Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1897-11-18
zS9sas9aSoSsassosee
MARJORIE'S LETTER.
BY JENNY WREN.
1eeeeeeeeeeeeseeeeeseee

hVOU have lost your senses, Mar
joriel None but one utterly
daft would recklessly throw away such
an offer. What mattors it IL there are q
few gray hairs mingled with the black?
Better be an old mans darling than a
young mans slave,' and Mrs. Hayes,
who had looked up for Il moment from
her baking, returned more vigorously
than before to the kneading Of the
dough.
''True, aunt; but suppose a young
mans darling is better than either"
and miscieyous twinkle shone in the
bright eyes, "A half smile played round
the corners of her rosy mouth, giving
momentary glimpse of teeth white and
even. "Where Is your wonderful phil
osophy, then"
Have your own way. You'll regret
it too late Pity John Harding
couldn't have you. You'd make 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 Arnold will readily CON
sole himself, and when his bride takes
possession you'll wish you'd followed
my advice"
"At least, aunt, / can never reproach
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 long day yet"
Pretty Marjorie Hayesl There were
men enough, old and young, who would
have given half their worldly posses
sions to be sure they held space, how
ever small, in that heart; but not so
John Harding. With him H. was all or
nothing. lie had given to this girl the
one love of his life; and read in her
eyes glances answering his own; had
seen her face brighten into expectancy
at his coming; felt her tender pressure
answering his hand clasp, and hope
would rise buoyant in his heart, only
to be dashed again into despair, us he
would meet her averted glances or in
different words. He was not very pa
tient, this strong man; and, with his
stern win bent upon purpose, trifling
was beyond his comprehension.
you know what / have 10 offer you,
Marjorie" he said TO her on the even
ing OF the samo day of the conversation
recorded above. 81 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"
All, foolish John! The blush which
had risen to the girls cheek faded, the
smile playinP round her lips disap.
penred. and holding erect the shapely
head, she said:
"Sincc when did ! appoint you Gus.
'cdian of nv smiles or tears? When ]
ras.' ar, aro 10 the roe'tic7. Mr. Hard
ing, I shall remember you as the first
applicant"
Nevertheless, l did not speak with
out reason. am tired OF il, Marjorie
tired of it all. / am no Jacob to serve
seven years. /"
"Thcn stop now" (turning TO him
with quick anger). Doubtless you
think Jacob had something higher In
view OF his long waiting. Wen, sir,
should you serve for me seventy times
ttNfll, IL hOuHl pi W lNN'ANt AiiN Af''AAN
answer-no! My freedom is too sweet
TO yield It quite so readily. Good
evening, Mr. Harding. l can find my
way home across the meadow alonc!"
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 counterIane, in very
passion Of sobs. half anger, half de-
spair.
The next morning, bright and early.
Mrs. Hayes. bustling about her morn
ing duties. spicd messenger approach
ing the house. a moment later, with n
respectful Good d-morniug," he handed
bier "a note. For Miss Marjorie. Ina'am,' y
and was W quickly out of slght.