Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1864-02-04
THE EVENING STAR.
THE QUAKER LOVERS.


He seemed to hold me so unspeakably dear it
was such delightful novelty to be Worship
ped; and then 1 know fathers wishes weigh
ed v it'll me more than all. He didn't urge
me much, only because he thought there was
NO need OF it, he took my acquiescence tor
Well, felt as if it was to be and must be. I
accepted Job. / thought he would be consid-
erably elated, TO say the least and had plctur-
ed to myself hattering show Of enthusiasm.
Not bit of it it was quite what he exp ected,
and he was simply content.
Father took me into the parlor and talked
with me long while: son1eo O. IKE ss cnid'
had been struggling with SO many contending
feelings, that now it was all over, my fortitude
Why, Rachel said my father, with unus-
ual tenderness, 81 hope thee hasn't any doubts
in thy mind!
ooh, father, its too late to think of doubts;
my word is passed! No, no, don't repent; it's
all for the best!"
"God bless thee my daughter said he, lay
ing his hand on my head. "Tnee has been
sometimes a maynard child, and hard to bring
under control, but now thee is all father can
ask. / feared thee wouldn't take natural
fancy TO friend Job, he is grave beyond his
years: but am glad thee has much good
sense. There is nothing thee could have done
10 please me well, Rachel"
As if hadn't known that oil along Then
followed long talks between father and Job
about my dowry, quite a fortune, which had
been gaining interest for years. Job was to be
almerchant, and this was the capital with which
my father was to set him up in business. He
seemed to have an adventurous spirit, and
while yet in college had entered into various
speculatons. l haven't any head for such
matters, and always left the room when the
conversation turned to stocks in trade, only
too glad of excuse to steal away. / had
never enjoyed solitude so we'll. Now that
Job had more than. the right OF guest to
expect my attention, found it more irksome
than ever % eD teri tain him. Sometimes we sat
out speaking. Whenever 1 turned my head
his eyes followed me. if ! was knitting or Sc W.
ing he watched the play Of my fingers. There
was one theme on which we met as congenial
spirits when he was reused to speak of the
war, and said in his impressive way, Dear
as tEou art, Rachel, our country is dearer;
can thee accept a divided hearth Then 1
own l was proud of him, and shook hands with
eim, saying Thee shall go when thee will,
Job, theen never find me standing in thy
way
One day we had a riding party to Oak Grove
and picnic. 1t was then that our engage
ment became known, though what should have
published ii is beyond my power of telling.
The excellent DIR. Ehrmann was one OF our
party, riding with Patience, OF course. How
handsome the little witch looked She wouldn't
have been half so beautiful in mixed colors
but drab shades softened her bloom Just as a
light fog softens sunny landscape. DIR. En-
mann seemed TO have eyes and ears for no one
else
It is her vivacity which captiyates him.
thought 1, she is really looking much older
than usual; he likes her youthful gayety, which
turns her wrinkles of care into nipples of
laue her" What was all this to noe that I
should go TO cricising little Patience 50 severe
ly Hers were only surface charms there
was no sensible man who would fancy such a
woman tor his wife. Yet why no Marriages
are mysterious proyidences, for instance,
who could have toreseen mine two months
ago!
Isuppose l was as happy and fortunate as
people in general, but to-day l made discov-
cry Job was naturally jealous. 1t happened
after this wise: While we were saunterng
about before supper CHANGED to fall in with
friend Charles, and suggested that now was a
good time for the long story he had promised
me. He tried to turn off the subject with
laugh, almost as If he had forgotten his own
words, but saw that his gayety was forced.
1.-THE story may go till thee is ready to tell
1t but Charles, have my little gift at reading
faces, and know thee feels sad to- day. does
the war news trouble thee ~
Yes, Rachel, it sinks into my heart along
with many other things. But, my friend, since
you like straightforward questions SO we'll,
allow me to ask You one You remember our
conversation the other evening. Have you
been true TO yourself, Rachel, and are You
happy %
1t was home thrust, it knocked at my
heart for reply; but was too proud to hesl-
tate.
"Yes, Charles, can thee doubt it ~
Sincerely happy" he went on, looking
into INTO the blue happy that you
heartily glad. Allow me TO congratulate you,
my FRIEND" continued he, stopping to uproot a
handful Of grass and throw itaway. "Forgive
me that moment ago seemed to question your
truth II your conduct has surprised me, am
not the first man who has mistaken a woman's
feelings. You are not the girl to wrong your
II he had turned and looked into my face,
he might not have said exactly those words
for never had / been less sure Of anything
IN my life than " as just then of my love for
Job Dean.
We had unconsciopsly strayed off from our
party, and 1t was Jobs appearance on our
return which warned me Of his dispieasu re.
While we We're riding home he told me with
some show of authority that it became me as
little less tTif1ing in my manners. The words
were gentle enough, but felt as if a chain in
visible, and even unsupported, had suddenly
"Job Dean said quickly, "dont thee
provoke me, for / haven't the temper of q
saint, and won't be controlled While was
ing with Patience Swan, I'D like to know! II
thee isn't willing should speak a word to an
old friend, theell suffer a great deal in tae
course Of thy life.''
He was subdued in a minute Job hadn't
any spirit, was beginning to see that He
might make parade OF authority, but had
superior strength OF WILL and knew it. Az
Ter this he tried to soothe me with tender words,
but couldn't bear it, it irritated me. Every
anectionate thing he said repealed and chilled
me,
A fortnight dragged its slow length along. 1
was growing more and more wretched every
day of my life, though nobody noticed it but
sidered me 'sequable, and as for Job, IL smiled
three or four times day 1t was well enough;
with all his watchful obser alton, no was not in
the least penetrating.
He and father still held long con versations
about business, though fancied I could per-
ceive a change in father he appeared TO have
less admiration for Jobs business talents, per.
haps because it turned out upon in Investigation
that all his spe cuiations had been failures AT
any rate father never said to me now:
Rachel, If thy future husband doesn 'tmake
his mark in the world I'm very much mis-
taken"
Job was going back to Ohio to enlist with the
youpg men of his own town why didn't he
start When he did go at last, felt 1t like treas
on, the sweet relief which came over me- l
knew he might never return, for the terrible
uncertainties Of war lay between us. But 1
could not feel apprehension, only relief. This
was not the way a maiden should part with her
betrothed husband
'.Its always so with some girls" said Aunt
fiiura soothingly, "when you are married all
will be different"
Let no woman trust to such sophistry. I
write this story tor a warning.
Friend Charles had lately grown SO estrang.
ed that he scarcely ever called, and when we
met there was barrier between us which,
neither he nor could overcome. This change
In my best friend added the last drop to nav
cup OF bitterness, thought. He had been so