Middletown transcript., 1870-08-13


on, seemingly unconscious, with jerome
Leicester, until his girths had to be tight
ened, when Ben West, who had ridder
alone, filled the vacancy
heard Edith St. Ledger laugh as she
had never laughed before that day; and
wondered if she had really turned coquette
He did not seek her side on our return
and she rode with Charles Doris, her old
proud self again.
Our picnic came off in due time, just
when strawberries were ripe. 1t was
largely attended, and Ben West was the
life of the company. 1t was that day
read the proud heart of Edith St. Ledger.
We were standing together, with Mr.. Co.
vii, under an oak, little apart from the
others. Ben had said something very
funny in that grave way of his, and there
was a perfect shout of laughter raised.
"What brainless clown that West is, :"
Covil said. l believe he never had Sc
rious or sensible thought in his life."
Edith St. Ledger turned away her face,
and seemed to be looking at group of
children. But I saw deep, quick color
rise to her face, her lips quivered, and her
large, cold eyas grew warm, and filled
with tears. And then I knew that Edith
St. Ledger loved Ben West.
They did not seek each others society
after this, openly, at least; and l think
was the only one of the party who had a
suspicion of her secret
1t was the third week of our visit, and
we were to start cityward in two days.
Ben West was not going back with US.
He had received communications from the
West, and must return to his farm.
was out in the garden, sitting just
outside rustic arbor. 1t was late twi-
light, and did not see that there were
forms approaching until heard tho voice
of Ben West aud Edith St. Ledger as they
entered the arbor. Well, l could have
gone away, but l sat still and listened.
Aud dare you say you would not have
done the same?
81 was mad, crazed, | know, ever to
think of you," heard Ben West say.
But did think of you-and to think
of you is to love you. give you the
first and the last love of my heart. did
not know | could love until saw you. /
know now am not the shallow senscless
clown you think, Edith St. Ledger. |
sometimes feel like grinding these men
who sneer and scoff at me under my heel
knowing and feeling that, in the 81 ight of
God, l live better life than they. The
mortal does not livc-never lived-who
could say I ever harmed soul Or body.
And many one docs live, thank God,
who thinks kindly and gratefully of me
to-day. tell you this not to boast, but
because l cannot bear to go away, never
to see you again, without telling you
what an, not what l SEEM" He paus-
ed here, and l heard the voice of Edith,
low and tremulous.
81 have not thought as harshly of you
as you think have thought. think"
and something of sob chokcd her speech
Edith, can it be-O Edith !" and
knew that Benjamin West was happier
man Just then then he ever dreamed of
being on earth.
The silence was broken by him. 81
60 West to morrow night on the twelve
o'clock train. have humble, very hum
BILE home to offer you. There will be no
voice to bid you God speed; but will you
go with me-"
off go, it must be without the con-
sent of parents and friends. You know
what they would say. | love you, love
you-but oh how can [ leave them all 2"
She broke off, weeping softly.
"You must think of this, Edith, and
do just as your heart tells you, 1 offer
you my whole life, and God knows I will
tenderly care for you. But do not come
unless you can give yourself in love and
faith to my keeping. l shall bid farewell
to my friends tomorrow evening. If you
say good-by,' | shall know it is forever.
If only goodnight l shall know what
it means, and at eleven l will be in the
lane with a carriage. Goodnight,
Edith" and he kissed her and was gone.
The next evening the gentlemen linger-
ed long over their wine.
"Come, Ben, drink with us this last
night of pleasant month";" cried young
St. Ledger, holding up glass invitingly.
"I nerer drink wine, or any liquor
whatever" heard Ben answer as we
passed out of the room And beautiful
flush of joy and content stole over Edith's
face.
An hour later, Ben West made his
adieex. He passed around the room,
shaking hands and speaking words of fare
we'll, and came to Edith last
:" 1 may never see you again, Miss St.
LEDGER" he said quietly; but l saw his
hand tremble und his face quiver. Good
BY" And held my breath to hear her
response. 1t was low, and not audible
across the room.
Goodnight, Mr.. West. I trust we
shall meet again." and she gave him her
hand. And l alone knew the emotions of
those two hearts.
I did not retire with the household that
night, but waited in my room till almost
eleven. Then l stole softly down to the
hall, just as Edith St. Ledger, cloaked
and yelled, was gliding through the door,
l laid my hand on her arm.
Hush !" | said, as she started in ter