The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1869-10-28

lnTTe Idy SET VI uiduODusJ lHeT ldth
er's gif), with their velvet casket open
ed, sparkling and glowing in the ray 0
bright sunlight that streaned in upoT
them from the window, making the
whole bright with their prismatic gilt.
ter. "Ah," murmured Lenore, "that
! dress will enclose as sad bride as evel
mourned for false lover" Then she
banished these thoughts, as treason Il
her future husband.
Unknown toher, among the wedding
cards sent away by Mr. Vardelli, wa'
one to Clarence Howard, directed il
in imitation OfLenore's writing.
On entering the breakfast room afel
returning from her walk, Lenore wa:
surprised at not seeing her father in his
accustomed seat at the head of the ta-
ble The servants informed her that
be had not yet arisen. She went to his
door and knocked he told her in a
faint voice to enter. Leuore hurried to
bis bedside. She saw in an instant
that her father was quite i'll. His pulse
beat rapidly, and his face was flushed
and hot. Lenore sent for a physician,
who said it was severe attack Of pneu-
mOnia, but be hoped he could cure him
Mr.. VardelIi said he had not been feel
ing well for some time, but thinking it
would distress Lenore, he had not told
her of it.
"We can have no wedding today my
dear,' said he to Lenore.
Certainly not, papa. The footman
has had orders to admit no guests, and
l have written a note to Gilbert inform.
ing him of your illness"
Gilbert ST. Alban went to Pine Hall
as soon as he got IGNORES note. He
tried to cheer his betrothed, who was
pale and anxious.
On the fourth day of Mr.. Vardelli's
illness, the physician told Lenore there
was no hope. All night the stricken
girl watched by the bedside of her
father. The next morning, when Gil
bert entered thesic room, the patient
desired him and Lenore to come hearer,
as he wished to speak to them.
II have but a short time to stay in
this world. Before 1 die l wish to tell
you Gilbert, that Lenore consented to
marry you tOplease me. She has prob
ably already told you that she does not
love you. / knew this, but | thought
she would be happy with you, and in a
worldly point of view it would be
good match, and ] had set my heart
upon it. Now, as / am go near the
portals of death, can see more clearly,
and know that was about blasting my
child's happiness forever. You did not
know that when you first offered her
your hand, she was already betrothed
to alas my strength is falling; l
can say but few words Lenore, do
not marry against your will" There
was long pause, during which nothing
was heard but the sobs of Lenore.
Gilbert, who felt that he had almost re-
ceived his death blow, covered his
ashen fac with his hands.
'"Child," continued the dying man
feebly, II have wronged you more than
you know Of Promise me that you
will forgive me-"
"You have never wronged me father,
you have ever been to me the most in
dulgent Of parents. Then seeing a
look of despair on his face, she said as
she kissed his cold brow: Whatever
you have done dear father, | promised
to forgive even as | hope to be forgiv-
en-" The sick mans face lighted up
with q smile. He murmured, "GOd
bless you Lenore," and his soul was
waited to the spirit land. With moan
of anguish his orphan daughter sank
almost lifeless to the floor. m ii ..
GoncIgiSjou uerk meek r. , % r.