Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1858-03-27

lssN1ie must have known something,
Of this" / unused, as / returned home
that night. Then ! knew why she had
never mentioned Alfred in her letters
after my marriage with Mr.. Russell.
From my very heart / blessed her
Had I known that Alfred Fletcher low
cd me, it might have darksnedm my mar
ried life. ! would not have been un-
faithful, even in my heart, to my no.
blss husband Z but. thanks to Nelie's
noble tact, l had been saved even temp
tation. From that day loved my
friend better than ever before.
In few weeks / left for the resi-
dence Of my sister-in-law.
was warmly received by my sister,
in law, Mrs. Erskine. Every possible
pains was taken to make my stay pleas
ant. For awhile 4 enjoyed the excl
ting scenes of the city. But I soon
became tired Of it, and longed for some
sequestered nook where I could sit down
and mediate.
! = On one occasion we drove along by
the sideof beautiful cemetery. was
enchanted. l could not bear the pleas
ant conversation evidently kept up for
my entertainment neither did l like to
be confined in carriage. longed to
stroll at liberty and alone through the
shady walks, and give myself up en-
tirely to the enchanting spell which was
thrown around me. AS we drove home
ward | determined to revisit the place
next day alone.
Accordingly, the'following morning
at an early hour, l prepared to 60 out,
saying that should be absent for sew
eral hours. Once there, l gave myself
to the influence Of the place, strolling
for hours through the shady, flower
bordered walk s, ID and wild, winding
patches, ! till at last, wearied J, / sat down
in retired nook, and was soon lost in
meditation. l know not how long 1 re-
manned there, when I was startled by
approaching footsteps. I looked up
ALFRED Fletcher stood before me.
Thrown completely off my guard, I
uttered an exclamation Of surprise, then
sank back faint and giddy upon my
seat. He sprang forward and grasped
my hand.
"Mattie - Mrs. Russell,' said he,
correcting himself, "nothing could have
given me greater pleasure. -
II am Matte still, Alfred" said E;
and looking up, l encountered that
earnes;, loving gaze, which had sent
such a thrill to my heart long years
ago. But there was no dark mountain
of reserve between us now bitter ex-
perience had taught us both lesson
of common sense. Retaining my hand
he seated himself beside me, passed his
arm around my waist, and strained me
convulsively to his heart.
''Mattie, dearest, long lost Matte,
may | not love you now %
He pressed me closer to his bosom.
''These long years Of sorrow have not
been for naught," he answered "this
moment Of happiness is worth more
than all. He bowed his head upon my
shoulder, and his strong frame shook
like reed. ...- ..,.. .-.
Long we sat there, talking Of the
past. Everything was explained to our
mutual satisfaction. We were oblivi-
Gus of the time, till the bell warned all
visitors from the grounds. As we
walked homeward We talked Of the fu.
ture.
"Why need we wait, Matte ?" said
he. 81 am engaged in prosperous
business, and can at once place you in
the circle you are so well fitted to
adorn." Z q @ ~ ~ = 3 ~
81 must first secure the appreciation
Of my friends here,'' 1 replied and
then we will talk about making our ar
rangements." e. +
l found Mrs. Erskine exceedingly
anxious abont me ; and almost disposed
to give me sound scolding for causing
her so much uneasiness.
After the children were in bed that
evening, and we were left for few
moments alone, awaiting the arrival of
Mr.. Erskine, l told her all. She lis
tened attentiyely. When had finished
1 asked her if l had done right ? She
wound both arms about my neck, and
kissing ne, said, "You could not have
done differently, and acted as the true
woman that you are. You must invite
MIR. Fletcher here, and we will have it
all settled forthwith % =. ~g.
The next evening Alfred came, and
it was decided that three months would
be long enough to make all needful
preparations. -. '.' -.
We took house near Mrs. Erskine's,
and on the appointed day we were mar
ried. That evening | presented Alfred
with the remainder Of my fortune. He
looked astounded. 4 ~ 81 ~ 81 8
q have never cared to inquire whether
you were rich or poor" said he; "but
as 1 knew nothing to the ontrary, /
supposed the latter. But this money
shall not remain idle; | will invest
it safely, and in your own right"
Six more years have passed. They
have been years Of happiness and pros
perity. asa.s 4F-sA a,s@ zs.-.5 81
! 3 =. CRANE. cHAs. PAGE. JOHN BARrHoLMEw