Rocky Ford enterprise., 1897-12-23

pHkSS ASSSSlHl IONs
implanted in the heart of loving wo-
man, and now that Caussdiere had
gone to his last account deep and
sacred pity took possession of his VIC
TINS heart.
Sutherland saw the signs Of change
with some anxiety. but had sufficient
wisdom to wait until time should COM
plete Its work and efface the French
mans memory from Marjorie's mind.
When they met he spoke little to her
Of love, or Of the tender hope which
bound them together; his talk was
rather of the old childish days, when
they were all in all to one another;
Of old friends and old recollections,
such as sweeten life. He was very
gentle and respectful to her: only show
ing in his eyes the constancy of his
tender devotion, never harshly ex-
pressing 1t in passionate words.
But If Sutherland was patient and
self-contained, 1t was far different with
the impulsive lady Of the Castle. No
sooner was she made aware of the true
state of affairs than she was anxious
that the marriage should take place
at once.
I'm an old woman now, Marjorie"
she cried. "and the days of my life are
numbered. Before gang ava let me
see you happy bride-let me be sure
you have friend and protector while
I'm asleep among the mools.''
She was sitting in her boudoir in
her great armchair. looking haggard
and old indeed. The fire In her black
eyes had faded away. giving place to a
dreamy and wistful pity: but now and
again. as on the present occasion, it
flashed up like the CLEAN upon the
blackening brand.
Marjorie. who was seated sewing by
her mothers side, sadly shook her
head.
Il cannot think Of 1t yet" she re-
piled, II feel 1t would be sacrilege."
"Sacrilege. say you?" returned Miss
Hetherington. THE sacrilege was wi
yon Frenchman. when he beguiled you
ava. and poisoned your young life,
my BARN. You owed him no duty liv-
ing. and You owe him none dead. He
was an Ill limmer. and thank God he's
in his graver'
"Ah. do not speak Ill of him now.
II he has sinned he has been punished.
To desc young"
And Marjorie's gentle eyes filed with
tears.
III he wasna ripe. do you think he
would be gathered?" exclaimed Miss
Hetherington. with something OF her
old herceness OF manner. MY certie.
he was ripe-and rotten; Lord forgive
me for miscalling the dead! But. Mar
jorie. my BARN. you're DER tender
hearted. Forget the past! Forget ev-
erything but the happy future that lies
before you, Think you're Just young
lass marrying for the first time. and
marrying as good lad as ever wore
shoon north O. the Tweed
Marjorie rose from her seat, and
walking to the window. looked dream
lily down at the Castle garden, still
tangled as maze and overgrown with
weeds. AS she did so. she heard a
child's voice. calling In French:
"Maman, Maman.'
1t was little Leon, playing in the old
garden. attended by Scottish serving
maid. who had been taken on as nurse.
He saw Marjorie looking down. and
looking up with face bright as sun
shine. waved his hands to her In de-
light.
How can l think as you say" she
said. glancing round at her mother.
when l have my boy to remind me
that am widow7 After all. he's my
husbands child-a gift that makes
amends for all my sorrow"
As she spoke she kissed her hand
fondly to the child, and looked down at
him through streaming tears OF love.
"Weel. weel," said the old lady.
soothingly: I'm no saying but that it's
weel to forget and forgi'e. Only your
life must not be wasted. Marjorie!
must see you settled down before I
gang"
you will not leave me. dear moth
err answered Marjorie. returning to
her side and bending over her. NO.
no: you are well and strong"
whats that the aud sang says?"
returned Miss Hetherington. smooth
ing the girls hair with her wrinkled
hand. as she repeated thoughtfully:
4 hear voice you cannot hear.
That says must not stay:
see hand you cannot see,
That beckons me away
That's 1t Marjorie. I'm an old woman
now-old before my time. God has
been kind to me. far kinder than I de-
serve; but the grass will soon be green
on my grave in the krkyard. Let me
sleep in peace! Marry Johnnie Suth-
erland wi my blessing, and I shall ken
you Will never want friend"
Such tender reasoning had its weight