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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Brussels Post, 1885-7-31, Page 22 A YOUNG GIRL'S WOOING. B]E. I'.EOF Author of '• I1iv Sombre Rtvnl.,""Fro... Svut to Enrlu,.n Kr., &c. Aurin,.,.,, -•. In un hour he w•r5 on the steel with Dr. Sommers to a 0,.:' and wl valley. CHAPTPli XXIX. T11r: 1 little.~ PLAN11. It has been shown that Arnault be. sieved the decisive period to have come that would see tate success or failure o1 his "operation" in the Catskills. Keen, penetrating, Mediad comprehended the situation clearly. 1 -lo knew that Stella wished to accept Graydon, and was ]told in check by financial considerations only.- HIo had seen her maturer during the preceding moonlight cv01iug, au,l with mtouse angor lead observed from a neighboring grove the episode in the saln- mor-house, Tho twig bad not casually parted under his step, but had boon snapped between his fingers. Stella's quick alarm and flight had revealed the continnauoe of his hold uponber fears if not her heart. From that monleut he dismissed all indecision. In bittcruess he realized that his prolonged stay in the lnouutaius had not advanced his in- terests. lie had hoped to win the girl by devotion, keeping financial pressure in the lama ground; she had been only suave., , nhle, and elusive. T -Ie lead told her i i, ,t he expected her decision by Satuniey evening; she bad merely bowed iu a non -committal way. Mean. while it watt evident that if the Muirs kept up, apparently retaining the power to pass unscathed to better times, she would protiug her hesitancy, aiul in the one swept Graydon. Ho determined, therefore), to see her first, thou leer father, and to call in Li, loan immedia- tely. While Graydon and Madge wero re. turuimO nest morning from the lonely farmhouse, Arnault was breakfasting at the hotel. He appeared in excellent spirits. Miss \\-ildmere's alert observa- tion could not detect from his manner his knowledge of the fact that she had been on the point of yielding to Gray- don on the evening before. He was full of gallant courtesy toward her, and every glance and word expressed ad- miration. This was always the breath of life to her, and while it had ceased to give positive pleasure, its absence was like uncomfortable weather. After the meal was over ho led her to the same summer -house in which Gray. don had almost spoken words endowed with a lover's warmth and eagerness, "Stella," he said, "I shall go to town on the ten o'clock train." "1 supposed you had concluded to re. main all the week," she replied. "No; very important interests call sue to the city, much to my regret. You only bowed when I requested that I should receive a final answer before the close of the week. I shall return Saturday. Hrill you end my suspense within thist Imo?" She was silent. "Will yon make me another promise, then ? Will you romaiu free this week? If you will not bind yourself to me, will. you promise that no one else shall have a chum upon you until the time specified expires ?" After some hesitation site said, "Yes, I will promise that." "Please do so, and you will not regret it," was his quiet response. "I am not so eager to be bound that I cannot promise so much," "Very well then, I am content for the present;" and lie changed the subject. They soon returned to the piazza, and Arnault. employed his utmost effort to bo agreeable during the brief time re- maining. Earlier in tho week he bad written llir. Wildmero a letter, in conseguence of which the momentous telegram had restrained the daughter at the critical moment already mentioned. When Madge acme down to v. late din- ner site saw that Arnault had dis- appeared from the Wilclmere table, and that the Bello was already the victim of nxai in the absence of both gentlemen. During the afternoon Mrs. Muir was eager to gossip a little over the aspect of affairs, but found that Madge would do scarcely more than listen, "i don't understand that Miss Wild- mOre at all," said the elder sister ; "late last evening she went to yonder summer. house, hanging on Gruydon's arm as if they wore engaged to be married, and now he's gone to bo absent several days. This morning she was there again with Arnault, and ho wasn't talking about the weather, either. Now he's gone also, Before Graydon wont sho had another long interview with him while you were asleep. Good gracious 1 what is sho ahniug at? Young loon were not so patient in my day or in our village; and quiet as Henry appears, ho wouldn't play second string to a bow as Graydon does. 'When Miss Wildman first came I thought it was about settled, and I tried to be polite to one when I thought wo should soon have to receive, Now a sort of neck.and-nocic race between the two mon, If Graydon wins, stow shall you treat Miss Wildmero ?" "Politely for Graydon's sako, of course." Whose chances are best?" "Graydon's." "Do you think she loves hila?" "Yes, as far as she can lovo any one." "Why, Madge, what (10 you mean?" "She remit not love as wo 51100111; she doesn't know what the word means. If she did she wouldn't hoi;itate." "Yon think Henry's optnioe of 1100 correct, then ?" eT thiel; lie's right usually. idose Tlii+: BRUSSELS POST IVikimero is devoted to one boiug—ser• calf." "Why, Madge, it would be dreadful t, have (irayllon marry such a slrl 1" "Graydon is not Harry Mum. Ilo til tabled his majority HOMO years since." 1-io certainly is old enough to sliol nitre spirit, 1\'ell, I don't understiu her is eties, but such belles, 1 suppose ern a law unto themselves." "Don't let us gossip about hor any more. If Graydon becomes engaged there is only out) thing for us to do. Alias Wilclntere has made herself dis- agreeable to mo iu many little uanieless nays, and 000 never could bo friends, nut 1 shall not give Graydon 051150 for ntett ootuplaiut. If Iso asps me to see her with his eyes, I shall laugh at him mut decline." rimy shall never live with us," said Mrs. Muir. emphatically. "I know I'm a brilliant and accomplished wo- man, but I have always made Bole a place of rest and comfort for Henry, laud 1 int eel always it shall be just such a refuge. He is nor volts and uncomfortable whenever that girl comes near Mimi. Some people can't get on together at all. I am se glad that Ile lilies you 1 He says you aro ono that a man could de- pend upon in all sorts of weather." "We'll sco; but I like Santa Barbara weather, which is usually serene." "0 Madge, you'll not go there again ?" "Yes, I shall probably make it Iny home. I should never keep n1y health in the East, and I should dread a winter in Need York more than I can toll yon." "Well," said Mrs. Muir, discontent. edly, "I suppose yon will have your own way in everything hereafter ; but I think you might at least try to spend a winter with tis." "If there were cans() I world, Mary, but you are happy in your house, an 1 I ata not greatly needed. In my Western home I feel that -X can got the most out of life, jest as you aro getting the most out of yours. I should suffer from my old troubles in New York." 'This state- ment was trno enough to bout ladies, you, provontod, ha would Where now to make the offer is person, He says that he will settle upon you one hundred tbousaud dollars in your 0000 right the day you marry him, and also give you an elegant home in the city. Now what le your answer ?" "When Henry Muir fails 1'11 believe all this," was the sullen reply. "Bo careful, Stella. Devoted as Ar. natilt 1s, bo is nob a man to be trilled with. If you love Graydon Muir well enough to share his poverty, I have not another word to say, although I shall be homeless 1ny'self in consequence." "Nousma50, papa 1 Yon have been on the eve of failure more tilling than 1 eau remember. Graydon assured me that ho was abundantly able to take care of m0, and that his brother was in no danger. I can have all tho elegance I want and still follow 10y own Molina. tion. If Henry Muir falls, of course Welt ends the matter; told if ho fails toe sorrow it will ho time et 0':11 to viva Mr. Ai nault my answer to -unit row ui.,ltt, a3 11e asked that I would, if I give hint a favorable one I prefer t1 do it iu person, for I don't wish to appear nler0ellary. You, I hope, have the sense to keep this phase out of view." "Ch. certainly. Stich high-minded penidl, as we aro should not bo luis- 181100d.". was the bitter reply. "One has to take the work1 as it is, and ono soon learns that all aro looking after their 000(1 interests," was the cyni. 051 reply, i,eautiful sentiment for one so young I Well, I must return to the city to -night, and I cannot take your accept- ance of -llr. Arnault's offer?" "No. I will give my answer i.l per- son to -morrow night. 1 can either ac- cede in a way that will please hint, or decline iu a manner that will retain his friendship. I suppose you believe what yen say alnut GMt.. 3luir, but I ani sure you are mistaken. tend I have sub my heart ou marry nig Graydon." "'Your heart?" satirically. She blade no answer. "You are taking 110 slight risk," ho resumed, after to moment. "Either Arn'tult is lnislettdiug you, or Graydon is doted ving neo. and I would believe hint in 1"e40001c to Arnault any day: I 0001'1 be dulled." "lints tell yon, Stella, that tinder the °iruutust:mutts (1rap lob's ignorance isnot at all strange. Hu has been absent; he is not in the firm ; and what is swamp- ing 3lnir is an invostmout outside of his regular business." "Yon yourself said within a month that if Henry Muir welt through this bnsiosss crisis -be would rep- resent one of the strongest and wealth- iest houses in the cotntry. If 11e is iu tho danger you assert, the fact will soon bo manifested. Mr. Arnault has re- quested my 005)•00 to -morrow night. I have not promised to give it ; ' have only promised him not to accept Gray- don in the meantime," "Tho fact that 31r. Arnault is helping me so greatly coauts for nothing, I suppose." "O11, yes; I appreciate it very much; but not 000.1511 to marry him unless I must. I shalt convey to Mr. Arnault the impression that I am deeply moved by the generosity of his oiler. I ate. Girls don't get such offers every day. You can show hint that the very fact of my hesitation proves that I am not mel'- 00nary ; or I can when C soo Inut. At the same time I am not at till satisfied that Graydon Muir•'s odor is not hotter ono, and 11 is certainly more to wy mind—if you don't like tiro word heart. This fact, hownvor,may as Well not be mentioned." After some moments Hesitation be said, slowly.: "Very well, thou. You aro my slaughter, although a 4trange one, and I shall do as well for you as I cab." "Yes, please. I parted with senti- ment long ago, but I can do well by those who do well by me. I shall soon bo oaf your elands, and then you won't have 1110 to worry about." He made no response, and Madge hoard his step pass into his wifo's room. A moment later Miss Wildmero also de- parted, anclhor voice was soon heard on the piazza. The conversation had been carried on in a comparatively low tong, and some words had been lost,but those heard made the souse given above. Circumstances had favorodMadge ; and, without moving or volition on isor part, information vital to her relatives had boon brought to her knowledge. She although a very prosaic impression was conveyed to ,firs. Muir's mind. To Madge, Graydon's absence con- tained a strong element of hope. Ho w-onld not have gone away if all had been settled between him and 1(1158 Wildluere, and, as Mary had said, there appeared stronger evidence of uueer- tainty now than at first. Graydon had seen Miss Wildmero, and she evidently had not finally dismissed Arnault. Badge indulged in no idle brooding, however, and by activity every hour fu the day, passed the time bravely. She believed that there was still hope for her, and determined that sho should never have canse in the future to re- proach herself with lost opportunities. There was no imperative call of duty to her sick frioud, for 3Irs. Weudall said that two or throe neighbors had offered their services. Mrs. Muir was gladdened on her re. turn to the hotel by a telegram from her husband, saying that he would arrive on the late train and spend Saturday with her. She and Madge sat down to din- ner in a cheerful mood, which evidently was not shared by Bliss Wildmero. That brilliant young woman, although she macre herself the centre of all things as far as possible, was a victim of poverty when throwu upon her own resources. Madge detected her in sup- pressed yawns, and had noted that she had apparently done little else than read novels since parting with the two mon who were, metaphorically, at her foot. Since the telegram she had not received a word from her fatbgr or any ono, east was inwardly chafing at the dead calm that hail followed her exciting experi- ences. She did not misinterpret the deceptive peace, however, and she im- patiently awaited her father's appear- ance, that she might tax him with du- plicity. Unless he had something stronger than vague surmises to offer, she intended on the morrow to promise Graydon Muir to be his wife. As has been seen, Wildmere had too much conscience to try and sell his daughter outright, but since site was iu a mood for a bargain he had insured the possibility of one remarkably good in his estimation, aucl was now on his way With very definite offers and statements indeed. In the late aftoruoon Madge was speaking about a book to an acquaint- ance who said, "Go up to my room and get it I" Madge was not sure whether she cared to road the book or not, and sat down to examine it. Suddenly she Beard dis- tinctly the words, "I don't believe Henry Muir is in clanger of failure. Graydon scouted the idea. You and Arnault are seeking to mislead me." Madge then remembered that tiro next room was occupied by Miss Wild - more, and her first impulse was tomake a noise, that the proximity of some one might be known, but like a flash came the thought, "Chance may have nitme M the way of getting information of vital importance to Henry;" and the next sentence spoken assured her that this was true, for sho hoard a voice which she recognized as Ms. Wildmere's say "In all human probability Muir will be compelled to suspend to -morrow. Mr. Arnault bas placed in his hands a call loan. You know what that is, Ar - nod! is so alarmed about Muir's condi- tion that leo will demand the money in the morning, and I am perfectly satin• tied that Muir caul rales it. You ltnoW enough about business to bo aware of what will happen if he cannot. Stich is the market now that if Muir goes down fro will be cleaned out utter- ly, and Graydon will I1avo to begin at alto bottom lilco any other young man without re101r005. Of course, Arnault cannot afford to lose the money, and must act like any other business man. Had not business interests, which have already suffered from his devotion ro Goon NEWS For the Farmer. I have secured the 1(10131 Grey township for a Patent Load Lifting Machine. lou can iso your hauling and mowing lvitlt one pian less than MUM, as a boy can run the ma- chine, It is simple, durable, labor saving, convenient and cLOnbe had at a small expense. Harmers do not be deceived,. order this patent and take no other. We will take pleasure any time iu testing it with any other load lifter made, and as to its reliability, safety, strength, lightness of draught and expedition, it has no equal. Wo have testimonials from farmers saying it is the best thing they have en the farm and that they would not b0 without it for three times its cost. Seo this Lifter be- fore you invest a dollar in any- thing of the kind as it is just what you want. Any information do - sired will be furnished Anyone infringing on t110 Patent will be prosecuted. IHIR,.I.nz WHITE, CRANDR00Ic, ONTARIO. for MONEY TO LOAN. l`1Tfonoy to loan on farm•Iiroparty et LOWEST DATES. PRIVATE AND COMPANY was perfectly ovorwbslulccl at first, and sat as if stunned, her cheeks doarlot with shame for the act of listening, even while she felt that for the sake of tho inuocelt ancl unsuspecting, to whom She owed loyalty acct love, it was right. Soon, however, came the impulse to seek tho refuge of her own room and think of what must be done. She stopped quietly out, and gained her own apartment unobserved. FUNDS 3%;;,... vi, i,C,i , I1. L. f..9- CICSON, Preheat Watchmaker and Jowallsri' Satlsfaetion Gual'anteea in all Repairing. W. B. DICI(soN, Solicitor, Brussels, Ont. INTERESTING T O EVERYBODY( --SHJA AT—^ .1. .IA(.'119ON'S 4T0111: II1tESSELS, MONEY TO LEND. Any amount of Money to Loan on Farm or Village property at (i & fit PER CENT. 'EARLY. Straight Loans with privilege of ro• paying when required. Apply to A. HUNTER, Div. Court Clerk, Brussels. Stoves, Furniture &c. The Sterling Gook Stove just the thing for farmers use. Has a largo oven, takes 27 inch wood and weighs over 400 lbs. The Marquis, one of the mostoonven- ient and handsome town Gook Stoves ever offered to the public, also in stook. OALL AND OBE THD "DAVIS" SEWING MACHINE. It is Simple and Durable and does a larger range of work than any other machine in the market. CHAPTER XXX. 110(1 STIt053 TIAN UNTIANNL'D. lladgo looked her doors, bathed her hot face, than paced her room in great agitation, 1000011 that not only hog own happiness was In peril, but Graydon's also. Her mental distress was greatly enhanced by a feeling that in order to save her relatives she herself had boon guilty of what to hot sensitive nature appeared almost like a crime. "Was it right ?" sho asked herself again and 15111110, and at last reached the condo, mon that the fealty she owed to ilex relatives and to the man sho loved justi•, fled her course—that she should shield thorn oven at such. Dost to herself. "It was not curiosity that kept Ino passive," elle thought, "but the hope, also chance to save Henry from financial ruin and Graydon from far worse disaster." Should sho tell hog sister ? This im. »nisei Dassed almost instantly. Mary A PULL SUPPLY OF FURNITURE, —00N518T1N0 02'— OFIAIRS, BUREAUS, BEDSTEADS, LOUNGES, MATTRASSES, &O GENERALLY ON 1AND. Vogt door to J. Drowe's hardware store. W. J. Jackson. Money to Loan. PRI -f',AT E FUNDS. FARMERS ATTENTION 1 The undersigned has the following goods for sale : THE DUNOAS CORD BINDER. Harvest Queen Reaper, Front and Rear Cut Mower, Hay Rakes, Hay Tenders, Wisner Seed Drill, the Bain Wagon, Tho Guelph Bell Organ, Raymond Sowing Machine, Goneral Purpose Plows, Sulky Plows, three kinds of Soufilers, Horse Powers, Grain Grinders, Mow- er Knife Grinders, Harriston Fanning Mil, 1 second hand Buggy, 1 second hand Wagon and other implements too numerous to mention. Wo would just say that ourBinder is considered by competent Judges to be tho $20,000 of Private hauls for Investmenootl in t my AT 7 PER CENT. Borrowers can have their loans complete u three days if title is satisfactory. Apply to E. E. WADE. THE BEST w i .W 1MILL. V�. 1'+1. IViorrite, BtOESSIon MON Wean, - MrrcrosOr., ONr Best in the Market, being simple in construction and eas• ily worked by one span of horses. (Farmers will do well to Give Us a Call before investing elsewhere. GFO. I OV H I, IOUVSSI'1LS, ONT. Mlann(aoturer of three different kinds of Windmitls. 'rho aim lost strongest and moat snttsiactory Whtdmi115 yob made, Pox pualp- ing cantor, salving wood, oho?p3ng grain or driving any bight mnabinaxv they hay8 na orlunl. Tly 010021130A11300 3'115108 Savo so- ourodaworld-wide reputation. I guarantee thole as being Bur oxlor to many now 3n the market, and Wall to any over 1nndo. They w31t threw water 808 foot, or 10x00 3t n mile on the level. Parmoxs and stocknl en aro ro- quostod to 000(1 for Dar Honiara boforo buying tither n Windmill or a hump ao I claim that wino aro the bestin tAMMO,otltlitdg l ellg Ont, BRUSSELS WOOLEN MILLS. I beg to inform the farming com- munity that I nm now prepared to take in Carding, Spinning, And Weaving, at my New Brick Woolen Mill,. and promise to give Satisfaction to those favoring no with their trade. I have on handl and will keep constantly in stock a full as- sortment of Cloiha. Flannels. ItlnnketS, Tweeds. Druggets, Tarns, knilted (:Dods, Dross GOods, Cotton Skirtings, Grey Cottons, &e. A iso Fine Canadian Tweeds, PANTINGS & SERGES for Suits which wo will got mado up on short notice and a good fit warranted every time. Highest Market Price PAID F Ol1 BUTTER EGGS, 6e. GIVE ME A CAL at my New Mills before going elsewhere, Geo, Howe.