The Dickinson press., 1895-01-19

erncss. She must save her. It was
her duty. Nevertheless, when Edith
anne to speak to Mary on such a deli
cate matter, she felt her task q difficult
one; but she persisted In It. Nor did
she confine herself to q vague warning;
that might have been misconstrued.
Edith boldly related all that had
passed between herself and Frank,
and detailed that final, cruel converse.
ton word for word; and Mary listened
with pity. She put her rms around
Edith's neck and kissed her in graft.
tude and sympathy.
Mary was not one to say much. But
she thought a great deal. She knew
that ere long her cousin Frank would
again be q sutton at the court OF
love-that his petition would be pre-.
sentcd to her, in fact. And two days
afterwards the action was set down for
hearing. They were alone in the
grounds. Seated in almost the same
spot as Edith and he had stood In when
his chill words had frozen her heart,
Frank took Mary's hand in his. She
trembled slightly, but he, bending. over
her, told her of his love, and asked her
to become his wife. He was surprised,
startled, at her answer.
"Love!" she exclaimed, with a light
laugh. "What is love? A ~nonsensical
caprice. Born today-dead to-mor
row."
But not such love as mine, Mary"
said he. do you not love me?"
Love you! Well, perhaps l did once.
but-welf, one can't live on sentiment,
you know. 1t Is foolish Of you to love
me, and I have been foolish to en-
courage it. Besides, you know, Frank,
you-you are only a briefless barrister.
penniless, and in debt, whilst I am an
heiress, and society expects great
things from me-"
Surely had q recollection Of some
such words as these! Where had he
heard them? Where? Great heavens!
These were the very words he had ut.
tered to Edith. Then Mary must know
all. But his position was desperate.
She must marry him. Her money
must marry him. Her money must be
his.
But, Mary" he continued, 'say that
you love me. Say that you will be my
wife. Once married to you, my dar'
ling, my life shall be-"
married" she exclaimed. "Oh,
Frank, you must see how absurd the
thought Of marriage between us is.
Now, do look Mt things sensibly, and
please, don't let us have any fuss. No,
no, Frank, what ever you do, don't be
hysterical. You will forgive me dis
missing your suit, won't you? Vi
course, you will always have a friend
in me. I shall always be glad to I'D
wise"
But the summing up and verdict Of
this stern little Judge were too much
for Frank Vaughan. He could not stay
until the court was dismissed in a more
orthodox fashion. He was beside him
self almost. His case was hopeless
His cousin was not one to state a CASE
for appeal. Her verdict was final.
A week later Edith Malvern over
took Frank in the grounds. He seemed
moody and mOrOse, and turned way
his head as she approached. lnwardly
lie breathed maledictions against her
1t was she who had brought this upon
him. She had been the vital witness
whose evidence had resulted in his be
ing non-suited. He hated her, and
would not trust himself to speak to
her. She was unworthy OF any words
from him. But Edith approached and
laid her hand upon his arm. He
turned n severe frown upon her.
"Mr. Vaughan" she said, IL would
like to speak to you. Can-can you
give me IL moment"
mo"
"But, do you not remember, you once
said that you would always be pleased
toto advise me? See, 1 have had 8
letter from some lawyer in Australia,
and it appears I am not without friends
My uncle, whom l have lever seer
since I was a child, has recently died
in Melbourne, and II am his heiresS
and"
"Eh, what's that?!" He turned sharp.
ly enough now.
at appears that he has left me q
fortune Of 100000, and 1 want you to
advise me what to do"
".To do? Why, Edith, my darling
my advice is to get married at once
and he smiled such ~unutterable things
and held out his arms to take her to
his breast. But she avoided him.
"Oh," said she, II am SO glad to hear
you say so. Your advice is SO near my
own idea, Frank
"Of course, pet, you knew 1 was only
in fun when 1 said those cruel things
didn't you? Yes, dearie, you must be
married at once"
Eyes, that is just what George thinks
I promised to be Mr.. Markham's wifi
last night, Frank. and he says 1t woult
be better for us to be married at once
so that he can take me out to Mel
bourne"
Want of a sufficient supply of aster
SKIS and notes of EXPLANATIONS prevent
us from chronicling Frank Vaughanl
| reply."-Tid-Bits.