The National tribune., 1890-04-10

ness OF her social standing.
CHAPTER V.
After the first ardor Of their meeting had
passed. Abigail in a voice tremulous with emo
tion told Chapman how rudely Ter father had
spoken OF him as the companion of his ride
through Sainney's Wood. Her lover had one
proposition 10 make-onc which he had several
times previously urged upon her, namely, that
they should be secretly married. and trust 10
time to effect change of sentiment toward
himself
g ] can't do that Willard she replied, with
tears in her eyes. " IL would be SO disrespect-
ful-evcu dishonorable."
If You loved me as much as / love you, "
hepeTsis,ed, you would not hesitate to do what
ask"
For a moment her resolution faItered but
her firm principles soon asserted themselves.
Ii is impossible for me 20 make any compar-
isOn between your love for me and mine for
you; but this / will s2y-if you love me only
one quarter as deeply as truly, as faithfully, as
unchanggably as ] do you, why, then, Am sat
jsfled. IL Is because ! love yon much aud
value your love Tor me so deeply, that cannot
and will not do anything which might regret
IN after life"
How do You mean - he inquired.
it Is because j have never done and never
viii do anything TO cast disgrace on my fathers
name. she replied. " that feel so firm in my
knowledge that / shall never do anything 10
throw shame on yours"
Dearest sweet" he murmurej, pressing her
hand 20 his heart; You can't blame me for be-
ing eager to clasp you to my breast, and call you
wife"
With light and joyous laugh she sprang
from bis side avoiding his Outstretched arms.
She seated herself al the piano, and striking a
magnificent chord, giided thence into the pre-
luce 10 one Of
HIS FAvoRITE SONGS.
He followed her 70 the instrument and began
TO sing. Lost in the ec=tacy Of their own
melody they were for some minutes unaware
that they had had almost from the first an IN
apprecistive listener. none other than Andrew
Morton himself, who stood leaning against a
window behind them, with folded arms and
cl0uded brow
May ask where" he inquired. coldly.
when the song was finished, you acquired
such mutual proficiency as singer and accom-
panistZ"
Why father, are you there?" exclaimed
Abigail rising. IN some confusion. AZ did not
expect you hack for some time vet"
Very likely: please 20 and hurry dinner. "
Miih an anxious glance at Chapman, she left
The room.
$50. you are a musical gentleman" !" remark
ed Mr. Morton. With a sneer.
Mr. Morton" said Chapman boldly, ignor-
ing bis observation, - I'm IA love with your
oaugA'er. and wish 20 pay my addresses 10 her.
Bsve yOur permission 10 Go so2 -
"Cer.aiEiy not, returned tire merchant with
sngfy emphasis. q Do y0u think / cannot see
through y0ur pretended love for my daughter? ?
She is a hSmeiy girl as old as you arc, or NAV
be- q y.E % two older Yon know that am
wei ~. and that Is the reason you want 10
mafry ber. Gon have deceived her" he went
OF. iae ng himself into a fury, but you can [
take u.e ia."
ioa aTe mistaken. Mr. Morton" pleaded
Chapman. never knew what IL lgas 10 love
8 woman truly until ] met abigail"
Have you means enough TO support her in
tbe style ia which she now liYesg asked Nor
Ton, throwing proud glance at the expensive
soonm-uts Of his large double parl0rs, with a
conservatory beyond.
No or, not al present; but"
IL yOg don't want your motives rnisuuder-
stood, wa5t until you can DO better Tor a wife
than 500 low can. ] shall not conceal from
you siT. that have made some inquiries about
yon, ana an not satisfied either with your
pec3alfy " your moral standing"
GEIf=a r. HAE CONSISTED TO 0gKKLOOK--'
ig-ii aa iueEperienred girl can be made
u csHsen' 20 anything. Bat iny daughter has
eEc-..eli good sense. aud viii see this matter
a. 60 g. course 0f iime"
bur beg psei0ugatiou Of the controversy
Cb@pnau ielt would be useless Taking his
hat. hr hrew open the nail door and LEFT the
house without another word
"Aglcai.." called ont Andrew Morton.
Sic slosly descended the staircase from her
room. Her eyes were moist and red.
!" ! m"sL say am surprised At the way this
atalT il1s gone on" be said. al think Won
might have confdcd your feelings 10 me-"
l0u never would allow me-" she replicd
Sadly. > gin has 10 he encouraged 10 give
up hey hearts secret"
+" have had no practice in that business y
he rciC.ald. he temper again rising " Now
look here Abigail" be went on. have hi,
10 BAY, aud only this: IL Mr willard Chap.
man eafkeHs THIS door a2aiu. there will be
tIOYbe. ] don't like the man, aud do no,
cona3deF ihat hls moral qualities are such al
Will lusarc your happiness as his wife"
~ BATS the use u arguing" she cried De.
Eparns!y and sinking down upon the sofs
she buried her face in her hands and geyt bit
tcrly.
Her father was deeply moved. After al bi,
epsfeei'e opposition 10 Chapman was based on
tut ore groaHd-his ioye for his daughter
and his desire 70 secure the best possible chanc,
for EcF Happiness in the future Calming bI,
temper insianily-as though the torrent Of bel
tears had qucnched its Hame-he lowered bi
hls voice. aud said:
Well now, daughter, suppose we settle II Il
this manner: YOu let Ar Chapman go bis wa,
and you 20 yours without seeing each other fg
Elk months. IL At the end Of that tituc va,
both feel a. you do BOW, and am satisfied fha
Chapman has led aD upright aud industriou
Iiic 81 the interim, We can have another con
TeIsaiion Oh the subject and ! will
sEE WHAT CAN BIZ DONE"
The rendition was hard one; but Morton
n wa uns@eryiug. During dinner he resolateI,
avoided the subject, bat Is he was returning &
business IN the afternoon lac mentioned IL again
demanding her answer, yes or no.
Suppose / should say / would not consent
1Gtberf"
"IheH ] should say" cried the old man
take tie 5000 your mother left you. and 20
But never look upon me again as a father. no
expect anything Whatever from me"
Returning 10 the paIlor Abigail sat dow,
again uion the sofa and pondercd dceply.
hFst Size was inclined to take a sad view OF IA,
subject, but reflection showed her that he
12thers ultimatum WAS mol SO very drcadfu
alter all. 10 lovers whose affection was )
sincere as that Of herself and Willard a 81,
month probation Was but tTiGlng trial
small price indeed 70 pay for tie good viii an.