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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Seaforth News, 1938-02-03, Page 6PAGE SIX. ,(1191.11MININIMIllY 4111111•1•11100111V -r THE SEAFORTH NEWS Rose Meenie "Yes, -if you think so; if you wish timidly stead a Took at him, as if to as - it;" sbe saki. sure herself and gain courage; and lAitd so they went down to the res -i soinetintes would wistfully look away oaurant, which was rather a big place, lalong this busy Sauchlehail Street, as if her future and all tire coming years were somehow at the end of it. As for him, now that he had hit upon this -daring project, he :was .eager in defence 61 it, and urged her to give her consent there .and then; and iwb- ornul to prove to her how much hap- pier she would be at Pliver-Mudal—sio matter what 'silence or .space of time eut into small compartments, and Cilie of these -they had to themselves, for it was but hall past twelve as yet, and by-and,by a frugal little lunch was be- fore them. The novelty of the situa- tion 'was so antusing—to Meenie, nt least—that Inc a time, it drove graver thoughts away altogether. She acted as mistres5 of the ,feast and \von'td -in- sist on his iraviag, 'this or that, . mod 'wondered that he 'had never even tasted 'Worcester sauce, and was tdto- gether tenderly solicitous about him; whereas he, on the other hand, wished not to •be ;bothered by any of these things, and wanted only to know what -Meenie meant to vlo when she went back. to Inver-Mkdal. "But you -must tl1 015 what you would have me do," she said, timidly. "'Weil, I don't want you to quarrel with your mother and father on my account, and be living in constant wretchedness, 1-1 they say you are not to -write to 015, don't write." "But you said a little while ago there would be no .diffictilty in our hearing from each 'other," she said, with wide open eyes. "I have !been thinking about it, good lass," said he, -and I don't want you to anger your folk, and have a heavy heant in consermence. In the 1115511 time you must look to them; you must do what they say, By-and-by it may be different; in the mean time I don't want you to get into trouble..." "Then ies little you know how this will end, Ronald," she said rather sadly. "I have thought over it 11101e then you have: 11 1 go hack to 'Inver- Muclal prepared to tlo everything they wish me to do --31 1115511 my mother, not my father, for 1 don't know what Inc might say—then it isn't only that you will never hear from Inc. and that I shall never hear a word from you., there's more than that: I shall never see you again in this world.' He turned very pale; and scarcely knowing what he did, he stretched .his hand over the 'narrow little table, and seized her hand and held it firm. "1 i1'1not let you go, then. I will keep you here in ;Glasgow, with -"me, Meenie. Do you think I can let you go away, forever? :For you are mine. -don't eare who says ay or no; you are nine; my own true -hearted ,girl; the man or woman is nnt born that will sunder us two." Of course he had to speak in a low tone; but the grip M his hand was ,sufficient -emphasis. And then he said, regarding her earnestly and yet half - hesitatingly: 'There is one. way that would give you the right to judge what was best for yourself—that would give you the right to act or say what you pleased— even to leave your father's house, if that was oecessary..Will you become my wife, Meenie, before you go back to anver-Modal?" She 'started as well she might; but he held her hand lfirtn. "T'he thing is simple. There is illy brother the minister. We could walk over to its «house, go through the ea"- . emony in a few minutes, and you could go hack „to your sister's, and no one lbe a bit the wiser. And -then sure, ly you would be less anxiotis about the future; and if you thought it right to send me a !letter, you would be your own mistress Eta to thal---" "It's a terrible thing, Ronald!" -don't see that, Ivieenie, dear; I've heand of more than one young coople taking their fate in their awn hand that Way. ;And there's one thing about it—if 'maks •sikker.'" They had' .some anxiou-S talk over this Midden Iprolject—he eager, she frightened—until the restaurant began to get crowded ,with its usual day lcustomers. Then Ronald paid 'Ids modest score, and they left; alt -now, as they made tlieir way for the west-, ern districts of the city, the day was clearing -op somewhat, land at times a page silvery gleam ishone along the Wet pavements. .And still Meanie was undecided; and sometimes she would accomplice; .but niow be we quickly .rrought up by this onfores'eenob- meek: could Meerfie, not beiog yet 3v -silty -one, go through even this °mat •ceremony without the consent of her parents? It 'seemed to him that she could not, from his reading of books. He knew nothing of the Mar- riage :law of 'Scotland; but it appear - .ed to him, from what he -could recol- lect of his reading, that a girl under twenty-one 'could :not marry without her parents 'consent. And this was but the letting in of Waters. There Were all kinds .of Other things—the neoes- sity -of having lived a certain time in this or that .parish, the 'proelamation of 'banns, which would the Merely an invitation to her relatives to interfere, and so on. He resumed his •walk, be with less of •gay 'assurance. He could only endeavor •to fortify himself with the :reflection that in the one or two instances of which he had heard 'of this very thing .being done, the yetang people had :been completely sucaess- ful, and had kept their secret until •they judged the time fitting for the disclosing of it. 'When he reachedhis brother's house the Reverend lAndrew was in his study engaged in the composi- tion of the following Sunday's ser- mon. He was seated at a little table near the fire, a pot Of tea on the chimney -piece, a large Bible and Cru - den's Concordance •Iying open on the sofa beside him. The heavy, bilious - hied man rose leisurely and rubbed Ins 'purplish hands and put thent tiiad- snneat,h his coat tails, as he turned his back to (he Hire and stood on the hearth -rug regarding his brother. Rona1d lad, ye're not fright- ened for a cold morning, to come oat with a jacket like that." • "The morning's well enough," said Ronald, briefly; and •forthwith he inid before his 'brother the errand on which he had •come. and besought his assistance, if that were practicable: He told the story simply .and concise- ly, not pleading any justification, hut rather leaving the. facts to speak !for themselves. And would his brother help? To other words, supposing there were no other obstacle in the way, %%mulct Andrew perform 'this ceremony for therm and so render their future proof against all contingencies? He Was not asked for any aclyiee; he was lint asked to assume any eesponsibil- ity: would he merely exereis•e this clerical function of his on their lbehalf, seeing, how urgent matters were? The Reverend tAnd re w was very much puzzled, not to say perturbed. -He began to walk up and down the room, his head ,bent forward, his hand, still underneath his coat "You put me in a -box, Ronald, and thars Sart" said he. "I'n3 thiaking my wishes as a brother will he for setting themselves hp against my duty as ;; minister of the Gospel; for I dare not counsel any young girl to defy the an of her own people—" ,he has not asked you for any counsel," Ronald said, -curtly, 'A'nd, besides, we -don't -know what the ;al- thoril). might be. I dare say if her fa - fat her knew all the circumstances he would be on our side, and T suppose he has as ninch right to sneak as her ni other." *nil: was hard int the latter. who had -always treated Ronald n ith courtesy, if of a lofty and distant Idnd: hut impetuous young people, when their own -111t5rests are at stake, are seldom just to their elders. Hon ever, the Reverend Andrew now began to say that, if he were altogeth- er an outsider, nothing would give itim greater pleasure than to See this wish of his brother's accomplished. 1 -Te had olMerved much, he said; he had heard more; he knew the sating influence that this girl had exercised 'Ronald's life; he could pray for nothing better than alit these two shonld be joined in lawful bonds tow- ard the strengthening of each other, and the establishment of a mutual hope and trust, "But it wOhld never do for Inc to be mixed up in it, Ronald," he contin- net. "When it came to be -known think of what ill -minded folks might say. I mum have regard to my -con- gregation as well as to myself; and what if they were to accuse me of tak- ing ,part in a conspiracy?" "'A conspiracy?" !Ronald repeated, sharply, "What kind of a conspiracy? to steal away a rich heiress—is that it? God bless ole, the lam haa'nothing be- yond What she .stands There's the seal skin coat Qat-mask gave her; they -can have that hack, and welcome. ,?,, .‘‘/,171 thpit conspiracy 'would ye make no, .10(1.; thinking what ill tongues might say." "Let them lick their owo venom till they rot! What care 1?" "Yes, yes, yes, -lad; but ye're not placed 10111515 r; ye' ve but yourself -tod• her 40 think of. NOW just wait might interpose between thent—With the 'knowledge that this ildiswsluhle bond united them 'Meenie remained silent for the most part, with wistful eyes; ;but she clung to his arm as if for protection; and they did not hast- en their steps an their homeward way. 'When they parted, she had neither said yes twr no; but she had promised to write to him that might, 811(1 let him know her -decision. !And in the morn- ing he gotrthis little note—the hand- writing was o little shalty, km lie hasi scarcely thne to ootice that, so rapid was the glance he threW Ote.r the trembling lines, "Dear Ronald,—if it ean he done quite, quite secretly—yes. L. .M." 'rhe signature, it rutty explained, consisted of the initials of a pet name that he had bestowed on her, She had found it first of all in -some of those idle verses that he now copied out for her front time to tinw; and she had asked hint how 'he had dared to address her in that way, uliMe als yet they were bin the merest sequaintatmes, However, she dirl not ,ee111 very angry. CEENY'r lf.R X LH 1. This golden-radiati eity of Illas- jtow, with its 111011.5 id thousand ac- tivities all awakening to join the noise and 'din of the joyous morning. anti its overarching skies full of a white light of hope rind gladness and fair assurance of the future!. The clerks and warehousemen •were hur- rying ;by to then desks 11 nil counters; work fu 115 were leisurelj getting holm - for their 11 ell-earnell -breakfast; smart young men and slim -waisted women were already setting the shop win - flows w rights; great lorries were clat- tering their loads of long iron bars ;through the crowded street; and om- nibuses find tramway car, and rail- way trains were bringing in from all points of the compass their humming freight of eager Miami bees to this ;nighty and dusky hive. 13111 dusky it did not appear to R3311311(1, as he 11 as mwerfily.making his way across the town toward his .hrother's house. It %vas all transfigured and glorified. interminable thoroughfitres,- and sky -piercing chimneys, the masses of warehotwea, the overhead net -work of telegraph •-line, the reit-funnelled steam ens moving slowly a way throng]; the pale blue mist di the Broomie w'—al 1 1 hese were spec tra 1 in a strange way, and yet -beautiful; ancl he could ;101 Mit think of the great 11155 01 this busy ;Milt ittirle was well content with pleasant morn- ing, anti the 'nebulous .pale golden s'unlight, and the ,glimpses of long eirrhus cloud hanging far above the city's smoke. ll'or :the moment he had Ceased to hang his happiness on the chance of his ,succeeding with the Higland 'Agricultural ,Society. Solnething far more important and wonderful was about to happen. He W55 about to secure :Weenie to him- self for ever and ever. Not a certifi- cate ;in forestry, 'hut Meenie's mar- riage lines, that was 'what would Inc in his pocket soon. 'And after? Well the long months, or even years, nfight have to go by. and -she might he ;far enough away. from him, and con- demned to silence, hut she would :he his wife. ;And then, lust as he had reached the aOsith Aide of -the river, he paused --paused 33b.r.uptly, as if he.had been struck; for it had Socklertly -occurred to hint that -perhaps, after all. this 'find project was 'not feasible. -T-Te had been all hitent on gaining Weenie's acquiescence, and having gat that, had though t of nothing hut, winning over the 'Reverend An -drew into being an ITHITRSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1938: 'Yes, -in-deed,' was the -answer. "1-1,00.rii0,-,it1kt is, -Ms Daughs—and -went tor hear him the ,Sunday !before last, hut there was not -a seat to be got anytwhereno, nor standing -room either." This Mr. .Mannering was. a young divine of the U. P. Church who had an extraordinary !popularity at this time lantana the young -people of IGlas, gow, 'and that from a vaniety of -caus- es. He was 'a .singulanly eloquent ;preacher—tiowing, 'ornate, and ,poeti- cal; he was entirely -uneonventional, not to say daring, in his choice of sub- jects; his quotations were as ,com- Inonly from Shakespeare and 'Coler- idge and Byron and Browning os from th-e 'usual .pulpit authorities; he was exceedingly handsome, and rath- er 'delicate -looking, ,palle 'and 'large - eyed and long-baired; and Ile -had re- fusedthe molt 'flattening offers— "calls" is the proper -word—from mar- ieus west -end congregations of !Glas- gow, ;because he considered it his duty to ;remain among the miming folk of Airdrie. Wh-en Inc did accept an invit- ation to preach in ehis or that -city chinch, -the young people from far and near came flocking to hear hint, and a good many of their elders too, though these were not withont certain prickings -of conscience -as to -the pro- priety -of devoting -the .Lord's Day to what was remarkably dike a revel in pure literature, "Dingald's coming over here this af- ternoon." the elder broth-er continued, as if he were communing with him- self. "Jae's' an enthusiastic kind of fellow; he'll stick at nothing if -he thinks it's right. I wish, 'now, I had that portrait; but Maggie's aWaY to school by this time—" What portrait?'" Ronald asked, The Reverend Andrew did not an- swer, but rose, and slowly an d thoughtfully deft the room. W -hen 13e came back Ile had in his 'hand a pho- tograph of -Meenie framed in a little frame .of crimson ,velvet, and that he put on the table. Ronaldrecognized it swiftly enough. "He has got an eye for a handsome young lass, has Dugaid," the minister said. shrewdly. "I'll lust -have that ly- ing about, as .it were. Ay, it's a straightforward, frank face, that, and one that lias nothing to hide. Till just have it lying about when Ditgald comes over this afternoon, and see if lie cloesna pith it no and have a good look at it." "13 Itt what 111511;1 ye. Andrew?" hi., brat 11 er mid. \VIIV, them lad, 'think 491 just tell 'Dtigairl the whole story; end if he's 1101 11,1 hot-headed 3w any of ye to carry the thing thnnIgh I'll be sur- prised. ;And I suppose if he marries ye, that's just 015 good ally One else?—for to tell you the truth, Ron - 111(1, 1 would rather not be ;nixed tip in it myself." "And the banns?" 'said Ronald, quickly, "And the length of the time in the parish? And the consent of her mother and father?" The minister waved 'his hand with a simerior air: these were trivial things, not to' ,lay popular errors; what had been -of real consequ'ente Wea 'the extent to which lie -dared im- plicate hintslf. "I %%ill not say," he observed, slow- ly. "that I might ri-oLin other circum- stances. have preferred the publica- tion of halms. It wOlild have been 111tm. ,eeinly; for I tio not like the in- terference of the secular arm in What should -be a solely sacred office. Re- sides that, there is oven a ;premium put on publicity, as is right: five shil- lings for the one proclamation, but oilly half a crowo if yon have them proclaimed two fallowing Sundays. \yell, well, we ntustn't complain; I See sufficient reason. +Tront all I can learn—and you were ever a -truth-tell- er, 'Ronald, in season and out of sea - 5011, as well a mindit seems to me you are fulfilling the laws of God, and -b-reaking none of man'a making; so yon go -to the -Registrar of the parish, and give him the -particulars and -deposit a half-crown as the tvor- thy 111511'5 fee, and then,. -.ei•ght -rlayS hence, you call on hini again, and hell give you a -certificate entitling you -to be married in any house or church in the !kingdom of. Scotland. A od i there's no other place handy, yere welcome to the room you're standing in at this minute, though I would as lief have the marriage take -Place any Where else, and that's the truth, Ron- ald; Inc although 1 can defend voila. little 1 lta.ve clone to my own consci- ence, rtir no sure T should -like to -stand against, the ;elishinarclavers of a lot of arid -wives." "Wherc T to find the Registrar Antlrew?'"Ile asked: lie was; a little bewildered by the rapiclit3r with which this crisis seemed approaching. "I suppose you've a good Scotch tortgne.in your head, and can ask for the loan of a directory," Was the la- conic answe,r.- The Reye, -end Andrew had taken up the photograph again, d -was regarding it. "IA n honest sweet face; as -pretty a lass as ever a man was asked •to work .anct strive for and to win. Wall 1 da not wonder. ;Ronald, lad----w"ith such -a prize -before you— But off you go now, fci.rr T moat Tie had gone back to his chair by the 'fire, and was seate-d..there, staring 'into the red coals. . • "T sun:to:al youIve 'heard of aimed Mannering, of ;Airdrie?" he -salt at length, get to my, wank again; and if you come over ,:utl have a cup of tea in the afternooetween four and 'live, I- suppose Degald ,Mannering will 1)le -here, and maybe ye'll be the best hand to explain the whole 'situation of af- fairs." . An -d so Ronald left, to seek out the Registrar; and as Inc went away through file ;busy and -sunlit streets, 115 was asking himself if there was not one of all those people -who could guess the secret that he carrired with him in, his bosom, and that kept his heart warm there. The Rev, Dugald Mannering, as it turned out, was -not nearly, so eager and enthusiastic as 'Ronald's- 'brother had prophesied; for it behooves a youthful 'divine to maintain a serious and delilber,ative eountenance -when weighty matters' are put ;before im Inc judgment 'But 'afterwa.nd, when the ;two young men were together walking away home through the dusky streets •of Glasgow, the min- ister .became 11111011 more frank 'and friendly anti communieative. "I see your brother's position weN enough, Mr. Strang," -sai-d he. " can understand his diffidence; and a is 'but right that 'Inc should be 'anxious not to give the envious and i11 - natured a chance of talliking. He rs willing 10 let tire .ceretnony tak.e place in his house because you 'are Ids bro- ther. If I were you, 1 would :rather have it take place anywhere else— both as -being fairer -to him. and as heiog more likely to insure secrecy, which you seem to think necessary." ;Ronald's ;face burned red; should be have to ask Meenie to come to his humble lodgings-, with the wondering, and perhaps discontented and suspic- ious, landlady as -sole on-loo.ker? "Weil, now, the young preacher continued, 'when jI come to Glasgriw, there are two old maiden, aunts of mine w:ho are good enough to put me up. They live in :Rose Street, Gannet MU, and they're very kind old pen - pie. Now shouldn't wonder at all if they took it into their heads to be- friend the young lady -on this occasion —I mean, if you will allow me to mention .the circumstances to them; in -deed, T can imagine their experi- encing a -fearful joy Oil 'finding this piece of romance suddenly 'tumbling in -to the middle of their 'prim and me- thodical lives. 'rite dear old creatures! PROFESSIONAL CARDS Medical DR. E. A. IVIoMASTER.—Oraduate 'of the Faculty of Medicine, Univers- ity of Toronto, an.d of the New York Post .Graduate School and Hospital Member of the College of Physicians and 'Surgeons of Ontario. Office on High street.1 Phone 27. Office fully equipped for x-ray diagnosis and for ultra 'short wave electric treatment, Ara violet sun lamp treatment and infra. red electric treatment. Nurse in attendance, —1 whll anSwer for them. 1 iti talk to them as soon ai 1 get -nettle 110W, And (10 yOu think you could persuade Miss ,DOuglas to call on them?" Ronald hesitated, "11 they were to send her a mes- sage, perhaps—" 'When, are you likely to see her?" "To -morrow morning, al eleven," he said, promptly. 'Very well. I will get one of the 'old ladies -to write a little note to Mis, i) -oughts; arid I will post it to you to- night: and tomorrow morning, if she is so inclined, ;bring her along in- troduce yourself and her—will you? 1 shall be there, so there won't be any awkwardness: and I would not hurry you, but I've to get back to :Airdrie tomorrow afternoon. Is it e` bargain?" "S -o far as I'm concern -ed --yes; aw mattY thanks to ye." Ronald said, 111 he bade his companion good -by ano went away home to his solitary locht• iitgs. But when, the next in-orning. 111 Randolph. Terrace—and after he had rapidly told her all that had happened ---he suggested that she shodld there' and then.. go along and call on the Misses .Mannering, 3leeie started back in fright, and a flush of enthae-r rassinent overspread her face. And why—why—be asked, jn wonder. "Oh, Ronald," she said, glancing horriedly at her costume, 'these— these are the first of your 'friends you have asked ow to -see, and do yon think I could go like this?" "'Phis" -meant that she :had 01111 nktin and serviceable ,u1stet, a smart little hat. with 0 tarmigao's wing on it. a pair of not over -new gloves, and so fOrth. Ronald • was amazed. .ffe cnn- siclered that Xleettie was •a'lw'ays wonder .of 'neatness and .syrnmetry, no !natter 110W Ske was attired. And to think that any one might find fa.ult with herl "Besides, they're not my friends," Inc exclahned. T never saw them in my life." '"They know who your ;brother is," she said. you think would .gi.ve any one occasion to say you -were marrrying a slattern? 3;t1st look." She held out her 'hands; the :gloves were slightly worn. "Take .them off, and show them the prettiest shaped hand0 in ;Glasgow town," saki he. "And 1113' hair—I know- it is all rough land untidy—isn't it, now?" athe said, feefing -about the 'rim of her hat "Well, it -is a little," he confessor! "0(1 I -y -it's far prettier that way -than any otlier," -Ronald," sthe pleatie-d, Nome, other time—on Friday morning—wild Fri. shaymorning do?" .91,, 7 know What ycru .waat," raid Inc. 'You want to go and get on your seal -skin coat and your Velvet hat and a -new pair -of ;gloves, and all the rest; and do ye know what the old ladies EIR''011LBERT C. JARROTT — Graduate of 'Faculty .of Medicine, Un- iversity of 'Wester...ft Ontario. Member of College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. Office 43 Goderich street west. Phone 317. Hours 2-4,30 p.m., 7.30-9 p.m. Other 'hours by appoint- ment. Successor to Dr Chas, Mackay DR. H. HUGH ROSS, Physician and Surgeon Late of London Hos- pital, London, England. Special at- tention to diseases of the eye, ear, nose art! throat. Office and residence behind Dominion Bank. Office Phone No 5; Residence Phone 164. DR. F. J. BURROWS, -Seaforth. Office and residence, ,Goderich street, east of the United. Church. Coroner' for the County of Huron. Telephone No. 46. DR. F. J. R. FORSTER— Eye Ear, Nose and Throat. (Graduate in. Medicine, University el Toronto 11897. Late Assistant New York Ophthal- mic and Aural Institute, Moorefield's Eye, and 'Golden Square throat 'hospi- tals, London. At Commercial Hotel, Sealorth, third Wednesday in each month from 1.30 p.m. to p.m. DR. W. C. SPROAT Physician - Surgeon Phone 90-W, Office John St. Sealortl- • • Auctioneer. GEORGE ELLIOTT, Licensed Auctioneer for the County of Huron. Arrangements can be made for Sale Date at The Seaforth News. Charges moderate and satisfaction guaranteed. F. W. AHRENS, Licensed Auction- eer for Perth and Huron Counties. Sales Solicited. Terms on Application. Farm Stock, chattels and real estate property. R. R. No. 4, Mitchell. Phone 634 r 6. Apply at this office. 0 WATSON & REID REAL ESTATE AND INSURANCE AGENCY (Successors to James Watson) MAIN ST., SEAFORTH, ON -T, All kinds of Insurance risks effect- ed aft lowest rates in First-I.lass Companies. 1VicKILLOP Mutual Fire ilISHIVICe Co HEAD OFFICE--SEAFORTH, Ont. O'FIFItERS President—Alex, Broadfoot, Seaforth; ViceRresid.ent, Thomas Moylan, Secretary -Treasurer, M. A. Reid, Seaforth. AGENTS F. McKercher, R.R.1, Dublin; John E. Pepper, R.R.1, Brucefield; E. R. G. Jarmouth, Brodhagen; James Watt, Blyth; C. F. Hewitt, Kincardine; Wm, Yeo, Holmesville. D-IRECTORS Alex. Broadfoot, Seaforth No. 3; James Sboldice, Walton; Wm, Knox, Londesboro; George Leonhardt, Bornholm No, 1; Frank McGregor, Clinton .No. 5; James Connolly, ,God- crich; Alex McEwing, Myth No. 1; Thomas Moylan, Seaforth No. 5; ‘'111. R. Archibald, Seaforth No. 4. Parties desirous to effect insurance or transact other business, will be promptly attended to by applications to any of the above named officers addressed to their respective post - offices. are like to say when they •see ye -- they'll say, '"Here's a swell young -ma- dam to be thinking of marrying a man that may have hut a Couple 01 pounds a week or SO Ot kik to keep ,house on.'" .(To ;be 'continued) An :Aberdonian on a visit to a Visit to a lrienti in London ,overstayed his wilcorne. Ilt was getting towards Christmas and his -host thou-ght a kindly hint -would have the desired result. "Don't you think," he said, "'that you wife and ;family will want you to he with ahem at Christmas?" 'Mon," replied the Aberdonian, "I believe you're richt. It's rale thocktr 0' you. 111 send for trhein."