The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1858-04-29
EMILY ASHTON, OR THE
REWARD OF FIDELITY
BY FRANK LESLIE.

You won't 90 out tonight, William
will youl' pleaded the young wife, resting
her hand on his chair, as she stopped to
kiss the Doblc brow of her husband.
And why not to night, my dear!' said
be, tenderly pressing her hand.
%, because I'm so lonely when you are
absent-the time seems SO long; then you
were going to read "The World before
the Flood" this evening, don't you re-
member! | have become quite interest
ed in young JaVan, and am anxious to
learn more of him."
'Ah! but | leave you to enjoy Javan's
society alone, will that not compensate
for ms ahscnceI'
No. indeed, William, it requires your
voice to make it life-likc. ard explanation
to make it more interesting
And will lot to morrow evening an
swcr as wcll!'
Certainly, for Javau. but and her
blue eyes moistened, it is your society L
would seek.
'Bu, my dear, have made an engage
ment with
With Emily, to iovc, cherish
Not obey her, >aid he, smiling.
'Oh no, she does not wish that
'But really. Emily dear, | have made
a PROMISE which | wust fulfill
a bad promise is better broken than
kept, you know said Emily.
Yes, remember the adage, but you
know William Ashtons word is sacred,
oucc glven-always kept. There was
dceycr meaning in his looks and tone
than his words expressed. Emily was
silent, for she knew he had ever been
kind and true to her, and she was unwil-
ling to cause him pain by opposing his
wishes.
i must 60 to night, Emily, dearest,
but tomorrow evening will be yours,
and he rose to leave.
You will not be absent long. will you.
>aii he laying her hand on his arm.
Not very; pleasant evening to you
and Javan,' said be, with smile and
parting kiss.
As the door closed on his retreating
form Euily bent over the cradle of her
sleeping babe, suoothed his pillows, tuck
ed his little blanket, parted his soft hair,
and commenced singing a slow lullaby
Presently she rose, aud taking book
FROM the shelf, seated herself to read =
But evidently her thoughts wandered. for
Der hands rested !i-tles>ly in the leaves
and her eyes we're watching the fantastic
shapes fitting auoug the glowing Goals.
She was thinking of the past, the days OF
sunny childhood, when she roved, care
less and happy, over the bills and valleys
/ Of her fathers brood home lands; of youth
whose threshold >he had harply crossed,
and the cup Of friendship and love whose
cool-rcfreshing draughts she had quaffed
in ecstacy. She thought of the winning
smile and love lit eye, the manly form and
noble heart that had woed and won heI
wayward love; and as she unused, fancied
her love somewhat changed.
1t hi ght be all fancy, yet her suspi
cious we're excited, and she could no
but compare the past with the present.
Certainly her society bad less charm 70
him than formerly; she thousht-sh'
feared be loved the club room and hi:
gay companions better than the quiet o
bone. Nor could she fail to note hi
restless eye, flushed cheek, and occasion
al strange manner, and the conviction
fastened on her heart. that at times hi
lips we're polluted and his brain excite'
by the wine cup.
Yet it could not be possible though
she--her bu-band's heart was too nobl
to stoop so low! No, she would baus
the thought forever. And she again ben
her eyes upon the open volume.
The little sleeper grew restless; Emil
turned him iD his cradle, and soothe
him oy her singing.
'She glanced at the time piece on tb
mantle; its hands were folded on the mid
night hour. A thrill of undefed terro
ran through her frame. He had neVe
stad out so late before.
Nervously, she went to the window, an
parting the curtains, peered into th
cheerless night. The dim rays Of To
moon we're struggling fesbly to penetra'
the fog, aud ever and anon, thin rain
clouds drifted before it, sped by gust
winds, which betokened an approachiD
storm. She returned to her seat wit
anxious forebodngs.
why does be stay so latel ., wher
can be be-, thought she, as few raj
drops pattered Oh the window pane
Just then a low muttering of thunde
before unnoticed, reached her ear. As
r drew nearer and clearer, and the rain fe
faster, she again sought the window.
was now falling in torrents, and WV!
lash of Lightning revealed the figure OF
man struggling through the 6tful temPe'
A feeling of pleasure cheered her achil
heart.
He is coming, said she; what cou
have kept him SO latc!'
At that moment the outer door opene
a and some one entered. But were tho
footsteps William'sl Slowly he cross'
~ Lii and oroned his way up stairs.