The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1891-12-04


became very PEE, and ut the time the
conversation between herself and father
described in the first part Of this sketch
took place, she looked as il she could
endure but little more, either of physi.
cal or mental exertion.
The father had observed the increas.
ing paleness of his child, and it had
caused him much grief. But he had
said nothing of the matter, for he did
not know how he was to remedy 1t. He
had been hopeful, but now had almost
give up in despair.
As evening approached poor Marie
grew still paler, but she spoke words OF
hope and comfort to her father, and that
parent could not but look upon her in
admiration as well as pity.
The hour came when business called
her away. She pressed her marble cold
lips to her fathers brow. She held his
hand in her own for moment, and
tear drops fell upon it. Then she said:
Gather, the darkest time is just be-
fore the dawn. Cheer up. I will re-
turn in a few hours, and tomorrow we
will be richer than we are today"
The daughter left that wretched home.
But no sooner had she taken her depar
ture than her father began to think Of
her last words. They were strange.
What could they mean? What act did
Marie contemplate?
At first a suspicion swept across his
Interchangeable gradually assuming
form. But as the thought pressed upon
his brain it began to madden him, and
for hours he tossed upon his bed of pain,
calling for his child, praying for her
safe return.
Midnight came and passed, and still
Marie came not. Several times had the
old actor resolved to arise and go in
search of her, but he had not strength to
do so, and as often would fall back upon
his pillow, grooming in the agony of his
soul.
Daylight came and still Marie had not
arrived. But just as the sun began to
throw its golden rays over the city, a
carriage was heard to drive up before the
actors house. He listened. He heard
football upon the stairs and he recognize
ed the footstep.
In moment after Marie burst into
the room. She rushed to her fathers
side and, throwing her arms around him,
she wept
The old man did the same; but he OBJ
served that Marie's dress was now of
rich material and, putting her away, he
contemplated her for a moment with a
mournful expression. Then he said in a
trembling voice: marie, my only child;
your mother was noble Christian
woman. She would die before she would
knowingly commit wrong action. She
knows your struggles and temptations,
but will she approve of all your acts?"
"God and my sainted mother will
both approve theml" exclaimed the girl
in SO earnest and deep tone that it
really startled her father; and as she
spoke she fell upon her knees and raised
her hands to Heaven.
81 believe you, Marie, said the father,
"and trust you will forgive me for har-
boring a suspicion for moment. But
tell me what has happened"
II will, father. But you must promise
in advance to forgive me for all that /
have done without consulting you"
81 promise YOU"
"Well, then, will commence by read
ing an article in the morning paper,
which procured as came along"
"Does it refer to your affairs?'
"It explains ALL"
"Then let me hear it,"
"Here is the extract, father:
IA DOUBLE TRIUMPH.-The new play pro-
duced at the theater last night proved to be
one of the greatest successes of the season. Its
name-"The Frozen HEARTS, sensational:
the entire play abounds in beautiful passages
and startling situations"
"The Frozen Heart ," repeated the old
actor, "why, that is the title of my un-
finished play"
"Your play was completed by myself,
dear father, and it was your production
and my own which was brought out at
the theater last night, and with such un-
bounded success"
The old man was stricken speechless
for moment. and then the tears started
to his eyes. But it was only upon the
examination of the manuscript that he
could convince himself that such was
really the fact.
After this point was settled his daugh-
ter said, Father, will you hear more of
the article?"
eyes, read"
81 will. Here it is:
1--WE must admit, however, that the splen-
didly effective and affecting acting of the
debutante did much to insure its great sue
cess. With regard to Marie, as she is
called"-
marie, Mariew repeated the old man.
"Was it my Mariep'
Eyes, dear father, your own poor child,
Marie, is the one here spoken of. And |
if my triumph brings me great joy, it is
because l can provide for you now and
repay you, to some extent, for the love |
and tenderness you have always be- |
slowed on me-"
1t is not wonder that father and |
daughter both wept But those tears
were of joy and gratitude for the bless
ings bestowed upon them. Who would |
snatch those blessings from the old actor |
and his child? Who would poison their
delights and turn their now happy home