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Front matter

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COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT.

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Contents

-CHAPTER PAGE

9. Unexpected Events 87

11. Katy’s Christmas Present 101

CHAPTER i. THE BLANDENS AND MORELEYS

Early in the morning, when the first twitter of the birds in the forest proclaimed the return of day, Margaret Blanden was up preparing for her journey. The pure morning air, sweet scented by the fragrant bloom of June roses, and the quietude of the environments, quickened her elastic step, and before the first ray of the cheering sunlight was visible to her, every member of the household was at his respective duties. Breakfast was quickly prepared, and the ringing of the bell brought them all to the table. True to the custom of the family, they discussed the anticipated events of the day. The trip for Margaret, , and her address before the alumni, was the subject for the morning. Her mother gave encouraging words, saying, “You are just the right one for that place, and I am glad to see you so highly honored.”

Her father was not enthusiastic on the subject of literary women, but was deeply interested in

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his daughter, remarking to her, “I am very proud of your ability, and wish you success, but I want you to be thoughtful and careful in every act of your life, and remember that your father believes the ‘crowning virtue of woman is modesty.’ ”

Frank, Margaret’s brother, had been quietly listening to the conversation, and, turning to his mother, he said, “I don’t see why it is that you never come over to the school house with father to hear me speak, and see what you think of me. I don’t think it’s fair for Margaret to have all the praise, and go every place, too.”

“Well, Frank,” replied his mother, “Margaret is older than you.”

“I don’t care,” he retorted, “I am a real live boy, and have wants and needs. Besides, I like to go places.”

“Stop, son,” said Mrs. Blanden; “the public rostrum is monopolized by men ; and, with all the assistance that can be given a woman by her family and friends, she can scarcely crowd herself in as a recognized speaker. I am determined that Margaret shall have every advantage that money will give. There will be a place for you when you become a man. As one man retires from the field of labor, necessity calls forth another.”

By this time Frank’s stomach and heart were

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both full, and he was leaving the table when his mother said: “Frank, bring out the horse and carriage as quickly as possible, for Margaret should be off.”

In obedience to this command, Frank soon had the carriage at the door, and in a very short time they were on their way to the station. There were no new scenes to interest either of them along this road, which they had traveled so often, and as Frank was not very talkative, Margaret amused herself thinking of the reunion of her class that was to be held that evening. “To be thus honored,” she said aloud, “is more than I expected, but even this is not my highest ambition.”

Frank made no reply, and Margaret, feeling that he was unjustly indifferent to her, said kindly : “Please do not be angry with me, brother. I would not intentionally do you a wrong. Mother encouraged me to go, after my friends have so kindly invited me, and really, I had no excuse for declining.”

“I do not blame you for going,” he said, with an indication of remorse, “but mother should remember that I have a future before me.”

“I hope you have a bright one,” replied Margaret, as Frank helped her from the buggy. He

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did not wait to continue the conversation nor to assist her into the station, but immediately said “Good-bye, ” and started homeward. - With a sober, thoughtful expression on her face, Margaret stood and watched the buggy until it was entirely out of sight, and then taking up her baggage, she walked leisurely down the platform into the uninviting waiting room, where she was surprised to find a number of people from her neighborhood. She formally bowed to them and passed on to the east side of the room and seated herself as far as possible from the people she knew. She was brought up to think that the Blandens were superior to all the people of that rural district, and her college life had had a tendency to strengthen her in this uncharitable conclusion. She sat quietly listening to the conversation of those around her until she overheard the flippant remark from a very near neighbor, that “Mrs. Blanden’s radical suffrage ideas have made a fool of Margaret, and I fear they will be detrimental to Frank. She is so ambitious to push women to the front that I believe she would sacrifice the welfare of her own son, if it were necessary, to give her daughter prominence.” This was an unbearable reproach and she gave the woman a fierce, resentful look, and angrily walked

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out upon the platform. She was surprised and pleased to see the train speedily approaching, and in her anxiety to “move on” she hurriedly ran back, gathered up her bundles, and was the first one to enter the car. The coach was crowded, 1 and she walked nearly through it before she found a seat. Finally she asked permission of an amiable looking old gentleman to occupy a part of his seat, and he very kindly made room for her. He was a stranger in the state, and he very courteously remarked about the country as they were carried along. Margaret talked freely, inquiring : “How do the towns we are passing through compare with those of your own state?”

“I have passed through some very pretty places in this state, but I have found none yet, in my estimation, that compare with Oakland.”

This name startled her, and with much animation she asked, “How long have you lived there?”

“I have lived there nearly forty years.”

“Indeed, you are surely acquainted with the town and the people.”

“I have known the town from its infancy, and j I know a great many of the people.”

“Do you know Roy Stanley ?” she eagerly inquired.

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“Roy Stanley ? that is a familiar name. Is he an acquaintance of yours?”

“He was a class mate of mine. We graduated the same year at Greensbury.” Margaret did not notice that he failed to tell her whether or not he knew him, and continued the conversation by saying: “He was a good student and a favorite with the class.”

The gentleman smiled, saying: “That is all very complimentary, and I am pleased to hear such unexpected words of praise about my boy.”

“Your boy!” she excitedly exclaimed. “Are you Roy Stanley’s father?”

“I am proud to say, I am, for he is a noble son and one who has worked hard for his education. I am truly glad that he justly merits the praise he has won. If you do not object, I should be glad to have your name,” said the gentleman.

Margaret was glad of the opportunity to give this stranger her name, for she knew it would be a message to Roy, and she was always pleased to be remembered to him. Reaching for her portfolio in which she had left her cards, she was greatly astonished to find that it was not there. She looked again, but only to be disappointed. She turned to the gentleman, and said, “I was looking for my card, but I find I have none with me.

He gave her a pencil and paper, upon which she wrote, “Margaret Blanden, Class 18 —

At this time the conductor called out, “Laurel Junction.”

The gentleman said to Margaret, “I change cars here and may never see you again, but I shall ever remember the kind words you have spoken about Roy. May God’s blessings be with you — Good bye/'

When he had gone she made another search for her portfolio, but she could not find it. “What shall I do,” said she, “it contains the manuscript of my address.” While this train was waiting for another, she hurriedly ran into the telegraph office to telegraph for it, but was informed that the experss train was not due at Greensbury until nine o’clock that night, too late to be of any service to her. She rushed back into the car trembling with anxiety. Her sense of duty and feeling of pride were pressing upon her to make the address while her carelessness taunted her with the thought of failure. With tears glittering in her eyes, she petulantly threw herself into the seat. Suddenly recalling her position she said to herself : — “I will rewrite what I can remember of it,

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and depend upon the inspiration of the hour for the rest.”

Her trip was one of surprise, disappointment and anxiety. As she sat reflecting upon her dilemma these words of her father came to her. “Be thoughtful in every act of your life.” For a moment, her tears flowed freely and these thoughts passed through her mind : “Father is so cautious, always saying and doing something for my good, I almost wish I was at home with him. His love and protection make me feel far more comfortable than the honor of the task before me. However, I have undertaken this and there is but one honorable way out, and that is to make the address as announced. This I will do. Should I fail, that cruel Robert Ashley would have the whole class twitting me about my failure because I am a woman. He is so decidedly domestic, if he could have all the ladies as he wants them there would be none with higher aspirations than the kitchen or nursery.” This expression of her feelings was no injury to Robert, and a great relief to Margaret. There was an air of vengeance about it, that brought a degree of relief from the misery of her misfortune.

She was now in sight of Greensbury and very carefully gathered up her belongings. The train was yet moving slowly when Robert Ashley walked into the car to meet her. She greeted him kindly, but betrayed a feeling of disappointment that needed not to be expressed to Robert, for he well understood.

“I am to assist you,” explained Robert, “in whatever way my services are needed. Roy Stanley is not coming, and requested me to do this as a favor to him.”

“Not coming! Why? Did you get word from him ?”

“I received a telegram since 1 came here this morning. Here it is, you can read it yourself.”

Taking the message she read as follows : —

“Cannot come; please assist Margaret as a favor to me. Roy Stanley.”

I shall need no assistance, she thought, if you are my dependence, but prudence kept her from saying so. Passing the telegram back to Robert she eagerly inquired, “Will Austin Lokeridge be here?”

“He is here now. I met him on the street as I came to the station.”

This was good news to Margaret, for she knew, at the least encouragement, it would be his pleasure to give her every attention. They had scarcely stepped upon the platform when Grace

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Moreley, whom Robert had left waiting, met Margaret with such expressions of delight that the cares of both were lost for the moment, by the overwhelming pleasures of re-united friendship. For six years, or from the days of their girlhood, they had been friends, and Margaret was welcomed back with the affection of a sister.

Robert knew the intimate relation of these two girls when they were all in college together, and when they reached Grace’s home he excused himself that they might be alone.

Mrs. Moreley, Grace’s mother, met them at the door and gave Margaret such a motherly greeting, she soon felt the freedom of former days. The Moreley home was a comfortable frame house, with large rooms neatly and cheerfully furnished. It was one of those beautiful homes where the house was built and furnished for convenience and comfort — where the children had played in the kitchen while the mother was doing her own work, and where they were taught that the “Golden Rule” was the law by which they must decide their questions of difference. This early training had certainly left its impress upon Grace. Her kind, thoughtful manner imparted the spirit of her real disposition and any air of indifference was unnatural. Her respect

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and love for her parents was of that high degree that caused her to obey the command, “Honor thy father and thy mother.” Their affection for each other was now doubly dear. She, the youngest child of the family, the baby Grace, was that night to be given away in marriage to Robert j Ashley, and the ties of love which had so closely bound parent and child would, to a certain extent, soon be broken.

Grace had thoughtfully kept the room for Margaret that she had occupied during the time she was in college, and remembering her old time custom of taking a nap in the afternoon she asked her, “Would you like your usual afternoon nap? If it is still your custom I am sure you will especially need it this afternoon after your long ride,, and with your task before you.”

“O Grace! you have lost none of your former kindness. A rest would be so refreshing, I am sure I need it.”

“Come with me,” said Grace, “I will show you to your room.”

When she saw that Margaret was comfort- j able she left her, saying, “Father is coming with the florist, and while you are resting I will superintend the decorations. I am especially interested in the ‘Horse Shoe’ we are to stand beneath.”

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“Have it made of the flowers that mean love and contentment, then it will be an emblem of good luck.”

Margaret was now alone in her old room, and if ever she had a thankful heart, it was for the privilege of being alone at this time. It was the same place she had occupied during her college days — the happiest days of her life. Thus surrounded, she was soon enraptured with pleasant recollections, so delightful to her worried brain, that when she recalled the task before her it was not with feelings of dismay but a determination to succeed. Her nature was both sensitive and •decisive, and the thought had scarcely come to her when she seized her pencil and paper and wrote with the intensity of one guided by inspiration. The very walls seemed invisibly stamped with her past efforts and now as she gazed upon them she read pages of her best productions. With this imagery, her faithful memory and unremitting labor, she prepared a substitute for her lost manuscript.

Pausing to congratulate herself over this victory, she was startled by the bell for lunch. “What time is it, I wonder?” Looking at her watch she found it was just six o’ clock.

“Horrors!” here I have secluded myself for nearly three hours. What shall I tell them? I must not tell them I lost my address, for that is my secret. How ungrateful I appear for all their kindness and their generous hospitality.”

Passing hurriedly down the stairs and on into the dining room she met Mr. Moreley and dextrously turned the conversation to topics more restful and less embarrassing. After lunch, Grace and Margaret walked leisurely through the rooms talking very confidingly for the few minutes they had before time to prepare for the evening.

Chapter II. The Address And Marriage

“What a beautiful evening,” exclaimed Margaret, as she walked to and fro on the veranda. “This has been a grand day — one of nature’s best — and now the golden link of twilight, which connects daylight and darkness, comes in its calm, refreshing beauty, and adds such fascination that the earth seems a pleasure garden and the gentle zephyrs songs of praise.”

In this rapture, she was ever mindful of her own attractive appearance ; and, when Grace came to the door, freely praising her beautiful costume, she was reassured that, in appearance as well as position, she would be the honored one of the evening ; and an air of satisfied vanity rested upon her countenance.

Grace was very elaborately dressed, but Margaret gave no evidence of admiring her toilet. She had been humored and praised so much by her mother that she felt all compliments were due her for superior judgment and good taste. She was surprised and pleased with Grace’s elegant

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dress of white satin, but said nothing, believing her silence would leave her in doubt about its style and beauty. Grace was impressed with Margaret’s action just as she had desired her to be, and returned to her mother to see if anything was neglected. When assured by her parents that nothing more could be added to the attractiveness of her toilet, she was at ease, and said to herself, “Why should Margaret be so selfish and act so indifferent to my appearance on this important occasion ?”

During their college days the difference of their natures had many times been advantageous to both. Margaret’s ambition, energy and enthusiasm had encouraged Grace; while Grace’s kindness, timidity and caution had restrained Margaret. Their long association left its influence upon their habits, but it did not eradicate the disposition moulded in childhood. And now, after a separation of two years, when they came together with broader and more fully developed views of life, Grace was pained to find that they had drifted so far apart there was but little congeniality between them. Margaret was so ecstasied over the honor of delivering the address that she gave no particular attention to the claims of her friend and room mate.

Before they were together again, Robert Ashley and Austin Lokeridge were in the- parlor. Margaret was determined to have the proper attention from Austin and entertained him in her most bewitching manner, expressing through her large brown eyes feelings of pleasure which usually come from the light of the love that warms the heart. Whether it was an earnest look or not, it was to Austin a message of hope. He regarded it as a response to that unanswered love he had secretly borne for her, and it allured him to betray emotions which had long been hidden from the world. During their college life they had become devoted friends, with the understanding that their friendly associations should lead to nothing more. Margaret often referred to him as “Brother Austin,” and would send for him when neglected by others, as she did on this occasion, when Roy Stanley failed to come. This accommodating quality of Austin was not now wholly prompted by brotherly kindness. Such an outburst of generosity on the part of a young man is very unusual and not long continued toward the same individual. With him, their intimate relation had awakened the tenderest sentiment of the soul, that subtle, silent power that often defies the will and controls the judgment. With his heart

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now beating with emotion, his polite attentions were graced with extreme kindness and given at every opportunity. It was now nearing the time for the address, and Margaret Blanden and Austin Lokeridge left the house and walked slowly to the chapel that they might once more view the familiar scenes which now brought to mind many pleasant memories.

“Here is the same tree we often sat beneath,” remarked Margaret, as they entered the campus, “still alive, and flourishing with pride its beautiful foliage.”

“And still silent and speechless,” replied Austin.

“May it ever remain so,” was Margaret’s quick reply. “Would you have it turn telltale and repeat all that has been spoken beneath its branches ?”

“To hear all would be very dull entertainment, but no doubt some things would be very interesting to me.”

They both thought of the time when she and Roy Stanley had studied there together, but for some reason they said nothing and walked in silence to the college chapel. As they entered the hall the music of the orchestra filled her soul with delight. When she walked upon the platform she was greeted with a round of applause by the large body of students who were present. The president of the alumni association, in a neat little speech, introduced Miss Margaret Blanden as the first lady graduate upon whom had been conferred the honor of making the annual address. She spoke with that spirit and earnestness characteristic of her nature, and justly merited the praise which was bestowed upon her by admiring classmates and friends.

We will leave Margaret Blanden, satiated with the pleasure of her success, and return to the parlor where we left Grace Moreley and Robert Ashley. There we find Grace very happy. She is not entranced by the power of music nor by the applause of the public, but inspired by the love of a true manly heart. There was a mutual feeling ; heart gave response to heart, and this union of sentiment formed the bond of love which was the source of their strength and happiness. He was strenghtened by her confidence and dependence, and she felt the need of no other human protection than that she found in his purity of heart, superior strength and manly courage. Their happiness was not determined by applause or eulogies, but by the approval of conscience. In deference to the persuasion of the class, they had consented

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to be married in the chapel, and they left the house in time to reach the auditorium at the close of the address. As the orchestra was playing, in sweet low strains, the Mendelssohn wedding march, they were slowly ushered down the aisle in front of the rostrum, where they were married by the president of the college.

In only a few seconds of time they were publicly obligated to share each other’s unknown future, to comfort, love and cherish each other only. Before God and man they willingly and solemnly promised to live for each other. After an earnest prayer to the Father of all for their guidance and sacred reverence for their marital vows, they were led from the chapel with nothing to disturb the death-like stillness which pervaded the room save the sweet music of the orchestra. Henceforth, they were to confront the world as husband and wife, made one by the law of the land and the sanction of revealed religion.

Margaret and Austin accompanied them back to Mr. and Mrs. Morel ey’s parlor, where they received the congratulations of the class and a few friends beneath the horse-shoe of flowers which Grace had caused to be arranged with so much care. Light refreshments were served in the spacious dining room and every one enjoyed to the

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fullest measure the hospitality of the Moreleys. As they were leaving the table Mrs. Moreley gave Margaret a letter which had been received in the afternoon, but in the midst of so many duties she had neglected to give it to her. Margaret looked at the address and immediately laid the letter away. Turning to Austin, she knew from the expression of his countenance that he had recognized the hand-writing. With apparent indifference she resumed the conversation, but Austin did not hear what she said, and invited her “to walk out in the yard and enjoy the moonlight.”

“Thank you, Austin, I am tired and nervous and the stillness of the night, brightened by the tranquil moon, may impart to me a feeling of rest.”

He offered her his arm, saying, “Let me assist you and prove myself of service.”

“I need no further proof of your good intentions,” she said as they walked to the gate, “but I never refuse your kindness. I am already under lasting obligations to you. I feel that I never can repay you.”

They walked slowly, he was looking upward, as though appealing to a higher power to know his fate. At last he said, “You can repay me by telling me the truth.”

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“I am quite certain I have been in the habit of telling you the truth,” she said, in a tone of surprise.

“I do not doubt you when you speak, but I am afraid your actions have been more to express gratitude for my service than the real pleasure my company gives you. You know we agreed to be friends, and for this reason I have never avowed my feelings, but by your kindness I have allowed hope to enter my heart, although I am told by others, as well as this ring on your finger, that your love is for another.”

Before she gave him an answer, Mrs. Ashley called to her saying : “Margaret, it is nearly time for us to leave. Will you please give me just a few moments of your time?”

“With pleasure,” replied Margaret, and turning to Austin excused herself, saying, “I have never been false to you in word or look.”

The parting words of Mrs. Robert Ashley and Margaret Blanden are unknown, save the promise of Margaret to remain with Mrs. Moreley a few days, that she might not feel so lonely. The carriage at the gate announced train time, and Mr. and Mrs. Ashley bade their many friends good bye and departed. It was midnight before all the guests had gone. When Margaret went to her

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room Austin’s words were in her ears and of more interest to her than anything she recalled. Musing on the separation of friends and true friendship, she fell asleep. It was not until late the next morning, after she had eaten breakfast and returned to tidy her room, that she thought of the letter. She was astonished and vexed that she had forgotten it and broke the seal and eagerly read as follows:

“Oakland, Ohio, June 18, .

“Dear Friend Margaret:

“I am very sorry I cannot be with you tonight, but under present circumstances it is for the best.

“May the pleasures of the evening equal your expectations.

“Hastily, your friend,

“Roy Stanley.”

“Very brief, indeed,” said she, after reading the letter the second time. “What mysterious circumstance can there be that makes it best for him not to come? That is the same excuse he made when I represented our society in the prize debate. Does he think his absence will discourage me or keep me off the rostrum ?”

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Quickened with pride and anger, she said, revengefully, “Not while I have a friend who entertains me so well that I forget his letters. One whose presence gives me encouragement and who is ever ready to render me all the assistance I need.”

She had often relied upon Austin Lokeridge when other friends had disappointed her; and when she thought of severing this long friendship for one who neglected her on occasions when she most desired his presence, for reasons he would not express, she realized that her feeling for Austin was more than friendship, but that of love, founded on confidence and real worth. She was alarmed at the thought, but secretly pleased with the conclusion. Conscious of her love for Austin and her engagement to Roy she was not in a position to be envied. Roy’s portly form, handsome face and genial nature made him many admirers, and his education and talent gave him language and expression so earnest and appealing as to elicit sympathy — a feeling often mistaken for love. His cognizance of his impressive manner inspired a self importance that led to a reserved assumption of dictatorial authority; a characteristic of his nature Margaret’s admiring eyes had before told her was genius.

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She now concluded that he had used this power to discourage and subdue her ambition. “He refuses to hear my best efforts, but yet always compliments my ability. He is seeking to dictate to me the course of life I shall pursue. Strange, that I never thought of this before. I might have known it if I had given more attention to his actions and less to his handsome face. However, I am yet free. I will tell him of my love for Austin and that will touch his pride. He will severely censure me, but he will not ask a woman to marry him when she loves another better.” Feeling that she had solved this difficult problem, she went down stairs. Mr. and Mrs. Moreley were just starting out for a drive and she gladly accepted the invitation to go with them.

When commencement week had passed and all her old friends had gone away, there was little there to interest her, and she, too, wanted to leave. When she promised Grace to stay she thought that she and Austin would have a few days of undisturbed pleasure, but he was suddenly called away by the illness of his father and left without a parting word to her. She was so disappointed that every effort to entertain others seemed but a mockery, and in this unsatisfied condition she left the Moreleys and returned home.

Chapter III. The Accident

On a September morning, more than two months after Margaret returned home, Mr. Blanden said to his wife, “It is only a few weeks until our school begins and Frank and I will have to begin doing up the chores that will have to be done before he starts. I want dinner earlier than common to-day; we are going to the mill this afternoon.”