Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1897-10-09
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MARJORIE'S LETTER.
r. By JENNY WREN
s~e~s~e~e~s~e~e~'

s.You have lost your senses, Mar
jorie None but one utterly daft
would reeklessly throw away such
an offer. What matters it if there
are few gray hairs mingled with
the black (? Better be an old mans
darling than young mans slave"
and Mrs. Hayes, who had looked up
for moment from her baking, re-
turned more vigorously than before
to the kneeding of the dough,
"True, aunt. but suppose a young
mans darling is better than either"
and mischievous twinkle shone in
the bright eyes, a half smile played
around the corners of her rosy
mouth, giving momentary glimpse
of teeth white and even. "Where is
your wonderful philosophy, then Z"
"Haye your own way. You'll re-
greet it, too late. Pity John Hard
ing couldn't have you. You'd made
him miserable enough, Heaven
knows, with your endless airs and
graces. It's easy to see it's him
you're thinking of Notwithstanding
your coquetry. / doubt Squire Ar
mold will readily console himself,
and when his bride takes possession
you'll wish you'd followed my ad.
vice."
"At least, aunt, l can never re.
proach you with having withheld its
bestowal but, come, don't be angry
with me. / am not at all sure but
that you will have me with you many
a long day YETI
Pretty Marjorie Hayes! There
were men enough, old and young,
who would have given half their
worldly possessions to be sure they
held space, however small, in that
heart; but not SO John Harding.
With him it was all or nothing.
He had given to this girl the one
love Of bis life; and read in her
eyes glances answering his own
had seen her face brighten into ex-
pectancy at his coming ; felt her ten
der pressure answering his hand
clasp, and hope would rise buoyant
in bis heart, only TO be dashed again
into despair, as he would meet her
averted glances or Indifferent words.
He was not very patient, this strong
man and, with his stern will bent
upon a purpose, triaing was beyond
his comprehension.
"You know what I have to offer
you Marjorie,' he said to her on the
evening of the same day Of the con-
versation recorded above, II don't
question your right to better, in one
sense, but ! must have my answer.
Squire Arnold thinks the same, I
know, judging from the sweetness of
your sm;les.n
All, foolish John The blush
which had risen to the girls cheek
faded, the smile playing round her
lips disappeared, and holding erect
the shapely head, she said:
"Since when did I appoint you
custodian of my smiles or tears |?
When | elect any one to the position,
MIR. Harding, / shall remember you
as the first applicant"
Nevertheless, I did not speak
without reason. l am tired of it,
Marjorie, tired of it all. I am no
Jacob to serve seven years. II
"Then stop now she said, turn.
ing to him with quick anger. "Doubt.
less 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 My
freedom is too sweet to yield it quite
SO readily. Good evening, Mr.. Hard
ing. ! can find my way home across
the meadow alone"
But, silent and stern, John walk.
ed by her side until they reached
the threshold of The door. Then
without a word, she stepred within,
and he turned and walked away.
From her own window she watch
ed 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 de-
spair.
The next morning, bright and
early, Mrs. Hayes, busting about
her morning duties, spied messen-
ger approaching the house. A mo-
ment later, with respectful aGood-