Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1914-08-20


Dering stopped. She was going to
say, "No time for this infatuation for
Rhoda to wear OUT" but she could
not go on with Molly's innocent eyes
upon her.
"I must go and write my letters"
she said, shortly.
Rhoda found her aunt lying on the
couch. She was looking very Ill
now, and her breathing was short
and painful. After a little CONVEX
sation, Miss Dering took up q let
ter.
II have heard from Adrian this
morning, Rhoda."
"Yes?"
you know he is coming to-day to
stay for few hours2"
Molly told me so this morning."
said Rhoda, without looking at her
aunt.
HE is coming to speak to you
again, Rhoda." Mrs. Dering went on.
HE would not take your answer
last week. You promised me to re-
consider that answer. He writes to
me to-day to say that he must know
his fate now that you have had time
enough for consideration, and that
he has a right to final answer"
THAT is quite true" said Rhoda.
in low tone. II wanted to give
him a final answer last week."
but we were too wise to allow
you. Rhoda, 1 do not understand
you. Look at me, child"
Rhoda turned her eyes upon her
aunt and met the eager glance Of
Miss Dering's haggard dark eyes:
then her own eyes dropped. Her
aunt laid her hand upon her arm.
"Rhoda, you love him! All, do
not tell me that you do not, for I
have read the truth in your eyes!"
Aunt, I cannot marry him!" fall
tered Rhoda.
"Why?"
do not ask me why. 1 cannot
marry him!"
Miss Dering looked steadily at her
niece for some moments.
"Rhoda, think know the rea-
SON."
"Ah, no, aunt"
"Yes, l think know. You think
of your father, and you are unwill-
ing that Adrian should have to be
ashamed of your father. But Adrian
and have talked Of this"
You have talked of my father?"
"Yes. that was inevitable. Adrian
was very explicit about 1t. He said
that, II you had lived with your
father, 1t would have been different.
In that case his duty might have
been to put you out of his heart;
but you and your father are entirely
separated. He will be kind and gen.
erous to your father, Rhoda. Adrian
Is just in all things"
He is very hard to Sinners" said
Rhoda, family.
"Yes-Adrian is hard In some
ways, but he is very just"
Rhoda rose from her seat and
walked to the window. Her aunt's
eyes followed her.
"Rhoda, listen to me-" she said,
steadily. "I have left all my money
to YOU"
Rhoda started and turned round;
her aunt raised her hand.
do not speak; listen to me. It is
easy to destroy will. You must ac-
cept Adrian to-day, or shall de-
stroy that will. shall make new
one and leave all my money to Mrs.
Dering!'
You are trying to bribe mel"
cried Rhoda. her face flushing and
growing deathly pale. She left tho
window and stood opposite to her
aunt.
II am trying to make you choose
your own happiness. I don't pre-
tend to understand you. Rhoda; but
will not let you cast away your
life's best chance"
Rhoda stood silent. There was a
terrible struggle in her heart. Sud-
denly she sank down at her aunt's
feet and took her hands in hers.
Aunt Milllicent. let me tell
you"
But she stopped. The peculiar
paleness which accompanied the
heart attacks, which were growing
more frequent daily, came over Miss
Dering's face.
Call Stanton!" Miss Dering said
hoarsely.
Rhoda hastily called the maid,
and together they administered the
remedies the doctor had ordered.
Slowly the color came back into Miss
Dering's face. The danger was over
for the time. Stanton went away.
and Rhoda sat down and put her
hand into her aunt's.
"You will do what l want?" Miss
Dering whispered. holding the girls
hand fast. You will be good to me
Rhoda, and let me die happy in thx
thought of your future"
Rhoda bent and kissed her.
II will give Adrian my answer
this afternoon she said, softly.
Tell me now what your answer
will be-"
Dear aunt. let me wait till this
afternoon. I cannot tell you now" !"
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