The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1895-12-20

the old gentleman, hobbIing off with
preternatural speed.
And that was the last of Mr. Farqu-
harson, this time, at least.
Rena bestowed one or two after
thoughts upon the old gentleman, but
pleasanter associations soon banished
him from her mind.
My dear sister-in-law'' said Uncle
Stephen, one day, quite mysteriously,
don't be alarmed, but | have some
thing to tell you. | think our little
Rena has fallen in love"
Just what | have fancied myself -
cried Mrs. Millington, delighted with
her own penetration.
And | think Frank Morley loves
her."
do you ?"
Hes a very fine young fellow I'm
acquainted with his family, and
really don't think Rena could do bet
ter"
He's very handsome, certainly"
Yes, and he's good, too
"But why don't he propose, if-if-n
''Wait, my dear sister, wait Rome
wasn't built in II day"
So Mrs. Millington waited little
uneasily, perhaps, for Rena was grow
ing pale and thoughtful.
But she came in, radiant, one night,
and hid her dewy eyes on the mater
nal shoulder.
Mamma, he asked me to be his
wife ~
''And what did you tell him, Renal"
"Oh mamma, what could | tell him
but yes ~
That evening, well-known figure
hobbled up to the door-that of old
Mr. Farquharson.
I've come back" cried that old
gentleman, after the manner of one
who brings good tidings.
"l--i'm sure we're very happy to
see you YOU" family answered Mrs
MillingtOn, with more politeness than
veracity.
Miss Rena, said Mr. Farquharson,
may | have Il word with you in pri-
vate p
And Rena followed the old gentle
man into the front room, marveling
within herself as to what he could pos
sibly have to say to her. She was not
left long in doubt.
I'm going to do you very great
honor, young lady" ''he commenced
abruptly I'm going to ask you to
marry Inc ~
"Oh, thank you ~ faltered Rena,
retreating a step or two. Il couldn't
possibly"
Pm rich ~
''That can make no difference"
"rll give you palace, and take you
to Europe for wedding trip"
81 don't care for palaces or wedding
trips. | love somebody elsen
You mean young Morley. I've
heard all about that. My dear, he's
as poor as Jobs cat.n
81 love him"
Better marry me, my girl pll
give you such a set of diamonds as you
never saw, and a carriage. Rena, and
But Rena interrupted him here.
Stop" she cried, vehemently. Il
will not listen to another word How
dare you insult me? | will never
marry you -
Are you quite sure of that ~ asked
a voice so suddenly different that Rena
started and looked round with start
led little cry.
off flew the overcoat-away went
the wig-across the room careened the
spectacles. The bent form stood sud
denly erect-a sweep of the hand car
ried away the beard, and Rena was
clasped in Frank Morley's arms.
Frank -
Yes, Rena, it was l Old Farqu-
harson has accomplished his mission
now-let him depart into the past.
have been masquerading, my dear
one, and l will tell you why. Your
Uncle Stephen was the dearest friend
of my father and longed above all
things, that his niece should be my
wife. l persuaded him 10 allow me to
come here, as his old gentleman friend.
| wanted to study your character,
Rena, and l studied it. Do you re-
member the time when you were so
startled at seeing IL man in the old
gentleman room? | was off my
guard then, and had very nearly been
betrayed by my own heedlessness. Old
Farquharson fell in love with you,
Rena, long before you met Frank
Morleyr
So ended the little masquerade.
whats TO be my punishment,
Renal demanded Mr.. Farquharson
Morley.
"IlI reserve the sentence until | see
how you behave in the future" she
answered, demurely.