The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1892-05-27
A BAD HALF-HOUR.

"1 haven't known you very long, y
Marion faltered, looking down on the
sand as she spoke.
Long! Oh, Marion, can you count IL
by days? 1t has been life time to me.
l have lived only since I have known
you'll"
The sentiment was not new. And
John Gordon was only fine looking
man, in Il becoming summer suit and a
black silk shirt and sash-for this was
Rocky Beach. But to Marion Taylor
Il do like-l-l-love you, Mr.. Gordon!" "
she said, bravely. at hasn't been long,
but have come to care for you. You
are the first man have ever been will
ing to marry"
And I'll be the last!" John Gordon
Cried, and pressed her hand hard.
They were close to Maron's hotel now,
If the imposing, not to say formidable
figure of Marion's 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 chin high at
that.
What she says can make no differ
ence! Goodby, John!"
"Good-by!" the young man uttered,
rapturously. as he took his leave.
A moment later Marion was dropping
into bamboo porch chair-a small one
Aunt Paulina occupied large one.
A glance at her strong featured, inn
perturbable countenance was enough for
Marion. She said to herself, soberly, that
something was the matter.
You remember my saying, Marion, {"
Aunt Paulina began, "thatI was dissatis-
fed with this plaoePn
Marlon's eyes opened. Aunt Paulina
had once remarked that her bed was a
little hard
We'll, l have rather suddenly made up
my mind to leave. The Dawsons are at
Ripley, and they write me that the place
is charming. 1t is only ten miles along
the coast. Marion, and I've told Sarah
to get our things together. so we can
start this afternoon, think we 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
constituent She was not unused to her
Aunt Paulina's methods, and her princi-
pal emotion now was a sort of admiration
for her boldness; for the case was clear
one even to unsusricious Marion.
Marion, Aunt Paulina recommended,
with a surprising burst of candor, "it's
that young man! Marion, you well
know that l wholly disapprove of him.
| lay awake last night thinking of it.
must do something. The blame will be
On my head If l allow you to 60 on!"
Aunt Paulina declared, solemnly. MAR
iron, what do you know about him?"
Not very much, Aunt Paulina," said
Marion, gently.
How long have you known him 2"
Aunt Paulina demanded.
"Since we came. Six weeks, you
know."
"Six weeks I" said Aunt Paulina, trag-
lcally, and you walk with him every day,
and boat and bathe, and dance in the
evening. And you were introduced by the
Lambs !" her lips closing grimly on the
name, "The Lambs People who take
up everybody and anybody. Just that
Is enough for me. Do you know where
he is from?"
Boston, I think, said Marion du-
biously.
"You think ! And his business" ?".
Something about glass, believe"
"Glass And his property-has he
got any?"
II don't know. said Marion, frowning
at last HE doesn't talk about himself
all the time"
"F'of reasons, doubtless" said Aunt
paulina, looking rigid. Marion, listen
10 me, child cannot sit still and see
A young man of whom we know nothing,
and you, Marion, with your beauty and
smiability and my money secured to
you'll Marion, you owe something to
me-some consideration, some obedi-
ence-"
Aunt Paulina was growing flushed and
incoherent, and since Marion knew
about whatshe was going to say, it was as
well that Sarah came just then to make
an inquiry, and that Aunt Paulina found
1t necessary to go back with her.
Marion sat like a pale, wide-eyed sta
tue. What should she do? The mild
tines Of her sweet mouth would have
made it clear to an observers what she
would do. She would go with her Aunt
Paulina, Of course; what else? She had
uever yet thought of opposing her. She
owed her everything, and she had always
hitherto put faith in her judgment
But as to this about John Gordon?
She would have to go-have to leave
Rocky Beach to-day-have to leave John.
But give him up? Never-never! She
would write to him-do anything and
everything. But go she must. Aunt
Paulina was making preparations; Sarah
was packing; and Marion looked off to-
ward the rolling surf with a distressed
and somber gaze. her red lips a-quiver.