Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1900-12-06


at the garden gate, wearied out with
the labors of the day and trying to
escape for few moments from her
stepmother's shrewish tongue, he
came whistlng along the lane, and
paused beside her.
You have been crying" he eX-
claimed, abruptly. looking into her
pretty forget-me-not eyes.
Yes" she admitted. 1T was very
foolish of me-"
THAT dreadful woman has been
scolding you again?'
Il deserved it, no doubt l am not
strong. and cannot accomplish much.'
Max Delaney muttered something
under his breath, then asked:
'Why don't you leave her? Have
you no relatives to whom you could
go?"
Daisy shook her head.
There is only the great-aunt OF
whom l spoke this morning-and
don't even know where to find her.
1t would make no difference if l did.
She is very rich but my stepmother
says she hates girls, and could not be
induced to give me n penny"
Suppose you go away with me?"
The girl stared at him, her cheeks
flushed, her lips parted.
Il don't understand what you
mean, SIR" she stammered.
There is no occasion to look so
frightened. little one, though it is very
sudden. But l took a liking to you at
once. and l cannot endure to see you
abused. want you for my wife, darl-
ing"
Daisy had had lovers before, but
never one for whom she cared.
A thrill of tingling sweetness shot
through her veins. She felt the spell
of those magnetic, dark eyes, but Max
Delaney was stranger, and she dared
not yield to it.
'No, no-you cannot realize what
you are saying or else you are only
laughing at me"' she cried, running
away and hiding herself, with emo
tions singularly blended of rapture and
alarm.
Two weeks wore on, Daisy saw no
more of the handsome artist, but she
was continually dreaming or thinking
of him.
One morning. Daisy Unexpectedly re-
ceived letter. 1t fell first into her
stepmother's hands. who, in the exer-
else of a privilege arrogated to herself.
Immediately tore it open and possessed
herself of its contents. 1t ran thus:
II do not expect to feel proud of
grand-niece brought up in the back
woods of Michigan. but it is time you
saw something of the world. You can
come to me for a six weeks visit, if
you like. But don't expect to become
my heiress. My will is made already,
and does not give you a dollar.
PATTY MCLEAN.
BLESS me!' Mrs. Wentworth ex-
claimed. startled almost out of her
senses. 1T is from that miserly old
woman, your great-aunt. How did
she learn your address. | wonder? And
she has actually sent cheque for one
hundred dollars to buy new outfit.
and defray expenses. Well. l never"
Daisy's heart beat high with hope
and expectation.
Il may go?" she cried, in an eager,
pleading tone.
Mrs. Wentworth frowned.
~ don't knew how to spare you,
just as harvest is coming on. But that
grabbed old maid would be angry If l
refused to let you go. She lives in
Philadelphia, it appears. Twenty-Five
dollars will take you there, and you'll
want % more for new clothes. That
will leave $50 for me and my daughter
Joanna. Yes. you might as well be-
gin to get ready
When Daisy's preparations were all
made. and she was about setting out
upon her journey. Mrs. Wentworth
said:
"Now l want you to speak a good
word for Joanna. She amt no rela-
tion of Miss Mclean. to-be-sure, but
the old miser might send her Il few
dresses and jewels. and never miss
'em. Take everything that's offered
you. Daisy. and when you come back
Ill divide the things between you two
girls"
Daisy was quite startled by the mag
nlflcence of the brown stone front
where Miss Mclean resided.
Her great aunt. Il wrinkled old crone
In black velvet aud lace. welcomed her
with Il kiss.
You have your mothers face. my
dear. am glad of that"
oh" cried Daisy. eagerly. do you
remember my motherT
"Certainly. l used TO wish she was
hoy. that ! might leave her my
money. But girls are not OF much con
sequence In this world. had lost all
trace of poor Ethel. Aud 80 Silas
Wentworth ls deadf lie was good
man. but sadly wanting IN energy"
"Iiow did you find me, Aunt rattyY'