The herald., 1896-02-23

do you? But now listen to ME; you are
to keep away from the edge of the cliffs
they are far more dangerous than twenty
Farmer Lodons. Since last winter they
have been falling much. Promise, or
shall come with you"
She promised gaily, bade him laughing
adieu Gnd sped away The captain stood
watching her thinking she was the sweet
est. prettIest girl in England and he called
Farmer Lodon a black-browed old idiot
'or daring to think that his ugly face and
rough manner could win the damsel S
favor
The following evening about the same
nour, Miss Jean was making the same Jour
ney on her slender young feet humming a
little song to herself as she walked. She
paused at the Squires fence to recall the
meeting OF the previous day. In three
weeks time Captain Hayling would be
back. he would meet her again and them
she did not put her thoughts into words,
but her cheeks hoisted their crimson flag
and finished the sentence for her. How glad
she was his arm was nearly we'll though it
seemed it must always remain stiff, and unfit
him for active service; yet it was happiness
to know he could never again go to those
cruel wars. She stopped some little way
from the edge of the cliffs. remembering her
lovers warning; yes. the cliffs were Slip
ping moye than usual this season. Only
yonder large boulder mad fallen during the
night, and even as she looked, half a mile
away, huge orag fell with the noise Of
the explosion, churning up the sea in spray
and leaving thick. smoke-like dust in it's
wake. She stayed to see the frightened
gulls settle once more, and resumed her
way, choosing more inland track.
'Oh! 1t is all lovely" she murmured
''and the happiest girl in the world. Were
it not for Jim | have not care. Oh! yes!
Farmer Lodon," with grimace at the farm
refusing his offer Of marriage once a week
for two years does grow monotonous."
Farmer Lodon stood at his gate; he had
seen Miss Jean advancing, and with arms
folded on the bars. he awaited her. I'm
loved. but feared by the country people, the
farmer lived his solitary life. exacting his
dues to the uttermost farthng from those
under him. laying up money, and caring
nothing for the muttered curse which fire.
quently speeded his harshly won gains. 1t
was curious attachment, the heavy browed
and hard natured man of forty nursed to-
ward the girl. He had known her as
sunny haired. short slsirted child; he had
seen her grow up. and had watched her
in his silent fashion as she passed and re-
passed his house on her errands TO and
from the town, noting her uuickness and
ability, and the affection she won from the
old and young. By degrees the thought had
such a woman to keep his house, and grad
ually he had marked her for his wife; he
had cour.ed her. and in his own rough
fashion, caring little for her rebuffs--he was
rich, she was poor, he would win in the
end 1t was his boast that, having once
made up his mind, no obstacle could turn
him from his purpose. The poverty stricken
village priests daughter might have con-
sidercd herself lucky in securing the favor
of bn 70 bnt Iaap baI Ioltu
dsliked him, while lattorly his Importantly
and somewhat fierce, woong had COM
menced to cause her uneasy fear. Still, in
passing, she bade him fair. her own heart
was so full of joy and happiness tahat a
little of it's goodwill overflowed. even to-
ward Farmer Lodon. When she would have
gene on, he laid heavy, detaining hand on
her arm. bidding her not to hurry, for he
must have speech with her.
"Mr. Lodon," she said. while she shrunk
involuntariy from his touch. "if it is the
same question. you know l have but the
same answer
at is the same question. I have told you
will ask it, and ask it, and repeat again
and again till your answer changes. Pshaw!
What is a girls mop" AS she shook her
head impatiently, his brow darkened, his
face was not pleasant to see. ''If it is that
young jackanapes of a squire's nephew
you are thinking of, remember this-I swear
he shall not have you. l swear, Jean. you
shall be my wife. I am tired of waitingl
1 have tried gentle means to win you; since
they fail, l will try harsher ones"
He looked so threatening and spoke so
vehemently that for moment the girl stood
pale and scared; but in spite of her sweet
nature, Jean owned a spirit; it rose at his
rudeness, her eyes flashed angriy.
For shame, sir.' she cried. because
my father is old and weak, and buried in his
books. and my brother but young, you think
to bully me. Let me pass; | will never
speak to you again."
"Softly, softly! I say you shall be my
wife, and that in three weeks time or take
he alternative. Your brother Jim shall pay
the forfeit. You start. All, you think his
little pranks are not known, but you mis-
take" He drew letter from his pocket
and showed her. making her read it. 1t
was written by her brother, with all boys
it spoke Of his eseapades, OF
the notorious run of the previous week, |
when he had helped triumphantly to hood
wink the revenue men. The letter. written
to a comrade who had missed the fun, and
sNned ''James Ayln1er' was evidence
enough fully to ncriminate the writer. 1t
1ad never reached its destination; by means
Of his own, for ends of his own, Farmer
Lodon had gained possession of it. Jean
Nrung her hands together, her frightened
eyes sought his pitiless face; he answered
her unspoken question. "Will [ use this?
Perhaps. Should do so, do you think your
ine lover will be able to help you or save
Jim? think not If give this little paper
to those who would like to have it, Jim will
be taken, my girl; do you understand that?
Jim will be taken. and others named here;
the punishment you know"
"Oh, know" she moaned; had not some
one else warned her but yesterday? 81
know, and it will kill the dad, the poor old
lad. as we'll as jim"
He waited for the knowledge to strike |
July home, noting with satisfaction how
Ter terror and agony grew and increased, |
low the sweet lips trembled. The man wass
without compassion; her pallor merely |
meant to him that his scheme was sue |
,essful. He gave her time to feel his pow
", then he pointed out the alternative; |
she could avert all the trouble and save her |
brother; it rested with her alone No one |
lad cognizance of the letter but himself:
,e would destroy it when he had placed the !
Wedding ring on her finger. Would she not |
hen promise to become his wife in three |
weeks time?
The girl wept and pleaded. Why did he
wish for an unwilling bride? There were
'ther girls, girls with the money she lacked
"Your face is your fortune, Mistress
Tean," he answered. at is a fair one;
lon't you know it?"