The River Falls times. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1894-1933, 1898-10-25

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left the highway,
and rumbled on the
causeway Of the streets. About a
quarter Of an hour later it drew up IN
front Of the railway station.
All was very quiet and gloomy. The
only human being visible was q soli-
tary railway porter.
Caussidiere leaped out.
"At what hour passes the express for
the south?" he demanded.
Eat half-past twelve, sir. You've ten
or twelve minutes"
Marjorie drew the hood of her cloak
closely round her face, and, taking her
lovers hands, descended from the car
riage and stood shivering and trem-
bling on the pavement
Caussidiere paid the fy-driver, and,
ordering the porter to follow with the
luggage, drew Marjorie's hand upon his
arm and strolied into the station.
On reaching the platform, Marjorie
cast frightened look around, dreading
to behold some familiar face; but, be-
yond couple Of half-tipsy commercial
travellers and a cattle-driver en- route
for the south, no one was visible.
A little later the two were seated
alone in a frst-class carriage and rap
idly whirling southwark.
The train ran right through to Car
Isle, where they aIighted. Hailing a
fly, they were driven to an inn already
familiar to Caussidiere, in an obscure
part of the town. They were evidently
expected, and the hostess had prepared
separate rooms.
After light supper, of which Mar
jorie scarcely partook, but which the
Frenchman made festive with bottle
of very bad champagne, they parted
for the night
ood-night, my darling said Caus-
sidiere, fondly. Tomorrow, early, I
shall be the happiest man in all the
world"
Nothing could be kinder or more re-
spectful than his manner; yet poor
Marjorie retired with heavy heart,
and it was not for some hours after
ward that she cried herself to sleep.
=
The day following Marjorie's de-
parture there was commotion at the
manse At early morning her absence
had been discovered, and to make as
surance doubly sure, the following note
had been found lying open on her dress
ing-table:
Dear Mr. Menteith-When you re-
ceive this, shall be far away. I have
gone with one who loves me very
much, and in few hours we shall be
married. Pray, pray do not think me
wicked or ungratefuI; but 1 was afraid
to tell you how much I loved him, for
fear you should be angry at my choice
He has promised to bring me back in
a little time to ask forgiveness of all
my friends. Tell Solomon, with my
fond love, how weary I shall be till [
see him again; he was always good to
me, and I shall never forget him. Tell
Miss Hetherington, too; never had a
kinder friend; but she must not blame
me for following the wish of my heart.
God bless you all! Your loving
MARJORIE AMMAN"
That was the letter, and Mr.. Men
teith read it aloud in utter amaze
ment. 1t would be false to say that he
exhibited any more violent emotion,
for he had merely friendly interest in
the girl, and felt for her no overmas-
tering affection. But Solomon MuckIe-
backit, after listening thunderstruck,
uttered a wild cry, and struck his fore
head with his clinched hand.
81 kenned it, I foresaw it! It's the
Frenchman, dawn him!'
Hush said the minister. mo pro-
family, my man"
Dawn him, dawn himp' repeated
the sexton trembling with passion.
'sHe has stolen DOR Marjorie away. I
saw the deiPs mark on his face when
he first came creeping ben COR house
and fell sleeping in COR kirk Dawn
him, say-noo and for evermairr'
Then Mr.. Menteith, not without diff
Guilty, elected from Solomon, who was
almost distraught, the whole story Of
Caussidiere's acquaintance with Mar
jorie, and subsequent visits to the
manse.
after ALL" said Mr. Menteith. re-
fectively. che is a gentleman, and as
they are going to be married
Married. calculated Solomon.
Marry an awtheist-marry the dell.
But he'll ne'er marry her. He'll be-