Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1898-12-15
A Happy Mistake.

when he asked him for his bill he
laughingly replied:
"That was private matter with
Miss Maude. She is to settle that. T"
My father looked amazed; but I
, could appreciate the payment he
would accept, and imagined their sur
prise when he should demand it at
their hands.
The summer was rapidly approach
ing The time for Maude's home
coming was at hand.
had reason to be happy, for Maude
was coming to home over which hung
no shadow of debt. The mortgage
had been paid. What she had saved
should go toward her trousseau when
she needed one, for father had pros
pered beyond all expectations.
At last heard the sound of wheels.
Nearer and nearer.
81 bring you surprise" she had
written, and by her side sat DR.. Mel
rose. 1 knew it ALL Was it not as I
pictured, fancied, hoped? I only know
that an impulse which sprang from
some corner of my brain caused me to
turn hastily up the stairs and, burying
my head in my pillow, sob aloud.
"Ellie, darling Where are you?'''
questioned sweet, girlish voice; and
sprang up, ashamed of my momentary
weakness, to find myself clasped in my
sisters warm, loving embrace.
And, taking me by the hand, she ran
rapidly down into the room where they
all sat.
DR.. Melrose instantly arose and came
forward with his old smile of welcome
and made movement as though he
would already give me q brothers
kiss, but remembered in time that his
secret was not yet disclosed.
The evening passed rapidly away in
pleasant laugh and jest. Occasion
ally l intercepted glance between
Maude and her guest, full of meaning,
but no one else seemed to notice it.
At last he rose to bid us good night,
and as he held my hand moment in
his own he whispered:
'You have always been the most in
defatigable in pressing my small claim
upon you. Tomorrow I will present
it to you for payment. May see you
for few moments in the morning?"
Certainly" 1 answered; but my
voice trembled, and 1 think had he
stayed moment longer 1 should have
burst into tears.
All through that long night I
watched my sister, sleeping SO peace
fully by my side, waging my little war
with myself.
How natural that he should love her,
so young, so lovely! But, ah! why had
my heart gone forth unasked to meet
him? At least the secret was all my
own none would suspect it.
had not known it myself until I
had seen them side by side. With, per-
haps, shade less color, a little quiveTing
of the lips, but nothing more 1 entered
the parlor next morning to greet DR..
Melrose. who stood waiting for me.
II have come, as you know,t to claim
my payment, Ellie. Can you not
guess it?"
A momentary struggle with myself,
then answered bravely:
Eyes, l know it all. You have my
consent, DR.. Melrose, although you
take our dearest possession.
He looked bewildered, but suddenly
seemed to understand, as he SAID,
gravely:
Then you know, Ellie? Since .he
day l first saw you in church I have
loved you, have cherished as my fond
est dream the hope of making you my
wife! Darling, you are sure 1 have
your consent?"
''But Maude?" almost gasped
"Maude is only too happy in the
hope that may win you. She is en-
gagged to cousin whom she met at
Mrs. Marvin's and who is soon coming
to claim her. He is a splendid fellow
and we'll worthy OF her; but l, ali! my
darling, can accept no other payment
than yourself!"
And, in wild burst of passionate
joy. of marvellous unbelief, gave it
to him, as he sealed it with the first
kiss of our betrothal.