The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1867-02-09

7EaV aa aP5l5as -
ming preceding my birthday, the yellknown
scenes of YOUTH I thought of Clara, of Mr..
Bradford, but most Of all, Of Grace; for
long ere this / had learned that she was
dearer to me than any on earth. Should l
ind them all living, well, and Grace free to
listen to the love that even then was strngg-
hing for utterance !? a9
These thoughts filed my mind as opened
the door and stood upon the threshold OF my
home. Beyond the passage hy3 the family
room, and through its open door heard the
hum of voices 1t was but to move forward
to speak--7-Ah, the joy, the bliss OF that
moment Clara's arms were about my neck
her kisses and tears upon my cheek-,and
nv hand was clasped lovingly in that of Mr..
Bradford, while words of Thanksgiving burst
from his lips.
But there was another who hadnot greeted
me. No longer the slender girl of fifteen,
Grace stood before me in thesripened beauty
of her twenty years. She laid her far hand
an mine, and her voice was low and calm, as
she uttered her welcomes and congratula-
Etions. A had Host a sister in her-had
gained, could | ever gain dearer love?
fs That evening was spent in telling the story
of my voyages, my perfls, and my deliver
ance. The next day passed IN festivity. My
return and my majority were celebrated AT
once.~ scarcely saw Grace. She avoided
me I thought, and | saw a young mana
stranger, who had come to the neighborhood
since | left home-in constant attendance
upon her. Days passed, and this sight still
panied me- Clara could or would tell me
nothing, and Mr., Bradford knew no more
than all could see. But all believed that
Grace would become the wife of Harland
Jewett, and | was forced to adopt the same
opinion. | decided to leave home again
Ny Illusions of the sea were disturbed, but
longed for its tolls and excitements, that I
might forget Grace.
| went to sea again. This time my part
ing was less painful, save in bidding farewell
to Grace. Clara wept upon my breast, and
Mr.. Bradford grasped my hand and blessed
me fervently and then Grace, with the same
calm smile with which she had welcomed me
when | came back as from the dead, adj
vanced to bid me farewell .=.peHs.-
st had thought you would have remained
at home, dear Ralph she said, and thought
| detected a slight tremor in her voice as she
spoke. After the perls and sufferings you
have undergone one would suppose home
would be doublv dear to YOU
And SO 1t would, Grace, if you We're to
remain in it, | answered. some word from
YOU would make me landsman for life
But that word, | suppose, has been given to
another, and | must make my ship my
bride E.E% FE go
Grace drew back, tear rose in her eve,
and she blushed painfully; but she was ST.
lent. No answering glance met my eager
gaze and the momentary hope, inspired by
her words, and scarce acknowledged, died in
despair.
When | returned again Harland Jewett
was still frequent visitor at our home. /
went again, this time as captain of my own
ship; returned and went Vet again and
there was no change. | ceased TO expect,
almost to hope, that there ever would be-
When I left home for my third voyage as
master and owner, Clara, who married dur
ing my visit, with her husband accompanied
me to the city. l had never told my love to
her until then but on the eve of parting, as
l, sad and lonely, left her to her new joy,
told her all my hopes and fears. To nv
surprise my sister told me that Grace had
refused the offer of Harland Jewett, and that
his visits were only those of a friend.
Il think, added my sister, may, l am
sure, that Grace has an attachment for some
one. | have sometimes thought Won might
be the favored individual, but your mutual
GOODNESS has bafied me. But, Ralph, since
You have spoken, | really believe it is true.
| advise YOU to test your fate when YOU come
home again, and predict that You will have
no difficulty in winning Grace"
| went away with a heart fghtened of its
heaviest burden. Grace did not love Har-
land .Jewett. and feared no other rival
Then, though my sister had too much deli
cacy to plead my cause opealy. she was none
sthe less "triend at eonrt. How slowly
dragged the hours! How welcome the day
thai saw my good ship once more approach
ing her harbori
Yet, after dismissing my business with all
possible haste, i found myself nearing home,
my heart sank within ne. Grace might
never have loved me, and in the six months
of my absence what unforeseen events might
have occurred Thus tormenting myself
with fears, j came home.
Clara and her husband lived in the old
house now, and Mr. Bradford and Grace had,
since my sisters marriage, returned to the
reetory. NV first visit must be TO nay sister ;
but no sooner had we interchanged our mu-
tual inquiries and greetings, than ! prepared
to seek my other friends. Clara whispered
word of hope in my ear, and | went upon my
way buovantiy.
Nor was | disappointed. Grace met me,
unchanged, but my tongue would not eonfine
itself to courteous phrases of inquiry. The
words that for months had struggled for ut
terance were spoken. The misunderstood
ings, and doubts, and fears of years were
swept away. The beautiful head of Grace
lay upon my bosom, and her sweet lips pro-
nounced that she Wonid be mine. ] went to
sea no more, but with Grace for my wife
happy beyond the usual lot of mortals,
have lived ever since in my dear old home