Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1861-04-18

but that Paul and MARIAN wero at once
fierce opponents. And yet it was observ-
able that while, Miriam bestowed the most
scathing wit, the keenest sarcasm upon
Paul, from him she received the unwiiole-
some truths quietly: and she did what none
knew--remembered his words and secret
lily fried to make herself bitter. And tho
Paul Dunlap knew Miriam faults and did
not spare her, yet he knew likewise that
without her love tho whole earth would be
desolate to him evermore. .s. -
"A whole year had passed silently and
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS seemed hardly week
from the'time the birds, began to sing.
20 s'the time when the droping nut is
heard" Yet Miriam within that time
had once more electrified the world. -Peo-
/ pie held their Abreaths when they read or
were unable themselves from following the
hm9rs, oftheauthoress-- or cry
| ing as the case might be; yet still vague
pity followed her. for she who wrote was
unhappy What were all .hers riches to
Miriam. when she thought of the lonely
grave in distant city? Nothing and less
than nothing. Like all other people who
tread a lonely path. she occasionally grew
weary. and ionged to drink forgetfulnes in
the river Of Lcthe. Yet these were only
rare moments, for to all outward view.
Miriam was as brave as woman need be.
Paul Dunlap had long ago returned to
his native city. His mothers health had
feqaired his presence and Obliged him to
leave the work in which he was interested.
And daring the year alsos Miriam had qui-
city received. and as quietly answered a let
ter from him. as If she lad not herself de-
termined her destiny for life.
TWAS no silly caprice that she refused
him-him of all the world whose words
she held in reverence--him whom she
could have died for. because it would have
been dying in a good cause. But it was
from the convictions of her judgment,
which satisfied her that two such strong
wills could not help clashing. Moreover,
she had prepared herself to tread one soli-
tary path. and she would unshrink-
ingly. And yet none knew, or could
know, the great agonvs the wrestling and
conqnering Of self, which such a decision
involved.
"Such bad news" said Fairy. entering
Miriam's room one day in the latter part
Of the year, such bad news about the
IDunlaps." NRs EsHI
"Wi:at is it?" asked Miriam. in clear
distinct voice. though every trace of color
had fed from her face.
Paul has been attacked with incurable
blindnes. brought on. they say. by too
close application to the studies he has been
pursuing. And Mrs. Dunlap is also suf
fering from some nervous disease, and there
is something else not quite SO bad as
raul's blindness, but still misfortune
The house they occupy is to be sold to sup
ply money for some sudden emergency.
and George says they will be very poor
after that. There has been some misnan
agement which do not understand, but
at any rate they have lost their property.
How sorry am for them.
Miriam sat long with her face covered
with her hands; and Fairy. at last. tired Of
silence, ran away.
Il told her it would be sweet re-
veDge." said Miriam to herself. land all
the sweeter for having waited these long
years. l never thought it would be so
sweet before. But poor PAUL. l cannot
certainly hesitate now" and the next mo-
ment Miriam was busy writing some busi-
ness letters. e.
twas New Years Day--a coli. sun
less day. and Paul Dunlap sat for the last
timein his old home. for tho place had
been sold to stranger. He had not yet
learned to sit patiently in darkness. but
prayed in his heart the self same words
which the blind man who lay at the gates
Of Jericho prayed: Jesus pity me!''--
But none could restore his sight. it was
gone. gone forever. and the thought was
madness. ~ ~ s III
Mrs. Dunlap walked the room nervous
ly. and only paused when the domestic
came in and placed two letters upon the
table. = - ~ ~
Letters" said Mrs. Dunlap, hastily
snatching them up. snd then throwing
them doun again. al declare. Paul. the
sight Of them is hateful''
Twill you read them, mother?" asked
Paul. in patient tone. *
His will was enough-so she opened
one addressed to herself. and read 4 qni-
city. 1t was simple and concise. merely
saying that stranger wished to convey to
Mrs. Dunlap a new years gift of the estate
she had just sold. There was no sigma
ture. but the copy of deed accompanied
it., She read it to her son in glad tone.
1.-The ether, mother. Paul cried in a
quick, excited voice. - = - -
She read the name outside, then opened
it and read the contents. The writer Of
fered herself in marriage to Paul Dunlap
as new years gift-her fortune likewise
to be at his disposal. Itwass little sim
pie note like the other. and signed Miriam
Wallace.
Paul sank back with a look of quiet
happiness. making his siglitless face beau.
ltiful. Mrs. Dunlap was repeating TO her.
Iselssthe name over and over again. as il
she had heard it. before, That is tie
name Of the authores. Paul. bat this CAP
not be the same one"
The same. m other; and the same girl
who rushed from this room one cold night
years ago. whose last words to You were
that she would' have 4 sweet revenge in
years 70 soms,sand she has had i.;'S 81
Il recollect her-and she has revenged
herself molly by giving me back my home