The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1892-04-29
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"a pleasant one, am sure"
s"Well, hardly can tell. Will you
believe it, the foolish fellow has fallen
in love with my Kate, and wants to
marry her?''
Il will very readily believe it, !" Mr..
Hardcastle responded. ssAnd 1 think
the young gentleman exhibits excel
lent taste. But what does the lady say?"
! ssOh, am afraid that she encourages
him in the proposition. But, do you not
see, Mr.. Hardcastle, that this is impos-
sible?''
II don't, indeed"
.What, don't You see that, with
young mans prospects of becoming the
Earl of Arlington, such match would
be-
Unsuitable? Not bit of it. A
well brought up American girl-the
daughter of such mother as you-is,
in my opinion. ) match for the proudest
prince in Christsndom."
'"Then you think should give my
consent?"
"Ifyour daughters happiness is linked
with his am sure you should. George
Arundel has in my opinion a patent
of nobility grander than that granted by
any king. He is generous, honorable
and affectionate-what more would you
ask?"
"You plead well for the young peo-
! pie, Mr.. Hardcastle.
"Yes," he said. s'And if Icould only
plead as well for myself, Esther Eve
sham, should think myself happy
man"
The widow flushed scarlet, but never
helped him with word.
81 know it is madness for me to sup
pose at my time of life that could
win a woman's love, nor did l ever
think that should meet a woman
whose love coveted so much as / do
yours. believe that, if you could for
get my years, and consent to share my
life, could make yours happy. You
see, your daughter will be marrying
this English lord. Harry will be mating
with Wanda, and you and will be left
alone.'
"Oh, it wouldn't be for that, Mr.. Hard
castle, if I-if I said yes-but-" the
widow stammered.
"But?"
"But, oh, do love you with all my
heart and soul. think you one of the
noblest men God ever made.''
She was sobbing in his arms, and Al
exander Hardcastle knew that he had
won the faithful heart.
And what surprised these two shame
faced lovers, when they confessed the
fact, was that no one was one bit as
tonished, but rendered their loving con-
gratulations as though it was quite an
everyday occurrence for groom of
sixty-one to lead to the altar bride of
two-and-forty.
Bladon carried the news to George
Arundel. He had wonderful respect
for the old gentleman since he had done
SO much for his masters family, and
there was genuine ring of sympathy
in his tone as he said:
''Poor Mr.. Hardcastle, he's gone an
done it at last, Master George-but I've
knowed for the past few weeks there
was no hope for him."
"What!" Arundel cried, in startled
dismay. Something happened to that
fine fellow?"
"Aye, he's going to be married on
Monday"
"To Mrs. Evesham?"
"That he be, sir. He says he won't
wait, an she's willing-mayhap, poor
chap, he thinks as it's got to be, he
might as well get it over an adone
with"
Yes, Bladon was quite right. Mr..
Hardcastle had pleaded hard and sue
cessfully for a speedy marriage. He
claimed that they were only ridiculous
while in state of engagement, that he
had not SO much time to spare that he
could afford to lose a single week of
happiness, that the house wanted a mis-
tress and the girls legal guardian, and,
finally that there was no sense, need
nor expediency in delay.
1t was a very quiet marriage. An old
friend of the groom came at the APP
pointed hour and performed the cere-
mony, and the next day things went on
as though no change had been made in
the family circle.
In due time, when Georges physician
permitted it, they carried out their
plan of visiting England, and one Au-
gust morning found them standing on
the very landing-stage at Liverpool
docks, where, years before, the help
less babe had been delivered up by its
mother into the hands of stranger.
"You were too young to remember it,
Wanda" Mrs. Hardcastle said, as she
stood gazing around, with hand on the
girls arm.
"Ah, yes" was the reply in low,
soft voice; ''still the place has sad as
sociations for me. Oh, if 1 had not
fallen into your tender hands. trem-
BILE to think what might have been my
fate"
But, who is this stalwart young fell
low, who. with flushed face and eager
eye, is dashing toward them at head.
long speed, pushing unceremoniously
aside all who bar his way?
There is one cry from the lips of the
two girls. "Harryis and the next in
slant Kate and Wanda are hanging
round his neck, to the intense envy Of
every male biped In that motley crowd.
And when Harry has kissed dozen
times the sweet, uplifted faces. he turns