The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1893-12-28

l have ever felt 1t safe to lean trusting
ly. If he should fail our darling, she has
given him so truly the full love of her
intense nature, how could she bear itl"
And the mothers voice was full of fear.
George had listened TO his parents con-
versation with tightly folded arms and
compressed lips, but now stepping quick
ly to his mothers side he laid hand low
ingly on her shoulder and said:
"Again, l say, my dear parents, have
no fear for our noble girls. LillS's hap
piness is in safe keeping. | would pledge
my lifo for Eustace's truth. He will,
think, be here tonight AS for Gren-
ville"-he hesitated, and his eyes became
almost fierce. "Our Roses danger lies
in another direction than the loss Of our
poor wealth"
81 do not understand you, my son."
you know, father, since our land has
been so full of bitterness you have been
fearful that this wild election strife might
lead to civil war. l have listened with
Difference to your maturer Judgment, but
even while it forced itself upon me as
correct idea my heart did not recognize
it as danger that could really befall
US. Tho United States at war with each
otherl 1t truly seemed absurd and inn
possible. But the last few weeks have
brought the idea before me with fear
that seems like certainty. And, father,
should war come upon us, Grenville is
southerner, though educated at the
north, and this is what fills me with ap-
prehension for my sister. Hehas not been
frank with us. His feelings are with the
south"
"Why have you never told us this be-
fore? said Mr.. Newton, with deep emo
ton.
because, although it is some weeks
since this suspicion has haunted me,
had not been sure beyond u doubt till
within two days. Why, it is only last
Sabbath evening we were all expressing
the most decided Union sentiment. Rose,
the darling, you will remember, was the
most earnest and enthusiastic among MS,
and Grenville listened and replied to her
with an interest apparently SO true, with
no shadow of dissent, that l reproached
myself for cherishing uncharitable fears.
But the deceiver," cried the young man,
while the veins on his flushed brow stood
out like l1notted cords; "let Rose know
with certainty but half what have
learned, even since parted from her but
a few hours since, that he is linked with
the south and will strike hands with her
in case of war-she will cast him from
her at once"
"Yes, my son, and break her heart in
doing it,"
mo, mother. hardly think that she
will be broken in spirit upon q question
that divides the affections of so many.
Ehn 10 oyt11.7ta1zr
views upon this matter, but her true
heart was given to what she believed to
bo real solid worth. When she finds it
was but phantom, she may suffer for n +
time, but fear pot-sho will bear it i
bravely and come out of the fiery fur
mace unframed"
This grieve5 me cruelty" said Mr..
Newton How insignificant are all
Dther troubles compared with this.
Anxiety for your parents and bearing
with you this grievous knowledge of
your sisters coming trial was heavy
burden for your y.ung heart to carry,
my son."
Did l not tell You, Edward, that
through Gods blessings our boys wclo
growing up towers Of strength for our
later years? And shall we not trust our
girl IN our Fathers hands,"
We will, my dear wife. But before
orr daughters return let us each under
stand that this fear for Rose must lie un-
spoken for the present. We will not an
ticipate the trial. Grenville will doubt
less be with us this evening and must be
present Mt our deliberations. l much
prefer that his own words OF acts should
reveal him to our child. Let us drop
this painful subject or we shall have no
power to control our fears when we
meet them. The certain and known
trouble should have our attention lust
now, and as You wisely counsel, dear
wife, we will try to leave our children
and their future in our Makers hands"
They sat silent few moments, when
George, turning to his father said:
Have you yet been able to form any
plans for our futureF'
''Nutlliug definite of course. For the
last three months the probable termina-
tion of our affairs has been constantly on
my mind, and naturally schemes for our
coming efforts have frequently arisen and
ms often been rejected. When all is COM
plctely settled, if am not greatly mis-
taken, we may hope there will be sur
plus left MS for comfortable beginning,
but how we must descend in pecuniary
sense we cannot yet foresee.
Legally we might leave this good
mother great abundance for the con-
tinuance of her present style, or solne-
thing very nearly like it, and she would
doubtless allow us TO have home with
her While we We're building up a now
foundation. But she has some curious,
old fashioned notions about cleaving to
husband and children and sharing all
depriyations with them, and cannot say
that | feel in the mood TO resist her low
ing Judgment. But when we are all to-
sether this evening we must have full
and free consultation. Whatever ar
can be matured that will best
employ your different tastes and at the
same timo be most conducive to the gem
eral good of all will, l know, be your gov
erning motive rather than any selfish
qualification"
"Thanks, father think you do not
Judge me incorrectly. l am conscious of
no wish but permission to aid in making
This change as little harassing and pain
ful to my parents, brothers and sisters
As possible. For myself, as long as no
iishonor can rest upon our name, feel
no uneasiness-but there is the carriage"
CHAPTER III.
As the young ladies entered the par
ors the parents hearts shrank from the
and George fully shared the
pain. That they were laboring under