Waterbury evening Democrat., 1891-11-04

 be-" Unsuitable? Not bit of it. A we'll brought up American girl-the daughter of such mother as you-is, in my opinion, a match for the proudest prince in Christendom." ''Then you think I should give my | consent?"
 ''Ifyour daughters happiness is linked | with his am sure you should George Arundel has in my opinion patent of nobility grander than that granted by any king. He is generous, honorable and affectionate--what more would you asl5?"
 ''You plead well for the young peo- pie, MT. Hardcastle."
 "Yes," he said. "And if could only plead as well for myself, Esther Eve sham, l should think myself a happy man."
 The widow flushed scarlet, but never helped him with a word.
 ''I know it is madness for me to SUD- pose at my time of life that l could win a woman's love, nor did ever think that I should meet woman whose love I coveted so much as l do yours. I believe that, if you could for get my years, and consent to share my life, I could make yours happy. You see, your daughter will be marrying this English lord. Harry will be mating with Wanda, and you and will be left alone"
 ''Oh, it wouldn't be for that, Mir. Hard castle, if Tiff I said yes-but-" the widow stammered.
 "But?"
 ''But, oh, do love you with all my heart and soul. I think you one of the noblest men God ever made"
 She was sobbing in his arms, and All exander Hardcastle knew that he had won the faithful heart.
 And what surprised these two shame faced lovers, when they confessed the fact, was that no one was one bit as- tonished, but rendered their loving con- gratulations as though it was quite an everyday occurrence for a groom of | sixty-one to lead to the altar bride of two-and-forty.
 Bladon carried the news to George | Arundel. He had a wonderful respect for the old gentleman since he had done so much for his masters family, and there was a genuine ring of sympathy in his tone as he said:
 "Poor MT. Hardcastle, he's gone an done it at last, Master George-but I've knowed for the past few weeks there was no hope for him."
 ''Whatv" Arundel cried, in startled dismay. Something happened to that fine fellow?"
 Aye, he's going to be married on Monday"
 "To Mrs. Evesham?"
 "That he be, sir. He says he won't wait, an she's willing-mayhap poor chap, he thinks as it's got to be, he might as well get it over an adone with"
 Yes, Bladon was quite right. Mr. Hardcastle had pleaded hard and sue cessfully for a speedy marriage. He claimed that they were only ridiculous while in a state of engagement, that he had not so much time to spare that he could afford to lose single week o1 happiness, that the house wanted mis tress and the girls legal guardian, and
 finally that there was no sense, need nor expediency in delay.
 It was very quiet marriage. An olc friend of the groom came at the ap
 pointed hour and performed the cere mony, and the next day things went or
 as though no change had been made il
 the family circle.
 Tn due time, when George's physician
 permitted it, they carried out thei 3 plan of visiting England, and one Au ? gust morning found them standing oI
 the very 1anding-stage at Liverpoo docks, where, years before, the help
 less babe had been delivered up by it
 mother into the hands of stranger. . You were too young to remember it g Wanda," Mrs. Hardcastle said, as sh @ stood gazing around, with hand on tn > girls arm.
 l. "Ah, yes," was the reply in a low s soft voice; ''still the place has sad as # sociations for me. Oh, If I had no r fallen into your tender hands. I trem 8 ble to think what might have been m, $ fate"
 e But, who is this stalwart young fel IS low, who, with flushed face and cage 1T eye, is dashing toward them at heaG O long speed, pushing unceremoniousl 5 aside all who bar his way? y There is one cry from the lips of tn U two girls. Harry" and the next il 1T stant Kate and Wanda are hangin ' IS every male biped in that motley crowt o And when Harry has kissed a doze A times the sweet, uplifted faces, he tur1
 with surprise to see his mother, red :
 a summer rose, hanging on the arm
 his patron. Why has she too not rushe 10 with the girls to his embrace? E. 'Mother!' he cries, and in mome1
 she is in his arms.
 10 But why does she sob so, and decla - in mild mysteries that she could n 10 help it-but-but-but-t she wou
 have waited to consult him, if-if-if t le and then incontinently and utter W break down?
 .S ''What is it, mother dear2" he ask ar soothingly, aghast at her emotion.
 "Why just this, young gentleman he Mr. Hardcastle says, coming to her re