Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1892-03-23
HER SECRET.

ton money connection with that
sort of indebtedness; but, Layinia, ]
shall try to discharge part of it in
another way"
Miss Vim smiled and blushed,
plucking at one of the roses climb
ing all about the window, with low
cred head and very great embarrass-
ment.
Sidney, however saw nothing of
all this; his thoughts were projected
into the future; and, although his
gaze rested dreamily on the things
about him, his fancy had taken
a wild flight, and was busy with
very different objects. And there
was silence, Lavinia was fright
ened.
Just then Carrie appeared with
her straw hat OH and the strawberry
basket in her hand, looking great
deal like a figure in picture.
Il want you, Sidney"
And, with his honest smile, away
went Sidney to stain his hands with
picking berries.
Lavinia looking after them with
Il faded glance just the shadow of
something-not vexation, but a
CLEAN of sadness and disappoint-
mcnt: and she went in and was
rather quiet for a few minutes, bustl-
ing about the room, and finally
over to the glass. where she took Il
peep at her own comely features.
She saw woman of thirty, still
pretty, and even handsome.
Well, there was certainly no dis
parity of age, for he was quite thir-
ty also some months more.
That is what he means | think,
said Lavinia, after deep cogitation.
lie does owe me everything, just
as he says, and II believe he likes
me, We grew up together, and it
is ,onlys natural. shall certainly
not do anything rash. | mean, re-
fuse him. ! like him, too"--her
voice faltered--"I never knew until
now how much"
Old Dorcas came in with a nee
die to thread, aud Lavinia drew her.
self up little haughtily at being
caught before the mirror.
Strawberries for dessert, Dorcas
Carrie will pick them"
II see the doctor and her gather
in 'em, miss" returned the ancient
handmade. Il think | never Sc,
him looking SO well, miss, at thi'
time. And it's not far off, ear
tell you said Dorcas, with "A prcg.
nant nod and smile.
What's not far off,
THE question he is going to ash
you, Miss Vim. You know yer,
|
well; and, if you intend to make
him happy, it takes only the on
word"
Nonsense. | don't even know
what you mcan," said Lavinia, will
a laugh of trcpidation. and colorint
brilliantly. absorbed in the thread
ing process. The difference of age
and everything"
The age is just right. and he i
in earnest. found this OH hi
desk
Dorcas produced a piece of pape
on which was traced many times il
beautiful penmanship, surrounde'
by scrolls and other marvellous EN-
bellishmcnts, the name. Mrs. Sid
ney Linden"
Lavinia inspected it eagerly. am
then returned it with a reprovin,
frown.
You had no business to pok,
among DIR. Lindcn's papers, Dorcas
1t was wrong, and he would be YER,
angry"
so the old servant was dismissed
and went out smiling, and Mis-
Vim was alone again.
Well, here was confirmation
strong as proofs of Holy Writ-doc
umentary evidence, which even tn,
law admits as indisputable; and La
vinia Brandon, like the practica
woman she was, accepted the facts
and went on with her plans.
As Sidncy's wife she could be o
more use to him than cver-an'
that was saying much. Old Dr.
Jellick had long been willing t,
sell out his practice, and ran he
happy thoughts: We can stay jus
where we are. This old house ]