The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1903-08-07

| count Of the flight OF time. After
some months Of this idyllic existence,
| she suddenly became very serious and
sad. Marius, greatly surprised, ques-
toned her, and finally she said
II think that ought not to live any
longer at your"
But Marius frOwned so ficrcely that
she checked herself.
"Oh, do not doubt my affection" she
| exclaimed. II am not ungrateful, be
lieve me. But I must earn my own
living. My self-respect demands that"
well, wellp' said Marius. impatient
ly. I'VE will speak OF that to-mor.
rew." -
But that very day n friendly neigh
Dor, an old lady, said 10 him:
my dear NJ. Lournlcr feel It my
duty 10 tell you that people are begin
ming TO talk. / know that you are the
soul Of honor and that Cecile is an
angel, but evil tongues will wag. Why
don't you stop them"
How can II"
"By marrying Cecile."
what! DO you imagine that
she"
81 imagine nothing. I know she il
in love with you. Trust a woman's
intuition"
And the old lady added with n smile:
what If you are fifty, so long as you
don't look itT'
Marry Cecile? lie? what IN alb
surd idea,
But the more ne thought about IL
the less absurd II appeared. And, look
ing squarcly into his heart. he saw
that he loved the girl passionntely.
The little fairy had given him back
his youth and awakened the heart that
he had thought dead forever.
All! IL the old lady's intuition were
correct!
Then he began to pay great attcn-
even gave up his pipe. Cecile noticed
his rejuvenatiOn and complimentcd
him upon il frankly, and then he felt
inspired 10 tell his love and ask her 10
be his wife.
She listened in smiling silence and,
in burst of grateful affection put
her hand in that of her benegactor and
said: YES"
The wedding was arranged to take
place in the autumn.
Meanwhile Marius lived nj hotel,
but came every day to his old house
to see his young sweetheart, who al
ways welcomed him with a smile OF
tender affection.
The summer wore on, and there came
time when the smile gave place 10
grief and tears ms soon MS the uncon'
SCious lovers back was turned.
Then, oIe evening, he came and
heard CcCilt's voice and another's COM
ing from the unlightcd parlor. He
recognized the other voice as that OF
young architect who was spending
his vacation with his mother, the lady
who had suggested the marriage of
Marius ana Cecile.
The situation at once became hor.
rihly clear 10 Marius lie listened.
You are unkind." Cecile was saying.
~ cannot be your wife; you know
that"
II only know that hate the old
fool" the young man replied.
Hush! Robcrt You shall not in
suit him"
IL hate him. l say He has ruined
my life"
He loves me, Robert. and I owe
him everything. have given him my
promise-and | will keep IT,"
But il is enough To drive me mad!
| will tell him TO his face that l love
you-and that you love mc"'
IF you love me as you say you do,
Robert. you will let me do my simple
duty"
Marius had heard enough. He went
back TO his hotel, staggering like q
drunken man.
He was an old fool, then?
IN old fool?
He asked his mirror and il told him
the truth.
How had he come to forget his thin
gray hair and the crows feet about,
his eyes and 10 fancy that Cccile
could really love him?
Yes! He was an old fool.
TO night of agony succeeded q
| heroic resolve.
He sought Cecile and said:
MY child. l have come to the con.
clusion that an old fellow like me,
who has been single so long had bet,
ter remain single. l give you back
! your promise"
Ceclle's heart leaped for Joy. but
she replied:
II do not understand you. dear Ma
rius"
"IIushw said he. "Call re Father,
won't you. my DEAR"
She comprehendcd the admirable
self.ahnegation expressed in those
words. and cried
"Oh. how good you are to me nj
ways-Fatherv'
"And now." said Marius. with his
old-tme. good-natured smile "supnos,
we ask our neighbors TO dinner New
York News.