The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1894-03-08


per-a mans surest safeguard when
family disturbance is brewing
Mrs. Copeland raised her eyes from
her knitting as they came in, but she,
too, detected something, iand silence
held them all for moment.
Mother" began Amy, in a tremb-
li1g voice, Roland and l have come
tonight to ask-to beg, indeed-that
you will renew your consent to our
engagement which you gave so long,
ago"
Indeed, Mrs. Copeland" added Ro-
land, in clear, firm tones, Amy and
have tried and proved our affection. Do
not make us waste our youth in wait
ing. There is nothing to hinder our
marriage save this shadow which you
have raised between US. Let it fade
for the happiness of all"
Mrs. Copeland, at this appeal, laid
down her knitting, and Mr.. Copeland's
newspaper ratified sympathetically.
my dear children" said Mrs. Cope,
land, much distressed, 81 wish l coulo
make you see this matter as l do. 1t
is the principle of the thing My OBJ
lection is not shadow, Roland, but
tangible, as you know, and not easily
overcome, Perhaps you think me ovs 2
sensitive on this one subject" "
My r,-i ii d UcfTupted- I'LL - ->o,.
land, in serious tone, 81 don't pre1
tend to take sides in this importanf
question: am too interested in aH
parties. Your objection, Harriet, as
you stated it, is well grounded don't
deny that-yet these children are no
less reasonable in their demands. What
amazes me is that you should not re-
feet that you might be mistaken in this
matter Memory is capricious and it
may have served you false turn"
Not my memory" said Mrs. Cope
land, with an air of pride, as if in de-
Tending it she upheld the family es-
cutcheon.
We'll" said Mr.. Copeland, struggling
his shoulders as his eyes returned to
the paper, 81 have but expressed my
opinion
81 cannot believe it possible, Will
liam"-Mrs. Copeland's voice assumed
reproachful tenderness-''that after
all these years you should doubt me-"
Not you, Harriet, replied her hus-
band, only your memory"
Mr.. Copeland was growing philo-
sophcal in anticipation of his APP
preaching triumph.
"'After all these years was the term
you used; don't you realize that time
weakens rather than strengthens that
faculty of yours? People at our period
of life may wear well~you do, my love
but we must not expect too pucL 1t |
is perfectly natural that afterLts. 1eas
less labor the springs of your menory
should be impaired. 1t is only wal |
we must all look forward to; a1d,l
surely, you do not mind going down
the hill with me, Harriet"
Tears came into Mrs. Copeland's
eyes, but she did not speak, and Mr.
Copeland continues:
Does not the new happiness, ready
to flower at your bidding, compensate
you for this trihing lapse? Could yo1
b, cutept, ,.-i to- gain am peat
lose the solemn joy that uniting thes
two lives might grant to you and me-:
| don't plead for them; neither do l ask
you to deviate from a principle; only
consult your clear Judgment and do
what it dictates.
Without word Mrs Copeland rose
and with an air of rigid calmness laid
aside her knitting.
With firm step she walked to the
bookcase and taking from it the family
Bible she cleared place upon the ia
BILE and placed it before her husband.
you remember" she asked, slowly
recording the date?"
Indeed l do" assented Mr.. Cope
land, heartily.
And l remember" she said, seeing
you set down the day and year, Sep
TENDER Z. $50. tell you this before
consulting the register, for honestly
desire to be fair TO Amy and myself"
Mr.. Copeland actually trembled in an
agony OF conscience, and almost stopped
breathing while Mrs Copeland turned
the leaves.
| He controlled himself with a great
effort as she reached the fatal page.
! He watched her forefinger travel down
the column, as his had done; he saw
her stop suddenly, and he felt that the
moment of victory had come
She did not speak at first, but stood
staring at the date as if her eyes had
deceived her.
Amy, Roland, come here" were her
first words, and as they obeyed her
summons she pointed to the accusing
number.
81 was mistaken" she said, simply,
but so pathetic was this bit of renunci-
alton that Mr.. Copeland felt tempted
to step forth and declare his duplicity,
when his eyes fell upon the trans
| figured faces of the lovers.
No, that would never do; he must be
firm and stand to his false colors for
the good of all.
Mrs. Copeland gradually regained
her composure. her momentary chagrin
vas counterbalanced by her true ma,
ternal feeling, and as for Mr.. Cope
land, his satisfaction knew no bounds.
When the young people left them a
reflection of their joy fingered behind
clarifying Mr.. and Mrs. Copeland as
they sat together on the sofa, hand in
hand.
William" said Mrs. Copeland, break
ing pause, 81 shall never remember
again"