Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1892-12-08

she was spared the pity which she woul,
have scorned. for no one knew of the en-
gagement, Every day duties are often tn
most wearing and wearisome, but work Il
the antifots of mental ills, and she hat
| plenty Of that.
Her mother was one of those clinging
dependent natures that never see what II
to be done until after 1t is accomplished
and are always complaining OF what nigh
have been. Not at all companion to de
more idea of business than a baby.
IL really don't see how you can do it
Hammering so much would ruin my nerve,
it nearly upsets me 10 hear you do 1t.
she said one day. entering the shed room
where Hazel was at work with her saw
and hammer.
But I've finished it! I've made an in
cubator!' cried the girl triumphantly. I'll
we want our poultry to pay big profit we
must raise spring broilers. want five hun.
dred at least this year"
Land sakes?" Mrs. Thorm's face wore
a look Of CONSERVATION. Where will you
put them?"
II shall keep them In this room until
the weather is warm enough to put them
into the old workshop. We must have
wire netting to make a yard, and to get IT
one hive of bees must go, but it will pay
the girl hasterpd IN assure her
Il hope 1t will-perhsps 1t will," was all
the encouragement she got from her de-
spondent mother.
And 1t did pay. The enterprise was q
new one, and disappointments came faster
than the chickens did, but fair measure
Of success was her reward the first season
Rainy weather. and plenty of it, soured
what little honey the bees were able to
gather, and that source of income was cut
of entirely.
But we have lived, mother" she said
almost gayly, when she had made out her
balance sheet. I'VE have lived and have
quite a supply OF things on hand. Then
am quite sure that We can pay ffty dollars
on the mortgage. with interest. beside.
buying q first-class incubator that will hold
ten times as many eggs As my homemade
one. I'm not going to scorn that though,
by any means. for 1t has served its pur-
pose we'll"
almost believe that you are happy.
Hazel?" said her mother, questioningly.
Happy! Why shouldn't be? Haven't
proved that We can take care OF our
selves and pay the mortgage-in time:"
she answered evasively.
I'm so glad." sighed the woman. who
could not see beneath the calm exterior Of
the girl to read the bitter tumult Of her
rebellious heart. I'm 80 glad for now |
can tell you what I've been just dying to
talk about all day. Lou Mayors is going
to be married Thanksgiving Day to = girl
from the city. Folks say that she has lots
Of money and that's what he 10 marrying
her for"
Who said so? That Lou was 70 be
married Thanksgiving Dsy?" Hazel's voice
rang with pain, and her face will never be
whittier when it rests in the burial casket
why, everybody is talking about It,
Do you care much, Hazeli"
The girl did not answer. She arose,
Ike one in a dream. took her hat and went
out into the twilight The hood Of sunset
glory was fading away from the brilliant
a h,,t
the little stream under the bridge upon
which she paused.
II seemed years since she had stood
there with Lou and he vas to be married
upon their wedding day. She caught her
breath with hard, dry sob. and turned
again toward home. But form stood be-
fore her and Lou's arm barred her path.
She had not spoken to him since he left
her in anger.
''ls it true that you are-are going to be
married." she asked, unheeding the out
stretched hand.
Il don't know" he answered with reck-
less cruelty. Perhaps other people may
think more Of me than you do. What
them"
Nothing" What dreary sound that
little word had. You have the right to
marry whom and when you please. l hope
that you will be happy"
Then make me so" he cried, vehement
ly, catching her in his strong. passionate
arms, as il he never would let her 20.
Give up this mad scheme of yours. and
be my wife As we planned. You cannot
pay the mortgage"
Il can" With struggle she freed her
self and faced him with trembling calm
ness. 1t may take me two years longer.
although l hope not. II will not ask
you TO wait, Lou"
'Wait! | should think not Other
folks will not ask me TO wait. assure
you. l shall be married Thanksgiving
Day" He paused moment to note the
effect of his words, and her face grew
ghastly in the dim light, while she grasped
the rail tightly with both hands, then he
added: "Oh, Hazel, think what you are
doing before you wreck our lives. 1t is
not too late yet, but swear to you that.
If you refuse me this time. will ask Miss
Dowd to be my wife before l sleep-and
she will not say no. You need not call me
a conceited puppy for saying so, either
for know that is true. Choose now.
shall never ask you again. Shall stay or
go?"
Had the world been hers to give, Hazel
THORN would have given it freely to have
been able to give the man she loved the
answer which her pleading heart prompt
ed. But, instead she drew her slight
form to its utmost height, and her white
lips uttered only one word. 'iGo!'
''Think again, Hazel" he replied. "If
l 60 Mary Dowd will be my promised wife
before an hour"
go"
She neither stirred nor spoke as his
hasty. ringing footsteps crossed the bridge
and died away upon the road to the vii
lage. Then, with . shuddering sigh, she