The Mena weekly star., 1897-09-08

| different words. He was not very pa- tient, this strong man; and, with his stern will bent upon purpose, trifing was beyond his comprehension.
 "You know what 1 have to offer you, | Marjorie" he said to her on the even ing of the same day of the conversation recorded above. "I don't question your right to better, in one sense, but must have my answer. Squire Arnold thinks the same, don't doubt judging from the sweetness of your smiles"
 An, foolish Johnl 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 l appoint you cus- todian of my smiles or tears? When 1 elect any one to the position, Mir. Hard ing, l shall remember you as the first applicant.
 Nevertheless, did not speak with out reason. am tired of it, Marjorie tired of 1t all. l am no Jacob to serve seven years. T."
 Then stop now" Burning to him with quick anger). doubtless you think Jacob had something higher in view or his long waiting. We'll, 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, Mir. Harding. l can find my way home across the meadow alone!"
 But, silent and stern, John walked by her side until they reached the thresh- old of the door. Then, without word. she stepped within, and he turned and 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 passion of sobs, half anger. half de- spair
 The next morning, bright and early, Mrs. Hayes, bustling about her morn. ing duties, spied messenger approach ing the house. A moment later, with respectful "Good-morning," he handed her q note. For Miss Marjorie, ma am" and was as quickly out of sight.
 From John Harding. Some lovers quarrel reconciled. Suppose 1 keep it just a few days. She will thank me for it some day. l will think it over," and thus soliloquizing, she slipped the let ter into the capacious pocket by her side, where it was destined to remain long days ere it was brought to light.
 Sudden move, that of young Hard ing. l thought he was too sensible to let the western fever influence him when he was doing so 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 no reasons to anyone. I'm sorry, for always liked the lad" and good old Farmer Hayes, rising a fort night later from the breakfast table. shook his head with a wise shake.
 Poor Mrs. Hayes! As she listened, her florid 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 it's color, her hand trembled a little as she raised a cup of coffee to her lips, but otherwise she gave no sign.
 That evening Squire Arnold called, and when he left he carried with him Marjorie Hayes promise to become his wife. Thus Mrs. Hayes ambition was fulfilled, but vainly did she console her. self with the thought. Something with in forbade elf-congratulation and the ruddy color often left her cheek at some forbidden memory. Squire Ar hold had no cause to complain of capricious behavior. No spice of CO., quetry tinged Marjorie's manner now With quiet calm she moved about the old house. busy with preparations for the now fast-approaching nuptials; but, oh! what would Mrs. Hayes have given for one mischievous glance as of old, one ripple of merry girlsh laugh ter, one burst of happy song.
 Days merged into weeks, until one bright, beautiful morning in May, Mar jorie rose to the consciousness that her wedding day had come. There was a strange tenderness in Mrs. Hayes man. ner, as she helped robe the bride. It was as though she prepared lamb for the sacrifice, but it was too late now, she whispered ever to herself, and so hustled here and there in busy prepara- tion, so that none noticed how seldom she smiled or how wan and pale she looked.
 It was over at last. Marjorie had gone through 1t all as in q dream, scarcely haa 1e k .s.1. l