Year: 1861

have them, I warrant you they were of the
poorest class. But l don't want to argue
the matter for my mind is made up. To
the husband of CLARA Preston l will never
give one penny Of my property. Do you
understand that ?" $780,.


Mark Wilton arose and walked across
the room. he had light, graceful form,
with bearing Of peculiar comeliness, and
when occasion called, he could be erect and
proud. His face was rather pale, and the
delicately cut features betrayed intellect
enough for any department Of active life.
If he had lack, it was in vital energy and
physical force but this was nothing in his
way, if be had an incentive to overcome it,
for overcome it he could. As be finally
stood before his father, with bis arms folded
upon his breast, the whole pride of his soul
was in action. He told bis father that he
should marry with the maiden of his choice.


The old mans answer was short and firm.


There was further arguing ques
tioning and answering, but no change of
feeling-Do change of intent.


"YOu have my decision," said lothian
Wilton. And those who knew that old
man could not have doubted him. He was
too proud, too firm, too self.willed, to trife.


"And," replied Mark slowly and solemnly,
"you have mine. shall make @ lara Press
ton my wife if l live. And l tell you now,
that I will not barter away my soul for
money. You understand me-"


81 understand what you say"


"Ard only say just what mean.'


"Then l understand you fully. And, MIR.
Mark Wilton. would be sure that you un.
derstand me. IT you marry that girl, look
to your fathers bank account no more.
Not another penny-not another penny!"


Mark Wilton had anticipated something
of this sort-and yet, when be was once
more alone, and realized the full force OF
bis position, be was for while overwhelm.
ed with anxious thought. Thus far in life
he had never known what it was to depend
upon himself. His fathers immense wealth
had been the source of all his hopes, and
the future took color and form from the
golden store.


Awhile was the youth in trouble, Eut
gradually be rose above the shock, and his
pride came to his aid for be had pride and
an independent spirit, and now that these
qualities had been so loudly called upon,
they started up strong and sure; He folded
his hands together, and with his head erect
and his thin lips firmly compressed, be swore
that he would be his own master.


Clara Preston was as beautiful as the ar
lists ideal, and those who knew her loved
her for her gentleness and goodness. She
was an orphan. and had for two or three
years supported herself by teaching music
Not breath was there against her characs
ter-not breath could there be, for she
was one OF those pure, spiritual beings who
seem to make pure and holy the very at,
mosphere about them.


In the evening Mark Wilton came and
told Clara tine result OF his interview with
bis father She listened to him attentive
ly, and when he had concluded, she reached
forth her nand and rested it in bis.


Mark" she said, gazing earnestly into
his face. " l have been fearful OF this, and
tell you freely that have not one word
of fault to find with your father. 1t would
be hard for me to give you up, but it would
be harder still for me to see you suffer on
my account. IT, as matters now stand, you
would sever the bond between us, shall be
content, and will never blame you while
l live." -


"Olara," cried the young man, vehe-
mently," you don't know me. Give you
up I'D sooner give up my life. My fa-
ther has my answer. | can give up his
wealth but cannot give up the love and
faith of my heart No, dearest one, no
cloud shall come between thee and me. Nv
resolution is taken, and henceforth / am nv
own master, subject only to such bonds as
love and duty to thee shall impose.


The maiden regarded her lover for some
moments in silence. She saw how proud
and determined be looked how bold and
dauntless was the light that flashed on his
dark eyes how hopefully and trustingly
be turned his souls aspirations towards
herself; and she felt that she did no wrong
in sustaining him.


"Mark Witon," she said, giving him
both her hands, I" if you can love and trust
me thus; if you can give up so much for
me if you can now, in the first flush OF
manhood, turn from the hopes of other
years, and link your fate with mine, will
love and cherish you to the end. My best
efforts shall be yours, and with all my pow
er of heart and soul will I serve you"


Before Heaven, / am content. respond
ed the youth !; and, as he spoke, he seemed
to summon all his energies for the battle of
life before him. He drew the fair one
upon his bosom, and as be held her there,
be resolved that he would show to his fa>
ther and the world that be could sustain
himself as became an honorable and iDde>
pendent man.


The day was finally set for their mar
rage.


We cannot be married in my fathers
house" said Mark.


No." returned Clara, I bad supposed
that; and have planned that we will be