The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1892-05-25
Meanwhile, Mrs. Wears sat alone with

Meanwhile, Mrs. Wears sat alone with
her thoughts, marveling as the short at-
ternoon wore on, at the intricate weav-
ing of circumstances which had brought
these young people together. She was
thankful that it was so for it partly CT
faced au act of her own which had cost
her many bitter pang of self-reproach.
She had once been engaged to Colonel
Overton, Herbert's uncle aud guardian; !;
but with the dawn of her love for Ashley
Wears she felt that she could no longer
keep her promise. He released her-it
was all he could do--for her happiness
was his first thought. But from that
day he never set foot in Briar Lodge.
He spent good deal of his time abroad,
uperintending Herbert's education, but
when his nephew determined TO practice
law in the city, he took up his residence
once more in the old mansion on the
brow of the hill. He had never married.
He and Madeline met occasionally, but
beyond grave bow on either side there
was no further intercourse.
The young people, however, made up
for their elders, and Madeline was glad
to see the feeling that had grown between
them. Not so the Colonel. He listened
! quietly enough, when on his return that
evening Herbert asked his consent to a
speedy marriage with Mildred Wears,
some face as be said:
az am sorry for this, Herbert. Had
you confided to me sooner l might have
spared you much pain. Such thing
cannot be thought of, and let me advise
you, my boy, to go back to the city.
The only hope for your peace of mind is
to root out this unfortunate love-"
Herbert looked flushed and indignant
81 do not wish to root it out, uncle, you
do not know Mildred. She is truth and
sweetness ITSELF"
"The girl is like her mother" ian
swered Colonel Overtou; "she loves you
now-at least, she thinks she does; but
let handsomer man appeal to her fancy,
and her over-tender conscience will
blight your happiness. Withdrew be.
fore it was too late.
at is too late now," burst out Her
bert vehemently. "I cannot understand
your prejudice against Mildred"
"I have no prejudice against the young
lady. do not know her." answered the
Colonel. Then, after pause, he con-
tinued, al am the last person to oppose a
true love match, Herbert; besides l
know that opposition only adds fuel to
the flame. But this much l ask of you
leave things as they are for awhile.
You are both young, and can wait. Go
back to the city aud your work, and if
in the end find that can give my full
aud free consent will send for you."
"Yes-but-" began Herbert.
Colonel Overton smiled rather sadly as
he laid hand on his nephew's shoulder.
al know what you would say, Herbert.
You are of age and quite.y your own mas
ter, fully capable of controlling your own
affairs; but l deserve from you some
slight consideration after years of faithful
guardianship. The same hot blood
flowed in my veins once that now courses
through yours, and will not have its
warmth chilled il can help it. Can you
trust me for awhile2"
There was short struggle, then Her.
bert held out his hand.
al owe you too much, uncle, to refuse
such request" he said, in q trembling
voice.
Colonel Overton grasped the proffered
hand, then went slowly and thoughtfully
from the room.