Year: 1873

Mary, this is folly; nay, worse than
folly; it is blind infatuation with an
unworthy fancy.


The girl looked up, startled, and the
man continued, Yes, Mary, in spite of
your quiet patience, have guessed your
secret all these years, and l. have borne
with you, hoping that time would tear
the veil from your eyes and show him to
you in his true light. But have hoped
in vain. You still obstinately hug your
delusion to your heart, and further for
bearancc on my part would be weakness.
My child, think what you are doing.
Look at my gray hairs and failing
strength. In the course of nature 1t IS
not probable that shall be with you
many more years. And your youth is
passing, too, Mary, and taking with it
the power to bear unhurt the cold in
difference of the world. You cannot be
happy alone, Mary Your nature is too
gentle for it. You need strong, loving
hand to help you over the rough spots
of life. Without it you would shrink
and wither, and suffer u thousand deaths
before it came at last to rest you. Think
of this, Mary. Think how have loved
you ; think of my agony in leaving you
to such n fate. Think of all, and do not
let the memory of q base scoundrel blast
your happiness forever"


The speaker, indly-looking, gray
haired man, bent over the woman, and
laid his hand upon her bowed head.
She did not speak, and after a moment
he continued


"Mark Eldon is true, honest man.
T. Il o1l hn ~ of
his nature. Your happiness will be his
first and dearest care, and knowing it in
his keeping could die happy. o Mary,
do not let that base miscreant stab me
With double-edged sword. DO not let
him break your heart, as well as dis
grace my name forever. Think of his
ingratitude, his black"


The girl lifted her head hastily.


"Stop stop ! in PHYS name. If you
can say those words l cannot hear them.
o my dear guardian, how can it be, that
you, so kind and good to every one, are
so harsh and cruel to him? Think how
long ago it was. Think of those long
years of remorse and probably suffer
ing Think OF the time he played II
happy babe at your knees and if you
cannot forgive him, ut least think
kindly"


She clasped his hand in both of hers,
and looked appealingly at him but his
brow only grew dark, and he shut his
teeth tightly as he replied:


"Why should l think of him when
every thought but makes me breathe Il
fresh curse upon him-undutiful son,
dishonest man, and false lover Think
,f Iu if I hut g., ~
him, and the stain he has put upon me =


He clenched his hands and paced the
floor rapidly few moments and then
stopping by her again, said huskily:


" Pardon my vehemence, Mary
should not have given vent to my feel
ings, but an ever-smouldering flame
will sometimes burst out. But enough
of it Ten years have elapsed since
Albert Markman's name has passed my
lips, and should I live fifty more,
swear it shall never pass them again.
1 renew my curse, and cast him of
afresh, black-hearted traitor that he is.
May he live vagabond upon the earth,
and may he suffer but hundredth part
of the agony he has inflicted upon me
No! no p as Mary made an effort to
speak, " 1 will hear no word for him.
He is as if he had never lived. l bolt
him ont forever! And now, Mary,
daughter of my heart, make last ap-
peal to you. Will you inhict another
stab upon my wounded heart, and rob
my last days of my only light o
no. my child, you will not Let me
tell Mark Eldon you will be his wife.
and tomorrow will indeed be happy
Thanksgiving to us ALL |f.


The pallor on Mary face grew marble
like, as rising She laid her hand on Mr..
Markham's arm and said


" Dear guardian, will be Mark Ell
don's Wife," And before he could speak,
she left the room.


And now L must ask you to go back
with me for few moments, to
some things that happened many years