Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1860-10-12

low Of ITSELF
What that las, inexplicabie sentence
meant ] did not dare to think the prom
ise Of the first was too glorioas 70 realize
at once. We talked II over calsnly, how.
ever, and It was arranged that was to
keep the whole a secret and 10 accom-
pany him to the city when was strong
enough, that he might perform an opera
tion in which he religioosly believed.
For my part could not believe; could
only hope and pray.
left home in fortnight with Dr.
Ciaymore, during that time ] had been
thinking and reasoning much with myself
and had grown very calm. 1T had
ever had any hope that Elsie could have
been my own, it would have been harder;
but | had always felt that must some
day loose her, and now al least, knew
the one she had chosen was worthy OF
her. believed that when heard that
step on the morning Of my journey, !
listened to the step Of Elsie's betrothea
husband, without any thought Of my
my helpless self, and thanked God that
it was so firm and light--so ft a step to
walk beside her through the toilsome
march Of life.
A month had passed; / was 10 town
still, but was going home on the morrow,
When ] went / should see the old house,
my mothers face I should look at last
in Elsie Russers eyes and thank her for
her kindness to the blind man, who almost
seemed like some one else, SO different
did life appear now that sight was re-
stored.
And for all this, must thank you, DIR.
Claymore, / said, grasping bis hand and
looking thankfully into has handsome
face; but for you l should still grope
my miserable way through life. You
have given me the power TO be a man
| can be my mothers protector now in.
stead of the burden ] have been so long.
And, Paul Blair, you can tell Elsie
Russell that you love her, said the doc
tor quietly.
| started, and looked at him in amaze.
ment.
understand, be said ] know whut
you have thought, but that pure heart j.
freee, Paul, and it loves you.
Still l stood motioniess and wondering
You are right he continued, ] did
love Elsie Russell as a brother ] love
her still; but you, Paul Blair, ] have
read your heart from the frst--l know
all that you have borne, for something o.
its sorrow / have felt myself. When
first came to your home, he went on,
saw that you loved Elsie, and knew that
l came there as rival but what mar
ever considered another when be himself
was in love-? ] wooed Elsie Russell and
hoped TO win her, feeling all the while
that was breaking your noble heart
You remember the day when you were
first taken i'll z
Indeed do answered. Shall /
ever forget itY
That day. continued the doctor,
had ridden out With her upon the river
bank ] told her of my hearts love, and
found it was hopeIes. The knowledge
was very hard to bear, Paul bot when
in her innocent pity Of my grief she told
me that she esteemed me--lbat she bad
no friend she valued more, but that there
was one whom che had always loved
who needed her more than ! did, for
whose sake she would remain single for
ever, if needs must be then, Paul Blair.
felt that coming there ! had come be-
tween a pure, holy loye--seldom seen
or felt on earlh---and prayed 10 God
for pardon. When riding homeward by
her side, found you lying PROSTATE OF
the ground, and learned from your raw.
ings, and the words Of your old servant,
that my surmises were only Too correct
i Heaven knows that all the anger 10 ms
heart was for myself; for yon ] felt moth,
ing but compassion. For that strength
i which made me strive to bring my rival
back TO health and happiness, which pa
it 10 ny heart TO pray for your restora
ton to SIGHT as though it bad been N,
own, ibank the mother that taught mi
10 pray, and the God sho gave her {,
me. Paul Blair, # ! did not kne~ tbal
you bad noble heart, would never tel
you this knowing fhat, ] would max
yon yet happier BY giving you sbe knoHl
edge that my steps can never come b.
tween you, save to Jour sars--thas yo'
have not 10 win heart, bat only 10 eiala
h. Goodbye. God bless you 81
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