glanced up at this
81 can explain that which may seem
strange in my Own conduct, Mrs. Fred
ericks," he said, with an effort. ''And,
perhaps, though 1 had first thought to
keep silent, it would be best for me thus
to do. am afraid you will dcspise me
/ for what am about to confess"
tOh, don't imagine that | shall, :"
cried Mrs Fredericks, lightly. "Comel
to the point! l think ] shall be able to
hear your confession without too great a
shock"
II love your granddaughter, ejacu-
lated the Captain abruptly, and his eyes
still continued to study the pattern of the
rug at his feet.
"Welll"
"Well, know that you have other de-
signs for her, know that Henri loves
her-uo, not as well as l do; that would
be impossible. Still, he is bound up in
her, poor boy! and--and so you see that
l must go away"
81 see," pronounced Mrs. Frelricks
distinctly, "ncthing of the sort"
AS the Captain finally looked at her in
wordless surprise, she continued;
"Come here to me, young man." He
approached the great armchair. The old
lady's little, shriveled, impcrious hand
went up to his coat sleeve.
"Bend down! Ncarcrl Nearer,"
And the Captain was aware OF having
suddenly received kiss, which was like
benediction on the roots of his hair.
''You will remain here and you will
be my grandsoa-in-law, cried the old
lady. ayes, yes! Why do you look at
me sol speak the truth. You will
certainly marry Lena. Why, silly war
iior that you are don't you know that she
has not thought of any one but you since
she first saw youl Young Bowen, in
deed! Saving the politeness l would
show your nephew, he has been nothing
more to her than a handsome BARRIERS
block, and that was Just what l had in
tended. knew what you were. Was
not your father, too, one of my dearest
friends! Oh, well, we'll l knew that
no one would make Lena as happy as
you. l wished when my end came to
/ \. : L l.. =.