The dollar weekly bulletin. [volume] (Maysville, Ky.) 1862-1864, 1863-09-10
'Mr. Winner. you are beside yourself to
thus address me-

thus address me-
But my love-
No more. Remember our positions.'
Chilled to the heart by this sudden
check Harry Winner arose; and standing be-
fore the heiress, said:
True, 1 had forgotten that. You are rich,
an heiress, and look with scorn upon the
humble. Came I with gold and jewels,
fair lady, you would not scorn my suit
Maude's eyes flashed as she replied:
And, sir, you have not gold and jewels,
you must, forsooth resign your suit.
'Then you admit that you love meH
No. trembled upon the lips of the proud
beauty, but tho word came not.
You hesitate. You love me, ayen he ex.
claimed, fiercely, you zove me! that one mo-
ment of bliss convinces me of that.
The cheek Of Maude Ashton paled, and
her hands were clasped.
For Heavens sake,' she stamm cred I,
'divulge not that one weakness. Premise
mel"
Have no fear, Maude, will not reveal
it,
Swear it, and 1 will believe you!'
'On one condition. Promise me tn at you
will not marry for two years. If, 10 that
time. do not return with gold and jewels,
you are free.'
Anything, I will promise anything gasp
ed Maude.
Then 1 solemuly swear never to reveal
aught of tonight. Farewell. If I return
not in two years you are free.
With stately tread Henry Winner cross
ed the parlor and left the tickle woman who
could not allow her heart to where gold was
not, to her own thoughts.
A storm of mingled shame and indigna.
ton ragged in the heart of the heiress, as she
sat, after Harry's departure, with hands
clasped. For once Maude Ashton had re-
vealed her heart, and she felt 'humbled at
her own silent declaration Of her love for
one whom she considered so far beneath
her. She loved the artist; it was useless to
deny it; but until he could bring wealth to
lay at her feet, she could not give heed to
his suit.
The next steamer that left the port of
New York bore among its many passengers
Harry Winner. who left the shores of his
native land to gather wealth in lands far
o'er the bright blue sea-
Time passed on, and Maude Ashton still
reigned the belle of the town. She was
still the same naughty proud woman as in
days gone by. In vain the fortune-hunters
and exiled counts assailed heI heart; she re-
mained as cold and distant as ever.
Men pronounced her heartless, women
called her proud, yet all bowed to her super
for endowments and brilliant beauty.
Suddenly change came over her heart.
and it was rumo ored among the fashionable
that Maude Ashton was bethrothed to the
wealthy Englishman, George Reynolds.-
All rumors were at length verified by the
appearance of cards, announcing the marri-
age of the heiress and the EngliShman.
Had George Reynolds won the heart Of
Meude? No. Fate had given the feelings
to the poor, wandering artist, but the wea tn
of the rich lord had gained her hand. De-
spite her sacred promise to wait two years;
Maude had betrothed herself to another, and
was forev er lost to Harry Winner.
The marriage ceremony was performed
and the reception took place in a style of
unexampled splendor, and the wealthy
couple departed on brief sojourn in Europe.
People congratulated them on their happy
choice, envied .hem heir happiness. Little
did they know the bitterness of Maude's
heart when they termed her happy. Night
ly and daily the pale, despairing face Ct
Harry Winner was before her eyes, his re-
proaches ever ringing in her ears, and moro
than all, the betrayal of her sacred promise
was ever feeding on her heart.
Three years passed Oh, and yet,at Maude's
request, George Reynolds still Hinged in
Europe.
One calm summer afternoon Maude and
her husband stood gazing down into lone
ly valley beneath the soft, melting skies Of
Italy. Their attention was attracted to
lovely palace, standing by the side of the
si!very river, and they both uttered ex-
clamations of admiration.
Slowly proceeding down the valley they
were saluted By female voice, in beauti-
full cottage, caroling forth sweet song
They involuntary paused and listened;
m meanwhile the cheek of Maude blanched
ashy white for it was a song she had often
heard Harry Winner hum during the sitting
for her portrait.
a food of recollections thronged he heart,
and she gazed around, expecting each mo-
meut to see her artist lover coming forth to
meet her. Suddenly her eyes rested on
little mound, and on the small headboard
she read Harry Winner With a moan Of
anguish she sank back, and for q brief period
was lost to life.
When she returned to consciousness she
found herself in the little cottage. her hus-
band bending over her in tender solicitude,
while by his side stood a young Italian
peasant girl. Thank God you have recover
ed,' was the exclamation of George, as he
be held his wife's eyes slowly uuclose.
Retire. was Maude's reply, retire at
once
But, dearest, you are not fully recovered
"A proud gesture of the hand was her only
answer. aud George silently retired from the
apartment.
Come hitber, girl, said Maude in quick
eager tones. to the geasant girl. Know you
aught of youder grave?'
A shad of sadness passed over the maid
ems face, as she answered, in he sweet, mu-
sical voice:
Il know its history, and it is sad one
signora.'