The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1890-12-10
A BAD HALF.H0UR
BY EMMA A. oPPER.

known you"
The sentiment was not new. And John
Gordon was only fine looking man, in
becoming summer suit, and black silk
shirt and sash-for this was Rocky
Beach. But to Marion Taylor
81 do like-l-l-love you, Mr.. Cor
don" she said, bravely. at hasn't been
long, but l have come to care for you.
You are the first man l have ever been
willing to marry"
"And I'll be the lastl" John Gordon
cried, and pressed her hand hard.
They were close to Marion's hotel
now. If the imposing, not to say for
midable figure of Marions Aunt Paulina
had not been apparent on the piazza,
they might have fingered still.
John Gordon turned his eyes to her
"She doesn't like me, Marion" he
said, softly. "What will she say?"
Marion was soft faced and gentle
eyed girl, but she held her chm high at
that.
"What she says can make no differ
ence! Good-by, John"
"Good-by" the young man uttered,
rapturously.
And moment later Marion was drop
ping into bamboo porch chair-a small
one; Aunt Paulina occupied large one.
A glance at her strong featured i'm
perturable countenance was enough for
Marion. She said to herself, slangily,
that something was up.
"You remember my saying, Marion, u
Aunt Paulina began, "that was dissatis-
fed with this place9"
Marion's eyes opened. Aunt Paulina
had once remarked that her bed was q
little hard.
"Well, / have rather suddenly made
up my mind to leave. The Dawsons are
at Ripley, and they write me that tn,
place is charming. 1t is only ten miles
along the coast, Marion, and | have told
! Sarah to get our things together, so WI
can start this afternoon. 1 think W.
shall both be better for the change"
Marion looked down. Her impulses
were many. She came near laughing
but gasped instead, not wholly with as
tonishment.
She was not unused to her Aunt Paul
mas methods, and her principal emotion
now was a sort of admiration for he
boldness; for the case was a clear on,
even to unsuspicious Marion.
''Marion, AUNT Paulina recommended
with a surprising burst of caudor, cit
that young man! Marion, you well know
that l wholly disapprove of him. 1 la.
awake last night thinking of it. linus
do something. The blame will be on IN,
head if l allow you to go on!" Aun
Paulina declared, solemnly. "Marion
what do you know about him2"
"Not very much, Aunt Paulina, salt
Marion, gently.
"How long have you known him.?
Aunt Pauliua demanded.
"Since we came. Six weeks, yoI
know"
"Six weeks!" said Aunt Paulina
tragically. "And you walk with hin
every day, and boat. and bathe, an,
dance in the evening. And you wer
introduced by the Lambsl l' her lips clos
ing grimly on the name. "The Lambs
people who take up everybody and any
body. Just that is enough for mel d,
YOU know where he is FRONT"
Boston, 1 think" said Marion
obviously.
'You think! And his business"
"Something about glass, believe.
"Glass! And his propcrty-has h
got any9'
81 don't know" said Marion, frown
ing at last. "IIe doesn't talk about him
self all the time"
FOR reasons, doubtless" said Aun
T'aulina, looking rigid. marion, lste
to me, child! l cannot consent to s
sin and SEQ A young man of whoi
we know nothing, and you, Marion, wit
your beauty and amiability and with m
money secured to you! Marion, you oW
something to me-some consideration
some obedience"
Aunt Paulina was growing flushed an
incoherent, and since Marion knew abor
what she was going to say, it was as we
that Sarah came Just then to make an IL
quiry, and that Aunt Paulina found
necessary to go back with her.
Marion sat like a pale, wide-eye
statue. What should she dol Th
mild lines of her sweet mouth woul
have made it clear to an observer whi
she would do. She would go with hC
Aunt Paulina, of course; what elsef 81
had never yet thought of opposing he
She owed her everything, and she ha
always hitherto put faith in her jud!
ment.
But as to this about John GordoI
She would have TO go-have TO lea'
Rocky Beach to-day-have to leave Johl
But give him upl Never-neverl 81
would write to him-do anything an
everything. But go she must. Aul
Paulina was making preparations; Sara
was packing; and Marion looked off t
ward the rolling surf with distresst
and sombre gaze, her red lips a-quive
She did not see her Aunt Paulir
again till three o'clock that Afternoon
which was agreeable both to herself an
to Aunt Paulina. For Aunt Paulina
plans went like clock-work. Trunl
were packed and bills were paid and
cab engaged, and at three o'clock Aul
Paulina saw her niece into it and S