The advocate., 1895-05-29

that should be husband, comes 70
'-sHAKEsPEARE.
When Gertrude reached home again, message
awaited her to meet her dotlng father in the library.
Thither she went her mind distracted with anxiety
for the safety of the Wanderer from whom she had
just parted perhaps forever; while Sydney's voice
still sounded in her ear and Sydneys kiss still lin.
gered upon her lips. Thus she came into her
fathers presence to be shocked by the information
that Dobbns RakestraW was desirOus of contracting
for her hand, and was urgent. With the utmost ab-
horence depicted upon her features and with her
hands held up as if to shut out loathesome object
she exclaimed:
"Dobbins RakestrawH Marry that repulsiVe
ereatureP l cannot, will not. NeVerP'
StilWeIl was astounded. Coudit be possible that
this hitherto submissive girl had actually refused to
obey command Of hist But he felt too sure of his
authority to become apoplectic yet. So he coldly
replied:
''You must marry him. Do you hear, my ladyP
You mast and he set his teeth together and
showed them as he grinned a fendiSh grin. "You
have been reading romances, suppose, and think
people are to marry for love. Matters not man
aged so nonsensically in the practical world Rake,
straw is of good family, has a handsome fortune,
and is inclined and amply able to keep up an elegant
position which belongs to my daughter The matter
has been arranged, and called you to inform you
of it; not to ask your opinion or consent. The
wedding is to take place after Lent. You will be
supplied with liberal funds for your wardrobe,
which, presume, it will take time to prepare"
"But-hsve nothing to say2 Am to be bar
gained away like a saveP Have no voice in the
matter?"
AM I bou fnlu la1
have saved you all the troubles as to details. You
have nothing to do but prepare for the nuptisS.
We are not living in fairy land but in the common
sense world"
"I will not submit to this brutal outrage. Women
are to be won, not sold. tell you will not marry
rhat despcable creatureP'
"And tell you aOU marry RakestrsW."
"I will not! l despse both of you for your con
temptible-"
"Gerlrudel How dare you-you sudacious-"
The veins in his head sweled, his face was lVid,
and Isaac Stilwell dropped as if dead Gertrude
hastily alarmed the house, and soon an spothecary
came with his lancet and bled the apopeCtic copi.
ously, and in time revived him.
Two days afterward when she met him again for
the rst time since her astonishing rebellion Ger
trude apologized for her rudeness and informed him
that, having thought isll over she was reconciled
20 her fate and would at once set about arranging
for the happy event. Stilwell was delighted to see
his daughter so reasonable again, and was actually
gentle toward her. to the extent that he did not once
acold her for the space of hour or more. But,
had Gertrude really change her mindH She knew
It was to be fight betWeeF3&Wo Wills with the ma
tegiai advantages and supp s all on one side. Was
not strategy lawful in such pbatP She was de-
termined not to marry Dob The very thought
OF doing so filed her with no She was simply
acting upon her mothers wise77 or or a.
"Much, very much, may happeld o. three months.
Be- obedient until rebellion shall be Ss only resort,