Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1893-03-10

"Oh, Genevra!" pleaded the e,da, sic
ter. "When Fled thinks"
al don't care what Fred thinks in
terrupted the beauty, vito a tos, of her
head. "''
Listen, Genevieve, have secret to
tell you; ! was married to Captain Al.
laire this afternoonl
"'Marriedf" echoed Geuevieve.
"Oh, Genevra"
"Look at my wedding ring" said the
Wild little gypsy, holding up her pretty
taper finger. "Yes, married really and
actually married! am Mrs. Allaire
now,' with an accusing assumption of
matronIy dignity.
but Cousin Fred
cousin Fred may help himself il he
can, said GENEVA, audaciously. "Per.
haps yon don't know, Jenny, that Cousin
Fred himself means to be married yery
soon.
GeLevieve turned pale.
"Genevra!' cried she. "You can't
mean that2'
"Poor little Genevevel" copsoled
GENEVA. 'But you will not lose your
home. You must come and live with me
and Charley
81 could not do that, )" said Genevieye,
giddy aud confused with the unexpected
succession of startling news, W-I
must look out for situation IN some
school or as companion or nursery gov.
ernessl But oh, GENEVA, are you quite
sure about Fredi"
81 heard the old housekeeper talking
to the coachman, when | was waiting,
down behind the shrubbery, for Captain
Allaire to come" said Genevra, with
nod of her pretty head. "She said he
had told her himself aud had instructed
her what rooms to prepare and what al
teraticns to make in the household ar
rangements, for his coming marriage. "
al wonder who it can be-" said Gene.
We've, sadly.
"Miss Hilyard, of course" said Gen.
ezra, "or else that beautiful Mrs. St.
Dean. But the least thing he could
have done was to have contided in us, |
think, and that's one reason | decided
to elope. And Charley is coming up
this evening, and we are to take the train
to st. Vincent, and, oh, dear Jenny"
with burst Of sparkling tears, "the
world Is SO full of happiness to rael"
And Geneyieye could but caress the
beautiful, willful young creature who
had taken life's helm SO recklessly into
her hands, aud hope, in choking voice,
that she might be very, very happy.
Cousin Fred listened very philosophic-
ally to Genevra's confession, half an hour
later.
"Married, are you" said he. "Well,
if you had asked my advice, l should
have given contrary verdict. But, as
you didn't consult me, why, shall have
to be like the 'heavy fathers on the
stage and give you my blessing. Allui,e
is clever fellow enough, although he
has been very gay, and hope you will
steady him down, at last"
So, the newly married pair went away,
as thoughtlessly happy as two school
children out for picnic, and Genevieve
was left alone with Fred, to wonder no
she could best break to him the resolu-
ton at which she had arrived. For she
knew that she could never remain at the
Hill when beautiful Mrs. st. Dean or
Alicia Hilyard should either Of them be
the mistress there.
at would kill me-" she thought,
clasping her hands. ayes, it would kill
me!h
Mr.. Barne had turned kindly TO her,
and led her to q seat beside the win
dow.
"You are pale, Genevieve," he said
"Your hands are as cold as ice. Surely,
you do not take this mad freak Of little
Gypsys so bitterly to hearth Never
fear for her; she'sa butterfly who will sip
honey from all lfe's garden ground.
Her nature is light and irothy; far diff
ferent, Genevieve, from yours. Sit
down, little cousin; l have much to say
to you"
"Now," thought poor Gcnevieve,
with her color changing from scarlet to
white-"now it is coming! shall be
politely dismissed from the only home
have!"
And sensation of indescribable lone.
illness passed through her heart as she
pictured Geneva radiantly happy with
her captain of artillery. Cousin Fred
secure in the love OF some stately and
beautiful woman, herself only left out in
the cold of LIES dreariest vale, au uu'
loved and solitary old maid. But she
spoke nothing OF all these sickening
fears; only looked at him, with wistful
dark eyes, in silence.
"Gcnevieve," sad he, "do you think
it would be wild and foolish dream for
me to think of marriage2'
!"You2 Oh, no." she answered, try
ing to smile.
"But am three aud thirty"
"You are only in the prime and full
ness of life," she rcsponded-''for q
man. With women" signing softly,
Everything is so different. But,
Cousin Fred, if you really intend marry
ing"
II really do, he said, smiling gravely.
"Theu shall not bo longer in your
way," she said valiantly. 81 will leave
Barnet Hill at once.
"But that's just what don't want
YOU to do, Genevcve,' be said, with her
hand still closely held in his. "Dear,
solemn little woman, is it possible tnat
you don't comprehend what mean"
"You think" with a startled look,
"that can be useful about the houseF
"Must say it in so many words,
Gencvieve," he asked. "ohall g.
Town on my knees, like the heroes OF
romance, aud say: Sweetheart, will you
| l,o NV wifepo