The Logan Republican. [volume] (Logan, Utah) 1902-1924, 1904-05-25
Mn F Mn

standing 1t, but it had no
effect on the man to whom 1t was ad.
dressed, and whose cold eyes were
fixed sternly upon that sweet, young
face. from which the harsh decree his
lips had spoken had driven the bright
color and happy smile that had made II
SO fair to look upon.
II mean what l say. Mary; you must
give up all thoughts of marrying James
Eldridge. A man who has reached the
age Of twenty-three, and never laid up
a dollar. will be no sort Of dependence
for family. 1 suppose he thinks a
marriage with you will place him be-
yond the necessity for work; but he is
greatly mistaken. have earned my
money too hardly to throw 1t away
upon such as he"
You do James an injustice, father;
he does no. seek my hand from mer-
cenary motives. With all his faults
and l will not deny that he has such
he has the truest and tenderest heart
that ever beat. I shall never love an
other man as love him. Bestow your
wealth on whom you will, but do not,
I beseech You, make your only child
70 utterly wretched"
Enough of this follyw exclaimed
Mr.. Dane. harshly. "You know what
my will concerning this matter is; and
It only remains for you to show wheth-
er you will continue to be the dutiful
daughter that you have hitherto been.
You can see James tonight. If you will.
but only to tell him what / tell you
nOw-that this must be your last inter.
view; that you can never be his wife.
Now go; have more important matters
on hand than listening to the silly fan.
cies of lovesick girl"
Mary arose from her seat and turned
toward the door; but her cheek was
pale, and there was look in her dark
eyes, as they rested upon her fathers
face, that he had never seen there be-
fore.
Il will obey you, father, but remem-
Der that you are booming me to a
lonely and jOyless life. / will give up
James at your bidding; but, as l can
never love, SO will l never marry any
other"
1t was with very different feelings
from what she had anticipated that
Mary awaited the approach of her
lover. But the step of James was light
and buoyant, and he greeted her with
a proud and happy smile. With her it
was their last interview; with him 1t
was but the precursor Of many more,
as well as the happy day that would
make her his own altogether.
But he could not but notice her pale
cheek and troubled look
What is the matter. dearest? Why
do your eyes look into mine with that
.mournful gaze? You surely do not
repent your promise. Let me hear
from those sweet lips again that you
love me.'
II love you. darling"' murmured the
fair girl, laying her cheek lovingly to
his, and speaking in tones, to which
the sorrow Mt her heart gave a mourn
ful and subduing tenderness.
1T is for the last time" she thought,
MS she yielded to his passionate en-
'''N ~ Which Nht wac ipiutus
with visible effort, she withdrew her.
self from his arms.
but l can mover be your wife,
James"
Can never be my wife, Nary" re-
peated the young man in a tone of
sorrowful establishment. what do
you mean? You surely will not break
your solemn promlsef'
You know 1t was conditional, James,
depending on my fathers sanction.
did not dream that he would withhold
1t. But he has not only done this, but
forbidden me to see you again. So
this is our last meeting"
But he ,f'll relent. Mary" pleaded
James. "He VIII not ruin the happi-
ness of his only child
"You do not know father, James;
he will never relent; ii Is not in his ma
ture to do this. II would be wrong
for me 10 hold out hopes than can never
be realized"
L. was In vain thai the young man
argued, pleaded. and even reproached;