Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1870-10-22


Myra Dean could fancy?" But as he said this
half aloud, his face softened for an instant, as
be remembered one never-to-be forgotteo time
when danger was near him, and she caught his
hand and looked up into his face, with plead
ing eyes, full of tenderness, too, lie thought
then, aud he had, before realized what he was
about, pressed her hand, and kissed her brow,
assuring her he would be careful. The thoughts
Of this sweet moment had cheeroi his heart
many time and he had hoped that in spite Of
her riches and his poverty, he might one day
call her his own but the dream was over now
Lucius March would win her; he thought ho
was sure Of that, but away down in his heart
there was-though he aid Know it--a ray Of
hope remaining.
He went 20 the party that night. He wish
ed to see her once more while she was free
He seemed moody and reserved, and very lit
tie was seen Of him during, the evening. and hc
saw little else than Myra Dean in her modest
white dress, as she went about amongst the
guests or foated in the "mazy dance" At last
he saw her leaning on the arm Of Lucius
March, and soon they disappeared from the
drawing-room.
He frowned, and his heart beat high. She
would soon be plishted to another the thought
maddened him, and he rushed out to tho piaz-
"a to feel breath of fresh air. With rapid
strides he walked up and down tho piazza,
trying to still the tumult in his breast He
did not wait to see her again, but went to bis
rooms, and tried to study, but could not then
he tried to sleep, but it was near daylight be-
fore slumber visited his eyelids. The next
day he received an invitation to take the place
of distinguished and beloved doctor, who
had died but few weeks previous, and mme-
dately accepted it, It would be such re-
lief to get away from The maddenng glances
of Myra Deans blue eyes, and the sound Of
her voice, which thrilled him through and
through.
lie was sitting In Thoughtful attitude,
with the letter OF invitation in bis hand, when
Lucus March entered.
"Wbat have you there 2" were the first
words Of The young man. Anything impor-
tant, Will? ?"
Dr. Browne made few explanations, in a
short crisp manner.
81 believe you are down on me, Will, about
that love affair. ! haven't proposed yet
didn't get an opportunity. But I'm safe
enough, Come out Will, and let us take
walk to the river. You look as if you need
some exercise"
81 do and will so with you"
DR.. Browne buttoned lis overcoat 10 his
chin, and the two friends were soon walking
briskly along arni-in-arm, through the street.
They walked long distance, and when they
were about to return, it was twilight and
they were weary; so they stepped into a car
and seated themselves comfortably for there
was only one other passenger.
In one corner Of the car aad next 10 the doc
tor, sat Myra Dean but she was so closely
yelled and neither of the young men recogniz-
ed her. They were talking busily and so
loud that Myra heard nearly every word they
said
It's a pity, Will, we are both in love with
the same girl, and it's pity you must go
away from the city. Would you marry her
just as quick viii, if she was poor? must
confess that wouldn't"
81 should call such a question an insult to
myself and Miss Dean coming from any one
but YOU" said the doctor. 81 love her, and
not her money: and If she were penniless to-
day, it would be the happiest moment Of my
life to make her my wife, and shield her from
all harm. And request you not to mention
this subject again--it is very painful to me-
No one would ever have known my secret if
accident had not divulgcd it. Tomorrow
shall be in a new place, with new scenes and
new faces around me. ] shall think Of little
else than my business, and probably never see
Myra again"
30, yes you will when time has healed tho
wound, you will come and see US in our ele-
CANT house, and we viii all be the best Of
friends. You are a grand fellow, viii, and il
girls only knew what was good for themselves,
they would choose you before me every time
in spite Of my riches and your poverty. /
was fortunately borne handsome and rich, and
| that is all girls ask for in husband"
"Not all Of them" spoke up Myra Dean,
throwing back her veil, and looking with
crimson cheeks into the young mems faces.
"Not all Of them, Mr. March. And be-
lieye know what is good for myself do
not think it unTnaidenly after have heard un-
Intentionally your conversation, and have
| learned that am beloved by DR.. Browne 10
reply to him that have loved long and truly,
and viii he bis wife. was forced 10 speak,
through fear that he would go away to-mor-
row, and should not see him again"
1 There Sas no one 10 the car but these three,
and Dr. Browne clasped the little gloved hand
Of Myra, and his face glowed all over with hap
piness Poor Lucius March had nothing TO
say, though he tried to apologize, and only
made the matter worse; and few minutes
after the discovery he left the car, and Dr.
Browne, still claspiDg the little hand of Myra,
said never a word, and they rode silently on
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