The Athena press. [volume] (Athena, Umatilla County, Or.) 18??-1942, 1908-07-24
Y 7~E3 Is
Mr.. MOntagu's
> . Marriage
~N~~~~~


Robert Montagu walked slowly down
the quiet country road. lie was within
few miles of the great metropolis, but
in this peaceful Hertfordshire village
he felt a thousand miles from the hub
of the universe And yet he had but
lately returned from a very distant
country-the western part Of Canada
where things had prospered exceeding
1y with him. He had, in short, come
home with his plea rich man at last,
and had returned to the old country
for a well-earned rest, with an idea at
the back of his busy mind that 1t might
be very pleasant to settle down at home
If he could find someone to settle
down with
He looked about him with interest as
he made his way down the deserted
road, which he remembered so well,
many, many years ago. and when he
came in sight of a square, ugly white
house standing on little eminence, ap-
preached by handsome carriage drive
and surrounded with prosperous look
ing outbuildlngs and big garden, he
slackened his pace little.
So this was where Adela was living.
Things had gone well with her and her
stockbroker husband evidently. How
would they receive him? He glanced
down at his clothes, which though neat
were by no means new. His heart
yearned for a little affection; he had
lived so long without 1t. Adela had
string of children; perhaps some of
them might take him to their hearts,
though If they resembled Adela, his ell
der slster-well, she had never cared
for him.
The gay strains of the newest waltz
floated' up to the top story of the Hen
derson abode and penetrated to the
schoolroom, where, In rather dismal
light and beside very poor fire, Mar
garet Verney was trying to concentrate
her attention on a book which lay on
her lap. But 1t was not easy to read
with that seductive music filling the air,
and almost unconsciously her foot beat
time softly to the delightful rhythm
which she loved so we'll. If only she
could have Joined the dancers! A smile
touched Margaret Verneys pretty lips
Ms she thought of the past--not so very
far from her--when she had danced
and done all the things girls love, and
had not known care or any anxiety.
Well, that was all changed now. She
had TO fight her way In the world.
Perhaps she was not the only unhap-
py person in that house, for, from what
she had heard one of the girls say
about their newly arrived uncle 1t was
very evident that he was by no means
a welcome guest.
'Imagine him coming now of all
times" Amy had said, in her high fret
full voice, bringing disgrace on us all,
and making Arthur think what queer
relations we have! He must be kept in
the background as much as possible"
And the sharp words had reached the
uncles ears; Margaret Verney had
caught sight of him at that moment,
and she knew the bitter speech had
stung him. A great pity and sense of
eomradeship seized her at that moment,
and the smile with which she had
looked at him was perhaps the only
welcome he had received
The fire blazed up with pleasant
burst of flames, and Margaret verney
lost in her own dreams, gazing into
the heart of the fire. did not hear the
door open quietly and she startled vio-
lently when hand touched her softly
and voice said with familiar ac-
sent
"Moping all alone, Miss verney?
That's too bad. You ought to be dane
ing with the rest"
The girl got mp with little shudder
of dislike as her eyes fell on the tall.
good-looklng young man who had stolen
In upon her, She cordially dislikei her
employers nephew, who had chosen on
more than one occasion to poster her
with his unwelcome and insolent atten-