Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1860-03-14

anticipated though she reassured herself by
rejecting, that on her return he would discov-
er the mistake into which he ihad been led,
and all would be right.
But on her return, she learned that he had
disappeared suddenly, and without apprising
any one of his Intentions. ssDoubtless he will
return soon,'' his friends said but weeks and
months went by, and he came not. Gertrude
mourned in secret over the unfortunate mis-
take, which she had no doubt was the cause of
his departure. In society she was gay and
charming as ever, and many sought to win her
love, but sought in vain.
1t was nearly three years from the day of
his mysterious disappearance, ere Mr.. Morris
returned. He had not been in town many
days, when, to his extreme annoyance, he en-
countered his former confident and adviser,
Coleman. The latter, overjoyed at his friends
return, piled him with eager inquiries, to all
of which he received vague and brief replies.
Ere long Coleman fell upon the very theme
that his friend most wished to avoid.
ssAh, Tom, you stubborn fellow 20 said he,
sswhy did you not act upon that sage advice
gave you at our very last meeting Don't you
remember it Confess now that in all your
wanderings you have not met one to equal the
bewitching Gertrude. l saw her the other
day, and, by George, thought her handsom.
er than ever.''
ssDoes she still reside in town ?'' Tom put
the question carelessy; his friend did not
hear him, and he was obliged to repeat it.
ssI merely asked if Mrs. Railton still resides
in town.
ssMrs. Railton, did you say 20 Coleman
looked slightly puzzled; "Oh, the wife of our
old friend, Railton. True, he married soon
after you disappeared, but do not know his
wife even by sight :"
ssAlthough you were just speaking Of her, !"
said Tom.
"Who 1 ?'' said Coleman. ssMy dear fel-
low, you must be dreaming. Railton married
a lady from Devonshire. never saw his wife.
1t was Miss Lindon was speaking of-your
old sweetheart, you recollect 20
ssWell 90 Tom paused in his walk, and avail
ted further intelligence with breathless in
terest.
"Well,'' repeated his companion, jocosely !;
but looking at his excited friend he dropped
his bantering tone, and said in surprise, ssyou
did not imagine that Gertrude Lindon married
Raiton, did you ?''
ssWhom then did she marry ?' asked Tom.
esWhy, nobody" replied his friend, laugh
ing heartily at his air of bewilderment. "Our
peerless pearl is still free. l begin to think
you will be the lucky man. though, to be can
did, you don't deserve such good fortune.'
ssI don't indeed" said Tom, coloring slight
Iy. ssI believe have acted like simpleton,
if nothing worse.'
And thereupon the particulars of his last
visit to Gertrude were poured into his friends
ears.
s'Now that you know all, do you think-I
want your candid opinion. Coleman said
Tom, and he spoke beseechingly. ssDo you
think there is the shadow of chance that l
csn win her?'
s'As to the shadow, can't say,'' was the
provokingly deliberate answer, ssbut real,
substantial chance do think you have, pro-
vided you do not lose it by further delays and
suspicious. What, irresolute yet? ?''
ssI fear she despises me,'' said Morris. ssI
should in like case.''
ssAnd SO should 10 was the consoling re-
joinder, ssbut woman's judgment leans to mer-
cy always, you know so come to me to-
night, and tell me how your woong speeds.
warrant you'll claim my congratulations
Coleman's surmises, ofcourse, were correct
Ere the close of the evening his friend bound
ed into his room in high spirits.
s'Just like all accepted vers-ridiculously
happy" said Coleman, shaking him warmly
by the hand.
ssYou won't slight my counsel the next time,
old fellow; three years of happiness lost just
through your own folly think of that.''
ssToo true," said Tom, regretfully. ssAnd
Gertrude has loved me all along. She never
thought of Railton, nor he OF her, she told me;
that is, in the way 1 suspected. And have
been SO miserable, Coleman but deserved
to be wretched twas far worse that render.
ed her unhappy"
eyes, you merted long probation for that,
think,'' said his friend. ssShe forgave you
too readily, like gentle, loving girl.''
"Like an angel as she is, rather say ?'' ex-
claimed Tom.
ssNo, that fight of fancy is only for lovers"
said Coleman, drily. ssI was going to add
that she entrusts her happiness to you too
rashly, 1 also imagine, after you have shown
yourself too much given to indulging the most
groundless suspicions.''
ssAh have suffered enough from that dis
position to be cured of it forever" said Nor
ris, earnestly. ssOur married life shall never
be rendered unhappy from that cause.'
And time proved that he spoke truly; he
was cured forever of jealous suspicious.
A NOBLE LAD.-A little boy, returning from
school, the other day, discovered large rock
on the Pennsylvania Railroad track near Con-
emaugh station. Judging rightly that if the
train, then nearly due, ran into it, the conse-
quences would be terrible, the fellow took
red cap from his sisters head land hurrying up
the track, commenced waving it as the train
approached. The engineer saw him .and jndg-