The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1866-1891, 1890-09-18

command. am tyrant. On, know
it, and l choose to be. I have yet to
find any one who can manage my affairs
(and even those of few othcrs) as salts
factorily as myself. But Lena is differ
ent. She is very tender blossom. She
will never care to be tyrant. She will
live for her husband-for his love. She
will only develop into all nature intended
her for under those conditions. There
fore is it very necessary to find an excep-
tional oak for my exceptional vino.
Dropping all metaphor, the husband who
is to be worthy of Lena must not be the
first chance suitor. If your nephew
plcascs me-" concluded the old lady,
fastening her bright, piercing eyes with
masterful and humorous challenge on the
Captains face, ~ may capture him for
her."
"Henri is an excellent fellow" said
the Captain, with some emotion.
He glanced through the wintow at
the two young people pacing slowly up
and down in the moonlight.
81 wonder what he is talking 10 her
about" thought the Captain. "His COL
lcgc races, probably"
Lena's grandmother, in her turn,
watched her companions unconscious
face moment.
"Wcll, WE'LL" she said, "we shall
see."
X
"But, Captain Charter, I don't know
why"
"You don't know why I should COM
plain" said the Captain, gently. 1t was
mauy evenings since the evening of his
arrival, and it was he now who was pac-
ing in the dusk by Lcna's side. Con-
science stricken, he told himself that he
had no right thus to monopolizc that
place. Where was Henri, his nephewa
"Ah, WE'LL" he resumed, "you cannot
say that you always treat my nephew
kindly-as kindly as he would wish" >"
He was trying to smile, but his heart was
heavy. It seemed always to be so now,
Lena, with downcast eyes, made no
answer.
."Perhays you will say" continued the
Captain, still with his forced lightness,
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 wayT
asked Lena, casting rapidly al sly glance
upon him.
"No!-I-I think day--an hour--is
often enough-often too much, if it is to
make the unhappiness of whole life
The poor Captain paused. What, wha
hal he been sayingG Desperately ht
strovc to gather himself together. The
odor of roses and new mown hay was II
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,
hope. If you could learn to care even
little for him, the rest might como IL
time"
Helplessly he foundered on. Lena
who moment before had flushed like I
rose, had now turned pale as q ghos
under cover of the cleaning. When, th'
next time, they reached the end of tht
walk, she left her companion and entered
the house.
Her grandmother was sitting in TIT
greaG armchair, under a shaded lamp
reading Herbert Spencer.
"Nherc have you come fromF sh
said. "But know. Ishould do better
to ask where young Mr.. Bowen IS. Yol
have been walking with the uncle in
stead. Why was that3"
The old lady's tone had never bee1
more autocratic, her eyes had never hat
more arbitrary and sarcastic CLEAN. Len;
began to tremblc. Her tense nerves CAV
way.
"Grandmamma," she cried, "you ha7
no right-no, no right-to marry M
against my will"
Her blue eyes were flashing like dia
monds behind the sudden binding tear:
of rebellion.
"Tut, tut. What's this2 Who, pay
is trying to marry you against your will
Are you not very fond of this charming
young fellow who is so madly in low
with YOU? If you are not, marvel al
YOUR lack of taste. All this is childish
ness. I know better than you. Ok
people always know better than youn!
people. 1t is very sensible to make thei
marriages for them. If it were alway
done there would be far less matrimonial
laundering. Ask Captain Charter if
am not right"
"You speak of Captain Chartcs a
though he were old" cried the girl, for
gettingall things in her hot indignation
"He is only thirty-six."
"Well, that is old for girl of you
years." retorted the old lady, with un
ruffled equanimity. "Come. kiss me
and retire for the night. You canno
present yourself before the gentlemen wit
that tcar-stained face
When Lena had left the room, Mrs
Fredricks glanced at the closed doc
with avery curious smile upon her lips
She was about to resume ''Principles O
Sociology" when the Captain came in
He looked worn, haggard and pale
After few words of preliminary conver
sation he observed that he might fin
himself obliged to return to town With
) q day or two.
"Provided," cried Mrs. Frederick
/ 'that you arc permitted, and don't at q
, know that shall permit you! 1 belicv
YOU are all in league to make me pass
; bad night. Here have just dismiss