The Elk advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Elk Co., Pa.) 186?-1868, 1867-10-17
Selected $SHljstellauY.
LOVE Il GsE'EE

lfthe soft hand laid 20 rustiDcIy in
his scarcely three months before, had
struck him stunning blow, Aired Will
liston. could net have been more surpns.
scd or hurt. Selfish Il was tho first
time that sin was LAID at his door. He's
generous folioH,' the most unseltiSh
man alive. there's not a mean trait in
his character Such things had been
said Of him over and over again, and
repeated in his ears by partial or inter-
ested friends, unHl he almost believed
himself the pcrsonfcation Of unselfsh-
ness. And now to be called selfish
man , by the sweet little rosebud mouth
that looked as if only made for kisses
to be called q selfish man . by her
whom he had given all he had in the
world, and himself into the bargain /!
No wonder that Alfred Williston stood
dumb before his pretty wife.
Tho accusation was mhdc, and for
good or evil, it must stand. No taking
back Of the words could take back
their meaning, Iou1a q selfish man
had been set by sharply uttered tones,
deep in his memory, and their the sell
tence would remain. He did not attempt
to meet tac charge. 70 have done so,
would have been felt as q degradation.
Good morning dropped coldly from
his lips, and he wontaWay without offer
ing the usual parting kiss It was show
cry at home, and cloudy at the Office for
the greater part Of the forenoon.
What's the matter, my friend /?
You look as sober as q judge on sentence
day . remarked an acquaintance who
had called upon Wiiliston.
Look about as l leel,' was moodily
answered.
fHeigh ho moon in the rainy quar-
ter already reioincd the visitor,
familiarly, with a sly, provoking laugh.
Williston turned his face partly aside,
that its expression might be concealed,
Sunshine and shower-summer and
winter--you will have those altcruatians
Ire the rest OF mankind, and learn TO
bear them with philosophy
DO you think me very selfish man.
Edward? asked Niiiiston, turning
uI'tG iil' lllJiu u stIIOtN IG't.
Selfish Oh dear No, not very
selfish. I've heard you called the most
generous fellow alive, But we're all
more or less selfish, you know; born so,
aud can't help it, unless We try harder
than is agreeable to most people. There
vas a time when I had a very good
opinion Of myself as touching this thing,
lutI grew l-ss satisfied every day, and
am settling down into the conclusion
that I'm no better than my nejghbors.
WuN. de5pise a selfish man. He's
the meancst creature alive = Williston
spoke with glow Of Indignation.
Hes mean just in the degree that
he's selfish replied the friend. And,
as we are all more or less selfish, we are
all more or less mean. I don't see ho7
VIC are 20 get away from that c0nclu
sion
Williston knit his brows like one an
nOyed or pcrpleEeG.
! Has anybody called you selfish ?
asked the friend.
Yes
Who ? the little darling al home
IIa see That's the trouble
The Young husbands deepening colo
betrayed the tact.
She called you selfish ? Ua! Goo
for Marcy! Not afraid to give ching
their right name | always knew sh
was a girl Of spirit Self That
interesting. And did she really fame
that you were unscldsh
This half in sport half in carncs
speech. had the effect intended.
slight glimpse Of himself, as seen by al
others eyes, gave Wiliis.on q new imprc.
sion, and let in a doubt as to his bein
altogether perfect
'And you think ne selfish he sal
in q tone Of surprise. We'll CUES
there's been new dictionary puylishe
of late
'As far as this world is concerned, tn
heart is the most reliable dictionary. !
you wish 10 gel the true definition, looI
down into youc heart replied th
friend.
My eyes are not perhaps as sharp {
yours said Wil,iston. 1 don't IN
the definition there
'MayboI can help you to . c'ear(
vision. Why did you marry Marcy
Because I loved her.
Are you quite sure } said Il
friend with provoking calmness.
sTake care, Fred 1 shall get angry
'Oh, no. You're too sensible an
too well poised for that, Answer n
question. Are you quite sure ?
As sure as death
Its my opinion that you married 3
cause you loved yourself more than yo
did Marcy
Now this goes beyond all endo
anco exclaimed Wil!iston. Is the
a conspiracy against me ? ~,
'GcuIy, gently, my friend, ~
mind is never clear when disturbc
A.,vr