St. Cloud Democrat. [volume] (Saint Cloud, Stearns County, Minn.) 1858-1866, 1860-06-07

once. We talked it over calmly, however,
and it was arranged that was to keep the
whole secret, and to accompany him to
the city, when was strong enough, that
he might have it in his power to perform
an operation in which he religiously be-
lieved. For my part could not believe;
1 could only hope and pray.
left home in a fortnight with DR..
Claymorc; during that time had been
! thinking and reasoning much with myself,
and had grown very calm. If I had ever
had any hope that Elsie could have been
my own, it would have been harder; but
[ had always felt that I must some DIV
lose her: and now, at least, 1 knew that
the one she had chosen was worthy of her.
l believed that when 1 heard that step
on the morning Of my journey, I listened
to it as the step of Elsie's betrothed hus-
band, without any thought Of my helpless
self, and thanked God that it was so firm
and light-so fit step to walk beside her
through the toilsome march of life.
A month had passed I was in town
still, but was going home on the morrow.
When l went, l should see the old house
my mothers face; [ should look, at last,
in Elsie RussclPs eyes, and thank her for
her kindness to the blind man, who al
most seemed like some one else, 50 differ
cnt did life appear to me, now that sight
was restored. "And, for all this, must
thank you, Doctor Claymore," l said,
grasping his hand and looking thankfully
into his face; Z" but for you, I should still
gropc my miserable way through life.-
You have given me the power to be a man.
1 can be my mothers protector now, in
stead Of the burden 1 have been 50 long"
"And, Paul Blair, you can tell Elsie
Russell that you love her." said the young
doctor, quietly. -.,
! l started, and looked at him in aston
ishment.
i Il understand" he said, II know what
you have thought, but that pure heart is
free, Paul Blair, and it loves you.'
Still stood motionlcss and wondering.
"You were rig ght," he continued, II did
love Elsie Russell as brother love her
still but you, Paul Blair, 1 have read
your heart FROM the frst-I know all that
you have borne, for something of its sor-
row 1 have felt myself. When first
came to your home" he went on, II saw
that you loved Elsie. and knew that came
there as rival; but what man ever con-
sidercd another when he was himself in
love. wooed Elsie Russell, and hoped
to win her, feeling all the while that was
breaking your noble heart You remem-
Der tho day when you were first taken ill?'
:.:1ndeed do," I answered. "Shall l
ever forget it!' .:-..
! "Ihat day." continued the doctor, "I
4 had ridden out with her upon the. quiet
river bank 7 told her of my hearts bve,
and found that it was hopeless Tho
knowledge was very hard to bear, Paul
but when, iii her innocent pity of my grief,
she told Inc that she esteemed and liked
mc-that she had no friend she valued
more, but that there was one whom she
had always loved, who needed her more
than l did, for whose sake she would re-
main single forever, if needs must be
then, Paul Blair, l felt that coming there
L had come between*a pure and holy: love
|-seldom seen or felt on carth-and I
prayed to God for pardon. When riding
homcward by her side, I found you lying
PROSTATE on the ground, and learned from
your rawlings and the words Of the old
servant. that my surmiscs were only too
correct, Heaven knows that all the anger
OF my heart was for myself; for you l felt
nothing but compassion. For thatstrcngth
which made me strive to bring my rival
back to health and happiness, which put
1t IN my heart to pray for your restoration
to sight, as though it had been NV own.
l thank the mother who taught me to pray
ana God who gave her to me. Paul Blair,
II dld not know you had a noble heart,
l would never tell you this; but knowing
that 1t would make you yet happier by
giving you the knowledge that my step
can never come between you, save 10 YOUR
cars that you have not to win a heart.
put only to claim it, Goodbye! God
bless you! Go home to Elsie and make
her joyful" ~,
listened to his step as it faded awav
IN the distance, and could have wept-
how good and great he was.e f-1..s-
At home they knew nothing of what
a. nad happened. AS, the carriage drew up
at the gate, looked out and saw light
torn, that L knew must be Esie's, . trip
prlng down the path. I Isteppcd out and
waited till she came up. As. she drew
close to me lshut my eyes. f.t
Dear Paul, you are at home again.
Your :t,u mother has just gone down to the
Village o.meet you-you must have pas-
SEQ her" she said, taking my hand in hers.
Then you are alone, Elsie, + said.
eyes, Paul" - - .ss......ss.
81 81 will 60 if you viii lead me, Elsie. .
She answered me BY drawing her hand
tthro my arm ande walking ional We sat
down together in, the little, parlor, and l
yentpred t9 steal a sglance, at her, She
had altered very little SINCE her child
hood: Her SOLEMN eyes >..ihH COLDER hair