Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1868-10-02
"No!" trembled upon the lips of the

"You hesitate. You love me-ay" he
exclaimed Gercely you love ell
That one moment of bliss convinces me of
that"
The cheeks of Maude Ashton paled,
and her hands were clasped.
"For heavens sake" she stammered,
"never divulge that one moment of weak
ness. Promise me-" q"
''Have no fear, Maude I will not re-
veal it,"
"Swear it, and I will believe you
"On one condition. Promise me that
you will not marry for two years. If. in
that time, I do not return with gold and
Jewels, you are free"
Anything, will promise anything!"
gasped Maude.
Then I solemnly swear never to re-
veal aught of tonight Farewell. If I
return not in two years you are free"
With stately tread, Harry Winner
crossed the parlor, and left the tickle wo-
man, who could not allow her heart to 60
where gold was not, to her own thoughts.
A storm of mingled shame and indig-
nation ragged in the heart of the heiress,
as she sat, after Harry's departure, with
hands clasped. For once Maude Ashton
ha0 revealed her heart, as she felt hum
bled 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 and 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 passen-.
gers Harry Winner, who left the shores
of his native land to earn wealth in lands
''far over the blue sea-" r
Time passed Oh and Maude Ashton still
reiened 4Ae4balle. Of the-ntowa D She
was still the same proud, naughty woman
as in days gone by. In vain the fortune
hunters and exiled counts assail her heart;
she remained as cold and distant as ever.
Men pronounced her heartless, women
called her proud, yet all bowed to her su-
perior endowments and brilliant beauty.
Suddenly change came over her heart,
and it was rumored among the fashiona-
bles that Maude Ashton was betrothed to
the wealthy Englishman, George Rey-
nolds, and soon came the announcement
that they were to be married. The we'd
ding passed off auspiciously, Maude and
her husband starting to the continent for
a honeymoon trip; nothing occurred to
mar their happiness until they reached
Italy, when, as they were passing a cot
tage they heard manly voice singing a
sweet song. They involuntarily paused
and listened; meanwhile the cheek of
Maude blanching 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 her
heart, and she gazed around. expecting
every moment to see her artist lover com
ing forth to meet her. Suddenly her eyes
rested on little mound, and on the small
head board she read, Harry Winner"
With moan of anguish she sank back,
and for brief period was lost to life.
- When she returned to consciousness she
found herself in the little cottage, her hus-
band bending over her with tender solici-
tude, while by bis side stood young TIA
lian peasant girl. 1-y.~
''Thank God you have recovered'' p
was the exclamation of George, as he be-
held his wife's eyes slowly unclose. ~.
Retire" was Maude's reply-.'retire
at once" r RI
But dearest, you are not yet fully re.
covered"
A proud gesture Of the hand was her
only answer, and George silently retired
from the apartment
"Come hither, girl" said Maude, in
quick, eager tones, to the peasant girl.
know you aught Of yonder grave?"
A shade of sadness passed over the
maiden's face, as she answered, in hel
sweet, musical voice, Il know its history
and it is sad one, signora." "a"
6"Set yourself here. and tell me ALL"
The maiden obeyed and, having seat
ed herself by the couch, she commenced
ut is now some three years since I
young and handsome stranger came al
evening to this cottage. He said he wa
; an artist, and craved the boon of remain
ing here for a few weeks His wish wa
granted, and day after day he busted him