The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1894-09-12

another thing. And Amy was a little
tiresome with her poetry and her rev.
cries. Lizzie Saxon was well enough,
but Lizzie seemed to be one of those
young ladies who are made to look at
only. And as for Lucy
Tell me, Lucy, what's the reason
you won't go with us tomorrow"
Bertie Slick had fairly caught the lit
tie shy damsel on the broad stairs,
where the bars of moonlight from the
Gothic window made the floor look as
if it were inlaid with pearl.
Il would rather not, Herbert"
But whyp You are fond of skatingP"
81 like it sometimes" she answered,
hanging down her head like lily of
the valley.
Promise me that you will 60"
But Lucy only shook her head.
Lucy, have said or done anything
to offend youP"
"You! Oh, Herbert, no."
"Then why are you SO cool and shy
to me?"
"Am I?"
you know that you arep"
Il didn't mean it," she hesitated;
"but-"
"Well what is the 'butq' Come,
Lucy, you shall not escape me now. I
will penetrate into the mystery of all
this avoidance-this apparent coldness
toward me-"
81 don't wish to interfere with your
uncle's plans" said Lucy.
"His plans! 1 don't understand you."
"He wants to keep the Slick property
in the family" went on Lucy; "he-he
wants you to like one of the girls"
Lucy, if there wasn't another woman
on the surface of the globe, would not
marry either Clara or Amy"
"But why notP They are beautiful"
Granted; but you see don't happen
to fancy them"
"But you could if you were to try"
81 don't believe l could Love can
not be guided or controlled; it goes
whithersoever it is sent. At all events,
| don't mean to try"
'But, your uncle"
Il am very much obliged to him for
his kindness, as a matter of course, but
| can't sell myself, not even for the
Cedars and his wealth."
Lucy was silent.
Moreover, went on Herbert. there's
another reason, more cogent than all
the rest, why I do not fancy either one
of my undeniably charming cousins"
"And what is that?"
Because l love some one else."
She lifted her blue eyes to his.
"WhomP" she ventured to ask.
yourself, Lucy"
"Oh, Herberti"
'It is the truth, nothing but the truth.
Did you think was made of cast iron,
or granite, to live whole month in the
same house with you and not lose my
heart? Do you think you can learn to
love me well enough to become my
wifeP We shall be poor at first, but I
can work valiantly for us both, and I
shall not be afraid Of anything the fo-
ture has in store for us, if l can have
you"
That was Herbert Silex's wooing; and
Lucy answered:
"H-if your uncle consents"
"Will you come to him with me
nowP"
Eyes"
So they went to Uncle Slick, arm in
"Hey! what's thisp" cried the old
gentleman.
"Only that 1 love Lucy Saxon, and
""h0 w NAL A04, Sd1u heIUoII
bravely.
"What! and lose the Cedars?"
Lucy is worth thousand Cedars!"
Aunt Matty wiped her spectacle
glasses.
Didn't tell you how it would be.
Jared?" she whispered, beaming all
over.
$50 you haven't told him?" exclaimed
the squire.
Lucy shook her head, blushing and
smiling.
1T was your secret, not mine"
"Bert, " said the squire, gravely, "look
here. Suppose were to tell you that
If you took Lucy you would have to
take the Cedars tool"
81 don't exactly understand you, sir"
"Well, here it is. The girls have
changed names and identities, for this
occasion only as the theater bills say.
Lizzie and Lucy are my veritable
granddaughters. Clara and Amy are
the true owners of the name of Saxon.
And you've fallen in love with your
cousin, after all, just as wanted you
to dol"
And Squire Slick laughed heartily,
although there were tears in his eyes.
And Lucy's blue orbs, turned to her
cousin, appealed mutely for the pardon
that was already awarded.
Il couldn't help it" she said softly.
"Nor would wish it otherwise" an
swered Herbert tenderly, $50 long as I
have you!"
And Aunt Matty's little ruse de
guerre had succeeded.-M Y NeoOs.