The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1892-05-25

ing ioi hGhts' IL 10 very BiVVug heIe'
ooh, To-" answered the Colonel
quickly; 81 will not detain you long.
Surely, after all these years, you cannot
deny mo few moments"
al have never done that"
"True," he interrupted. 'It was
voluntary banishment. l was afraid TO
come here, Madeline. am afraid to be
here now, but that necessity forces me-"
"You speak of the childrenl" she
questioned.
81 speak of your daughter and my
nephew, who have most unfortunately
formed an attachment for each other"
"Unfortunatelyp
"Yes, l say unfortunately, for you
know from experience how it may end.
cannot allow Herbert's life to be wasted
as mine was. He is young, ambitious
and clever, have great hopes of him."
The tears slowly filed Mrs. Vickers's
beautiful eyes. "You are hard," she
murmured. "I thought thought"
she paused. ''Mildred's happiL ess is
even dearer to me. She loves your
nephew truly, and perhaps, Greville,
their marriage may--may bridge over
the gulf between us. We may be friends
once more"
She nervously clasped and unclasped
her hands, and Colonel Overton saw
few bright tears trembling on her lashes.
"You mean well, Madeline" he an
swered quietly, "but though we are past
the turning point in our lives, the even
flow of friendship can never exist be.
tween us. As for Mildred-she is young
she has seen nothing of the world.
There may be some other who may touch
her heart more deeply-I have known
such cases-and then Herbert's happiness
will be wrecked"
Madeline was weeping bitterly; but
Colonel Overton continued: 81 do not
mean to reproach you. Your course was
better than deception; but will protect
Herbert to the best of my ability"
"And Mildred-poor little Mildred
is she to suffer too?"
Madeline rose from her chair, and
coming close to HIM laid o beseeching
hand upon his arm. The Colonel seized
it, and fixed his passionate, pleading eyes
upon her,
madeline, Madeline! you try me past
my strength. Did you think of my feel.
ings when you told me the cruel truth
years ago, and now am l required to
make still greater saerifces2 Even if all
should turn out happily, do you think
that it would cause me no pang to see
Mildred-your very image-fitting about
the old place which has known no gentle
presence since you refused to enter it2
Would you force me into exile ,again2
Madeline, ] am too old-leave me my
solitary hearth, where l may spend a few
peaceful twilight hours"
''Mildred could make them much
happier for you," pleaded Mildred's
mother.
"Neverl" he said with sudden fire.
"There is but one way of happiness for
all. / am mad to dream of such a thing.
for when gave you up, Madeline,
swore would never approach you again.
| shall keep my vow. But, if you truly
wish to mend the breach between US,
then it is your place to seek me-not for
Mildred's sake, nor Herbert's, nor even
mine, but at the bidding of your own
heart and desire"
He gently disengaged her clinging
hand, and left her to ponder his words.
So while Mildred sang In the JOY Of
her heart, Madeline went about her ac-
customed duties, dazed and bewildered.
When the twilight came that meant so
much to her, she could bear it no longer;
she left the lovers to their dreams, and
scarcely giving herself time for thought,
she took her way across the moorland,
hating at last at the familiar gate. The
spirit of the place was dead-the serene
old gentlewoman who had frightened
the homestead for her children.
The front door stood ajsr, so Made
line slipped in, and guided by old asso-
Citations, found her way to the library,
This door was. closed; she turned the
handle softly, and entered unobserved
by the lonely occupant.
The room lay deep in shadow, the
glow of the fire was subdued and fitful,
and the sight of the solitary man before
it, buried in his own thoughts, uncon-
scious of her presence, tohched the ten
derest chords of heart. She heard him
sigh once, as she moved silently toward
him in the gathering gloom. She paused
behind his chair, aud summoning all her
courage, laid q timid hand upon his
head.
"Greville, have come" she whisp-
cred.
He did not start, nor even turn, but
he reached up and drew her gently
around in front of him, without word.
She crept into his embrace, aud there
another sweet and solemn secret was told
in the twilight. -Times-Democrat