Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1897-09-22

4 SH$NEM/SVS& but one utterly
$fSASS5kS& daft would reck
IsSRSsSa5ESA lessly throw
sS@99EiThA away such M
ASS~I5sEAl o IF er. What
lTFT7EHTpUssss.o matters M it il
gray hairs mingled with the black:
Better be an old mau's darling than 6
young mans slave,' and Mrs. Hayes,
who had looked up for a moment from
her baking, returned more vigorously
than before to the kneading of Ghe
dough.
'True, aunt; but suppose ag
mans darling is better than either, VI
aud q mischieyous twinkle shone
in her bright eyes, half smile played
round the corners of the rosy mouth,
giving momentary glimpse of teeth
white and even. "Where is your won
derful philosophy, then?"
'.Haye your own way. You'll regret
it too late. Pity John Harding couldn't
have you. You'd make him miserable
enough, Heavens knows, with your
endless airs and graces. It's easy to
see it's him you're thinking of, not
.withstanding your coquetry. [ don't
doubt Squire Arnold will readily con-
sole himself, and when his bride takes
possession you'll wish you'd followed
my adv
cat least, aunt, I can never reproach
you with having withheld its bestowal;
but, come; don't be angry with me. I
am not at all sure but that you will have
me with you many long day yet"
Pretty Marjorie Hayes There were
men enough, old and young, who would
have given half their worldly posses
sions to be sure they held space,
however small, in that heart; but not
SO John Harding. He had given to
this girl the one love of his life, had
read in her eyes glances answering his
-uwM;z mad seem ner nIce brighten into
expectancy at his coming; felt her ten
der pressure answering his hand-clasp,
and hope would rise buoyant in his
heart, only to be dashed again in de-
spair, as he would meet her aVerted
glance or Indifferent words. He was
not very patient, this strong man; and,
with his stern will bent upon q pur-
pose, trihing was beyond his compre-
hension.
seYou know what have to offer you,
Marjorie, he said to her on the even
ing of the same day of the converse
ton recorded above. 81 don't ques-
tion your right to better, in one sense,
but I must have my answer. Squire
Arnold thinks the same, I don't doubt,
Judging from the sweetness of your
smiles
An, foolish John! The blush which
had risen to the girls cheek faded, the
smile playing round her lips disap-
peared, and, holding erect the shapely
head, she said:
"Since when did I appoint you GUS
todiau of my smiles or tears? When
I elect any one to the position, Mr..
Harding, I shall remember you as my
first applicant. F."
Nevertheless, I did not speak
without reason. I am tired of it,
Marjorie-tired of it all, I am no
Jacob to serve seven years. /"
''Then stop now" turning to him
with quick anger. Doubtless you
think Jacob had something higher in
view of his long waiting. Well, sir,
should you serve for me seventy times
seven, it would be to receive the same
answer-no Ny freedom is too sweet
to yield it quite so readily. Good
evening, Mr.. Harding. I can find my
way home across the meadow alone. "
But, silent and stern, John walked
by her side until they reached the
threshold of the door, Then, without
word, she stepped within, and he
turned and with great strides walked
away. From her own window she
watched him until out of sight, then
threw herself upon her little bed, with
its snowy counterpane, in very pas
sion of sobs, half anger, half despair.
The next morning bright and early,
Mrs. Hayes, bustling about her morn
ing duties, spied messenger approach
ing the house. A moment later, with
a respectful "Good morning." he
handed her note. ''For Miss Mar
jorie, maam," and was as quickly out
of sight.
"From John Harding. Some lovers
quarrel reconciled. Suppose l keep
it just few days. She will thank me
for it some day: I will thinkit over, "
and thus soliloqu1zing, she slipped the
letter into the capacious pocket by her
side, where it was destined to remain
long days ere it was brought to light.
ssSudden move, that of fyoung Hard
ing. I thought he was too sensible to
let the Western fever influence him
when he was doing we'll at home.
Better let we'll enough alone. But !
understand he has sold out everything,
leased the farm and started out anew.
He gives noreasons to anyone. I'm
sorry, for 1 always liked the lad, }" and
good old farmer Hayes, rising. fort
night later from the breakfast table,
shook his head with a.wise shake.
Poor Mrs. Hayes! AS she listened,
her forid face grew pale. Perhaps
she had made mistake after all, and
at the memory of that white envelope,
hidden away somewhere in some deep
pocket, weight of iron was resting
on her heart. She stole a stealthy
glance at her niece. Her cheek had
lost its color, her hand trembled a
little Us she raised cup of coffee to
her lips, but otherwise she gave nc
sign.
THAT evening SQUIRE Arnold called,