The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1893-06-28


demanded of him; and this time the ser
want admitted him, and he found himself
in the presence Of Marcia-aad her aunt.
The old lady sat in large armchair.
looking unusually dignified. Marcia
stood behind her, bat came forward when
Roland entered and gave him her hand
He kissed it. She did not draw it
away ; there was not trace OF anger in
her face. She Looked pale and sad that
was all.
Aunt Mercy was very charming old
lady, and Roland liked her but on this
occasion he wished her at the antipodes.
What engaged couple could properly
make up a lovers quarrel in the pres
ence of maiden aunt, however estima-
BILE? He looked at Marcia. She sat
down at distance from him and looked
at the fire in the brass CRATE. Then he
said:
at is warm to-day" and she said ID:
'Yes, it is" and silence fell between
them. Aunt Mercy made no movement
to leave the room, as she usually did
when Roland called and he was grow
ing very nervous, when Marcia said
Roland, asked Aunt Mercy to be
with me when l said to you what have
to say. II seemed to me that could say
it better, IL want you to take back
our engagement ring, Roland, l cannot
marry you."
Then she arose, crossed the room, laid
the ring on the table al his elbow, and
ran to Aunt Mercy, who EMBODIED her in
her arms.
Roland looked at the ring but did not
touch it.
'You wish to break our engagement"
he said.
81 must" said Marcia.
"What have done to deserve this,
Marcia ?" cried the voting man.
"You have done nothing" said Mar
cia.
at is not question Of doing anything
said Aunt Mercy. "AIarcia's motives do
her credit"
MY dear girl" cried Roland, do you
think shall be unpleasant and quarrel
some. Indeed, no. If you are angry at
me because of what I said about DIR.
Luiz, will retract every word. judged
hastily and without knowledge of him.
admit it"
"Oh, indeed you did," sighed Marcia
"but that has nothing to do with my de-
termination"
"He is wonderful man." said Aunt
Mercy; "but Marcia is not one 10 quar-
rel over few words spoken, as you say,
in haste"
Explain all this, then" said Roland.
"Mr. Lester" interposed Aunt Mercy
Marcia has decided to keep her reasons
to herself; they are excellent ones. And
now you had better take leave my young
friend. No good can come of prolonging
this interview"
81 should like, at least, to see Marcia
alone for moment" pie lded Roland.
''If she wishes il" said Aunt Mercy.
Marcia only sighed, and gave sad little
smile.
On this Aunt Mercy wrapped her little
shawl about her shoulders and left the
room. Roland went closer to Marcia.
He did not touch her, but they were very
near each other.
"Have you ceased to love me?' he
asked.
NO, Roland" said Marcia.
The tears poured out OF her eyes. She
wiped them softly away with her hand
"In that case" said Roland, "as l love
you more tenderly than ever, there can
be no reason for such an announcement
as that you have made. cannot live
you.
"You must try, Roland" said Marcia.
paler than ever. THAT is inevitable
we must part. l hope you will find some
one who can make you happy. l shall
never cease to think of you. IL"
"You shall not send me from you,H
said Roland, clasping her hand. Tell
me why you thought it necessary to go |
through this scene"
at is my fate" said Marcia. 1 have
nothing to do with it it is fate"
Fate Marcia ?" said Roland, repeat
ng the word. Marcia, will you swear
% me that DIR. Luiz has nothing 10 do |
with this ?"
Marcia looked at him earnestly, and |
'aid nothing.
"Wiil you swear that?" he asked again
md she answered, slowly:
'No, Roland; cannot swear falsely"
Then l see it all" sid the young
nan. The rascal mas won your heart
he has stolen you from me. You are
lalse to me- detected your admiration
or the fellow in your ar ger at my crit
cism Of his appearance tie other night |
Well, so bei it, then. Take your choice.
1t least you had the love of an honest
nan. You prefer rascal"
He turned from her, and caught the
ring from the table and |
ossed it into the fire, and strobe from
ne room without word.
Had he returned he would have seen
Marcia lying in swoon upon the floor.
There Aunt Mercy found her when she
eturned after hearing the furious bang
# the door which indicated Roland's de-
,arture.
It was well that DIR. Luiz was not as
ending the steps at that moment.
Roland suffered terribly for long
vhile. Nothing is so wretched as dis
Ippointed love, or 50 desperate as jeal-
'usy. Finally he settled into q dull and