Akron daily Democrat. [volume] (Akron, Ohio) 1892-1902, 1899-09-09

( MARJORIE'S SAILOR LAD. ;


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''Goodby, Marjorie, my darling; write
often 10 your boy in blue and may
heaven bless you for the promise you
have given me!'
'Goodby, Herbert. l shall pray for
your safety and speedy return. Take
care of yourself. for with dropping lids
and an almost inaudible voice. you are
my life"
Herbert Lord drew the beautiful girl
to him in closer embrace, and the last
moments of their parting, though silent,
were full of eloquence.
Marjorie had watched her handsome
lover as he mounted the hill. When he
reached the summit, he turned, and she
stretched out both hands to him in mute
entreaty for his return; then she sum-
moned her courage and gayly kissed her
hand to him. He raised his cap return
ed her salute, and with head still barred,
disappeared from view.
Marjorie leaned against the tree and
covered her face with her hands. She
felt a loneliness that she had never be-
fore experienced. All unconscious that
their parting had been witnessed, the
young giIl sat musing until she was
startled by hearing a voice almost in her
ear:
why these tears, Miss Marjorie?
Surely no one has less cause for unhappi-
ness than the beautiful Miss Gardiner"
Marjorie turned and saw before her
Thomas Braeme. How she loathed
him now! Yet, why? She knew him
to be immensely wealthy; he was consid-
cred great catch by mammas with mar
riageable daughters: he was ionized by
society, and yet Marjorie involuntarily
shrank from his smooth tongue and per-
sisted attentions. She had once refused
his offer of marriage, and this act on her
part had been the cause of many bitter
reproaches from her family.
When she heard his voice, she drew
herself up. and, ignoring his outstretched
hand, replied, Pardon me. Mr. Braeme,
1 am not unhappy, and if | were fail to
see how it could possibly concern you"
His eyes flashed ominously, but he con
trolled his anger and replied:
Anything that affects you concerns
ME, Marjorie. No; hear me. You know
that | have loved you, that L still love
you, and / now come FOR the second time
with your parents approval and good
wishes for my success. Marjorie, marry
me. and you shall nave everything that
makes life worth living. l will be
good husband to you.
Husband. At the. thought of Thomas
Braeme as a husband her face grew
white and a shudder shook her frame.
She answered coldly:
"Mr. Braeme, can only answer you
as / did before, and l ask you to accept
this as final. Your persistency in this
matter annoys me, and / beg of you to
cease"
She turned to go, but be stopped her
'"There is ssme cre else. You cannot
deny it."
Neither does that concern you," she
haughtily replied.
In his anger he cried: "And do you
imagine that | do not know your little
game? You have met Herbert Lord
against yoUr parents wishes, and many
of your clandestine meetings have been
witnessed. I common sailor! Where is
your sense of honor that you stoop so
low?"
Marjorie was thoroughly aroused by
this attack, and her reply, though uttered
in anger, carried conviction.
Il will tell you. My idea of honor lies
i'll the fact that when a man responds to
his countrys call and is worthy to wear
Its glorious uniform, poor man though he
be, he has reached a degree of honor
which rich stay at home can never at
tain. Listen. Herbert Lord is DOOR,
you are rich, but ere button on his coat
is worth nDre TO me than all your piles
of boasted gold. l respect him and if he
lives to return l shall marry him. Now.
if you have one atcm of the honor for
which you are looking in others you will
never mention this subject to me again"
Marjorie Gardiner turned and walked
away.
Every argument was used to induce her |
to change her decision, but Marjorie re-
mained true 10 her promise, and when |
she was married a year later it was
quiet affair, as befitted the brides future
station as the wife of Herbert Lord
After brief honeymoon they went to |
reside in Derwent, where Herbert own |
ed Il cottage At the station they were |
met by smartly liyeried footman who |
touched his hat respectfully as Herbert |
Lord and his bride alighted
Everything all right, Matthews?'
"All right, sill" with another touch, as |
he led the way to an elegant carriage |
drawn by handsome bays. As they roll |
ed comfortably along, tired after their |
journey. Herbert Lord thought it time to |
prepare his bride for the surprise in store |
for her. So, drawing her to him, he re- |
marked, This is rather more comfort,
able, isn't it, dear?'
Marjorie looked at him with look of |
unutterable content as she replied:
Yes, Herbert, but l fear you have in
dulged in another bit of extravaganza as
a wind up to our month of luxurious liv-
ing"
No, my little wife, l can we'll afford
TO do what 1 have done. l have practic-
ed little deception which 1 hope you
will not find It too hard to forgive. l am
not the poor sailor you thought me. al