Barre evening telegram. (Barre, Vt.) 1898-19??, 1899-12-02
MARION'S SURPRISE.

good education. Her mother died when she
was II years of age, leaving her father to
rear his motherless child as best he could.
But his best was not what Marion had
been used to before the death of her mother.
Not that he did not try hard enough to give
her the same pleasant life, but crcum-
stances worked against him, and because of
these circumstances they both had to sui
fer, but it was the father who suffered great
est because of his love for his daughter.
His business did not prosper after his
wife's death, and through the dishonesty
of his partner he became almost reduced to
bankruptcy. He went to work with the
men that he had formerly employed, work
ing night and day, straining his eyes to their
ness. At this he sold his property and
Marion was obliged to go to work.
She engaged small tenement and
searched daily for work, but of no avail.
On returning home one day, tired and dis
heartened, her father said to her. Marion,
Mrs. Young called here to-day, and is going
abroad with her husband, and would like
to find trustworthy person to take the
care of her little boy, Harold. She heard
of our circumstances, anu thought that you
might take this position as governess, aud
yet be near your old father. What do you
think about it, my dear!"
well, father" said Marion, in cheer
full tone, for she never allowed her father
to see her downhearted, do you think
that you could stand the annoyance of this
child, for he is but five years of age and
has been INDUCED greatly"
"My daughter" said her father, "it does
seem as if this is plan by which you can
meet the expenses and yet be near me dur.
ing the day."
Nothing more was said, and the following
day Marion called on Mrs. Young and ev-
erything was settled satisfactorily. She
brought Harold home with her, for he had
been attracted to Marion at once, and Mr..
and Mrs. Young were to sail the following
day. The Youngs were people of wealth
and attended the same church as Marion
had done from childhood, and they felt well
pleased at being able to find such a trust.
worthy person with whom to leave Harold.
AS Marion had said farewell to Mrs.
Young that lady had assured her of how
pleased she was to leave her boy with her,
for she knew he would have the best of care
in every way. She hardly realized what it
HUM have DCtH w VIC yOuHk 6ll w nave W
take such charge, and especially from those
days.
Marion was in the habit of taking Harold
for stroll during the latter part of the day,
and it was during one of these strols that
Harold exclaimed: "Why, aunte, we meet
that gentleman every day"
The gentleman, hearing the remark, turned
and said: Good afternoon.
Good afternoon, sir said Marion.
Pardon me, but the child called you
'auntie.' May l ask if he is your nephew
"Oh no, sir! am Miss Grey, and have
charge of him for few months while his
parents are abroad said Marion.
81 am fond of children, and should judge
that this lad is about the same age as
my young brother, whom | have not seen
since babe" After saying a few words
to Harold, he wished them good afternoon
and passed on.
Marion called Harold and walked leisure
ly home, little knowing what an impression
she had made on this new acquaintance
Upon entering the house, Harold exclaimed:
20, grandpa, we met real nice gentleman,
and he talked with auntie!'
Mr.. Grey made no reply, but during the
evening asked Marion who the gentleman
was. Marion replied that it was one that
they had met frequently in their strolls,
his childish remarks. Ellis name is Mr..
Reginald Stacey, and he lives next door,
she said.
Stacey" repeated Mr.. Grey. "That
sounds familiar. l once had dealings with
one by that name, but he has passed away"
AS time passed the meetings between
Marion and her friend became more fire.
quent and what was at first mere acquaint
ance soon ripened into a deep affection,
until one day Reginald said: Marion,
am going away to complete my education.
but there is something that ] wish to tell
you before going
Marion, l have loved you from first sight.
my DEAR" said Reginald.
But, Reginald, what of my father?
love you, but | cannot leave him." said
Marion.
"You and your father shall never be sep
arated,' he answered.
After spending some time in making
promises and endearing words, he babe her
a fond good-by.
That evening Marion told her father the
whole story.
A little later on she received letters from
Reginald, and often wondered why he did
not speak of his people in them, but, think
ing that the year would soon pass and hav,
ng her time taken up with Harold and
her father, she decided that on his return
she would ask him about them. As time
passed away rapidly, Mr.. and Mrs. Young
from abroad and took Harold
home, paying Marion well. On her next
visit to Marion and her father Mrs. Young
stated that she wished her to come with
lcr few days to help prepare for her older
sons homecoming and that she was to
bring her father Also
Marion was downhearted, for she had not
heard from Reginald for some time. In his
asst letter he had said that he had gradu
lted and his parents had returned home,
md that he would soon join her.
Marion took up her new work, trying to
De satisfied, and on the day of the arrival
If the expected one, this being Mrs. Young's
,lder son, Marion was in the sewing room
md suddenly the door opened and in came
Harold, saying: "My big brother has
'ome," and Marion, looking up, exclaimed:
%, Reginald" and he clasped her to him
n fond embrace. AT this moment Marion's
ather and Mr.. and Mrs. Young entered the
Dom, and Marion demanded an explana,
ion from them, which Mrs. Young laugh
ngly gave.
81 was once Mrs. Stacey, and my son and |
were separated soon after his fathers i
cath. l then married Mr.. Young, whose
on you have had the care of during the
list year and one half. Reginald had no.
cen Harold since a baby, and, as had
lot tod him the name of the person with
rhom l had left Harold, he did not know