Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1871-06-30
CHAP. III.

CHAP. III.
care you at leisure, Alice F? [ want to
have some serious talk this evening"
ssSerious talk, John p the fair girl re-
peated, with wistfully interrogative glance
at the grave, dark face which she had learn
ed to read SO well. 81 s.g n arssarts
eyes," was his brief answer, spoken
very low and hurriedly, as if he could not
trust himself to say more. ael
The girls wistful look changed to an ex-
preston Of anxiety as she said
s'Miss Sarah goes to bed early tonight.
I shall only have to take up her a glass of
negus and read prayers, then my time will
be my own; but if Iask leave she will let
Thompson take my place. She is so con-
siderate and kind. Stay here, and l will
60 to her. 81 seR ss f
John had not waited more than few
minutes. when Alice fitted back to his side,
ready dressed for walk He looked ten
derby down at the slight figure, and the fair,
pure face which found such an appropriate
frame in the dainty straw bonnet, tied under
her dimpled chin with its simple white rib
bon. She looked such sweet, lovable
thing with the pretty childish droop in her
shy, brown eyes, and the halfconscious
blush tinting her cheek, as though she felt
all the yearning love that was finding ex-
preston in his earnest gaze. He could have
gathered her to his heart in one passionate
embrace, and kissed every bright ripple Of
the sunny hair that fell over her white
brow But he did neither, only drew her
arm silently within his, and asked briefly
"Where shall we walk p
sUnder the trees round che square, or
anywhere that suits you John.'
So they passed together through the wide
entrance-hall, where their footsteps fell so
noiselessl y, and it seemed qnitc natural to
| drop their voices, for ever the sunlight
seemed to come there subdued, as if to suit
the air Of grave quiet which pervaded that
region Of solemn responsibility
A few minutes more, and two quiet fig
ures were pacing round the square, which
at that hour was nearly deserted. It look.
ed so refreshingly green, that still retreat
in the heart of the great city, with the wan
ing sunlight filtering through the branches
1of the trees and weaving golden network or
the pavement at their feet. But Johr
Lynch walked on with blind eyes, talking
earnestly with one tiny hand gathered il
his clasp, and held as though he meant tt
keep it there forever Few could hav
guessed that he was nerving himself for
sacrifice. To give up, by his own volunta
ny act, the only bit of sunshine that ha,
ever frightened his gray, colorless life. Fl
had that day paid over the first installmen
Of the debt to his fathers friend and credi
tor, Daniel Read little hoard, Of whic
every coin was silent register of heroi
self denial.
81 did not expect to hear this from you
John Lynch, that you could bear to Civ
me up, and divide our lives in the years t
come" f
1t was Alice who spoke with tremor i
her gentle voice, and a grieved, childis
culver about her lips They had come t
sudden halt under the trees, and tn
young girl was leaning against the railin
for support. They had not noticed til
4 movements Of an elderly gentleman With
4 the enclosure. pacing slowly up and dow
the walks, and keeping those two in sight
in manner which might have excited SUI
| picion that he was watching them. Fl
stopped wheu they stopped, and his hea
bent forward as if absorbed in the conten
plation Of tho fower-bcrders, yet still nea
enough to hear scraps of their talk, if it ha
pleased him to listen. But, with the natu
raj egotism of their species, the lovers OF
| ,,otb;,o~ b,,t ooob otbo,
"Divide our lives, Alice it is possibl
that you can mistake my meaning p
John Lynch spoke with ring of an
guish in>his voice he was deeply moved
and showed it more that was in wont. Th
strong mans heart was wrung and quive,
ing in its finest fbres. a59r 4as 40
mo, I will not believe that you ca
doubt me you, whom I love more than
can tell; for am not a great talker, as yo
know" He went on, speaking rapidly
and crushing back with strong effort tn
feeling that would have choked his words
if he he'd let it have its way.
j stAlice, have told you all you kno1
my promise to the dead, and the purpose t.
which my life must be given, until Johl
Lynch's debt is paid. You know, also
that l am poor man, and the money mus
be coined out of my own labor. Work
! save-as l will, it may take months, per
haps years, before it can be done. Know
ing this, can I with honor take you from
your present home Of luxury, and bind you
lot to mine, with all its hard chances, I'm
certainties, and struggles-my little girl
whom I would shield, even at the cost o
my life Here bis voice broke into sud
den tenderness.
''Can you not see that it is my love which
makes me shrink from making you sacri
fee (? You were not born to walk in rough
places will it not be better for your happi
ness to release you from VOWS that I have
no right to claim now p ag
"Hush, John you have a right thai
cannot be taken from you.'' She was look
| ing up to him, with her brown eyes glisten
ing, and her cheeks flushed with bright col