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

g
~ ~ which were built on
l{i,.:s.- ~ elevated ground,
:s..:g: :g:<G while Briar Lodge
laAlss.1SZ Z...,i ~ nestled in hollow.
But II the two inmates of this abode
were snow-bound, that fact troubled
them little. They were all in all TO each
other, this mother and daughter. whose
kingdom was their home, so they could
afford to laugh at the vagaries of the
weather.
They were very compauiouable. for
whether through the influence of Mil.
cred Vicars's healthful flow of spirits, or
the still unquenched fire of the mothers
youth, the years had passed lightly over
the older woman's head. Her figure
still retained its graceful outlines. her
soft skin was unwrinkled, her glossy
black hair scarcely showed silver thread.
A woman, one could see, who had care.
fully husbanded the best years OF her
HE, 50 now Mt the harvest-timo there
were no disappointing tares among the
golden grain. The mother was In the
iullness and perfection of maturity. and
the daughter in that sweet first glow of
youth--ialr OF face and Joyous by nature
as girl OF nineteen should be.
Briar Lodge was fitting bower for
TWO such charming women. II was the
homo OF Mrs. Vicars's girlhood, where, as
Madeline Hunt, she had made IL the
most attractive place on the hillside.
The Prince came at last, invaded
Briar Lodge and took Madeline captive !;
but he died in the flush of happiness.
Little Mildred gave warmth to he.
mothers life, urging her to cast off the
Dlightlng influence OF her sorrow; aud
Madeline's nature blosssmed afresb. all
the better and stronger for its crucial
test. Though many Of the old suitors
again surrounded her, the beautiful
lonely woman only twined her affections
more closely about her little daughter.
After longer stay than usual, the
snow was beginning to melt, and one
bright afternoon Mildred Wears armed
herself with light snow shovel. an
sailed forth to aid the sun in his work.
From beneath her jaunty seal-skin can
her bright face glowed with the stirring
exercise. and snatchcs of song rose TO her
lips, floating on the clear thin air down
among the frozen ho!ows and out upon
the broad stretch Of moorland. Her ewes
were often turned in this direction, until
certain dark spot on the horizon took
more definite shape. Then the colcr
deepened in her cheeks, and she beat TO
her voluntary labor as if her daily brt ad
nnnanlfs6 / 4
came the hurryipg figure of young man,
whose steps were bearing directly down
upon Briar Lodge. Reaching the prickly
hedge he called softly, "AIildre1l Mil
dredl"
The ghl dropped her shovel and turned
quickly around, meeting pair of ardent
eyes that caused her own 70 fall in some
confusion.
'I-I am glad 70 see YOU homo, Her.
bert. When did you airives AS she
spoke she came slowly up to the hedge
that divided them, a=d reached over her
little gloved hand in greeting to the new.
conner, who caught and kissed it passion
ately before he released it.
"Didn't you know ] was coming 10.
dayf' he asked reproachiully. ri am
sure you expected me, Mildred. Answer
me truly. | cannot believe that you
have forgotten"
"Forgotten oh, mol" returned Nil.
dred quickly. "G thought imagined
well if you must have it'll did look
for you to-day
Herbert Overton's face grew radiant.
"Have you no warmer welcome for
me. May l not come inf" he asked af.
ter a vain attempt TO Iepossess himself
OF her hand, across the intervening bar
rier.
"Ycs," she ventured slowly, "and-
and mother says you may stay to tea il
you like
There was e tremor in the soft voice;
but Mildred sh9t a roguish look at him
from under her long lashes, and the
young MAJ waited for no second hid
ding. Another moment and he was be.
side her, grJsping both hands, and try.
ing to read the pretty downeast face.
"What an | TO understand by this,
Mildredl" he demanded in a low, eager
tone.
She did not withdraw her hands, but
with an impulsiyc movement she nestled
closer to his side, and answered almolt
in whisper; "Wha'eyer you wish, dear
Herbert"
Then they lost sight Of time and place,
ana iell to planning their future, As only
happy lovers can,