LOVE’S LITTLE TRAGEDY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2628, 9 October 1909, Page 2 (Supplement)

LOVE’S LITTLE TRAGEDY.

“Daughter,” said Stoxanbons, an anxious tone coming into his voice, as he led his only child to a seat, “tell me,was not- young Seekem ' here last night?” “He was, father. Why do you ask?” “Words passed between you?” “Yes, father. A mere trifle, hardly a quarrel. Why do you ask? Has anything happened?” “Am I to understand, daughter, that he broached the question of marriage?” The expression of alarm on the girl’s face deepened. “Yes. he proposed,” she answered, quickly. “Oil, father, has anything happened ? For mercy’s sake don’t keep me in suspense! If he has—” “What reply made you, daughter, to this proposal? Did you accept?” The girl moaned.. “No, father, 1 did not. I did not feel that 1 could in justice to him. But why torture me thus? Has his body been—” v The parent’s face hardened. “Tell me,” he persisted, “did you give him any encouragement?” . “Oh. I don’t know, f. don’t know!” murmured the girl, distressed. “Has he drowned himself —” “You refused him, absolutely and positively ?” The girl shuddered. “Heaven help ,me,” she said. “I did! He threatened to end it all, but I didn’t believe he would. And so this is the result! Oh, isn’t it awful?” “It is,” assented the father. “I suspected that you had finally dismissed him when the news of what ho had done camel to me to-day.” “Father,” murmured the unhappy girl, “shall I be held to account for this awful thing?” “I think not. You weren’t obliged to marry him just because he asked you.” “But tel! me. father, wliat lias happened. Tell mo! I have the strength to hear it.” “He has gone to work,” said the old man, as he turned away.