The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1855-11-15

H'SHI yOu VIII never care Tor nine again "
lie came hastily up to me, saying, 81
shall ever love whatever you do, )" kissed
me- and left the room. sat for an hour
looking at the ia poplar trees, as they
waved their branches high in the air, but
John came back no more that night.
saw very little of John now, he spent
his days and evenings at Mrs. Bark S,
with Maud Weston the hauty beauty.
Six weeks passed away in this wav. |
siaid at home, alone, and sat in the broad
window looking at the poplars, thinking,
thinking, thinking. When John was at
home with me, he was kind, but it wa,
from habit. He did not think Of me now.
At the expiration OF this time, Maud
left for her city home; that evening John
asked me to take walk with him. |
went, and yet knew he wi,hed to talk
of her, but so longed to be near, and
hear him talk once more.
We had walked some distance, when
John said, Id, would you not be glad
to hear that | was going to be made very
happy g ! said "yes, but could not
feel, | could not think, l knew John
kissed me, told me in two weeks Maud
Wilson would be his bride, and then he
talked a long time, but | knew not what
he said.
When got back home, I went and
sat in the window, and looked at the pop.
lars, but | could not think, and there
sat till the great sun came from behind
the eastern hill. John went to the city,
in two weeks | received a letter from
him, in it he said he was married. lie
had no kind word for me, he did not ask
if he was missed, or If was lonely, but
it was full Of praises of his beautiful
bride.
Then my heart sent up The wall, Z"
was forgotten, and | then sought 10 live
for aunt Mary, whom had come very
near forgetting, in my selfish thoughts Of
self
| did not see or hear from John for five
years, and then received letter that he
was coming home.
He came, bu; o, how changed he did
not sing, but wandered about the house
like one in dream. His vile, the lovely
Maud, did not seem to love him, she was
peeyish and cross. and there was no con.
geniaity between them. could see he
was not happy, and once when was
near him, smelt brandy on his breath,
then knew where he went 10 drown his
sorrows.
One day | was under the popIars, fix
ing my flowers, he came hurredIy toward
me, aud said. " Ida, did you ever love %
| looked up, my fce crimson, and | felt
| should fall. He looked straight into my
eyes, in that look was blended love. anxi-
ely, aud misery. "l loved once" said
he, "but O l did not know it," He
would have kissed me. | knew it would
not be brolherly kiss, sprang from his
arms, and ran to my old seat at the win.
dow.
Days passed away, felt my old love
returning; there was that familiar action
that particular tone of voice. that look so
full Of love and tenderness. | felt loved
as had once; asked John to 90 away
and he went.
1t was year before | heard from him
again; when did, he was sick and dy
ing. His wife had died year before.
| felt like he was my brother, and went
to him. When | got there he knew me
not. Four days be raved maniac, his
reason returned just before his soul took
its 0 ght forever.
Before he died. he drew me to him, and
said, "lda, you love me, know, that
look year ago, tod all. have always
loved you, but | knew it not, till it was
too late; worshiPped beauty, il was a
wild, blind idolatry, and soon over. l
was unhappy, fled to the intoxicating
glass, and now am DYING John drew
me on his breast, and there was holy
calm entered mine, that never felt be.
fore; | had found home. ave shall
meet in heaven he whispered with his |.
last breath.
As sit at my window, can see two
lombS upon the hill, know mine will
soon be there, tor last night, as saw
John, he whispered " come