The Fremont weekly journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County, Ohio) 1867-1877, 1871-02-24

AOis A10 WAS uEUbelI 1AuUSOu6, Dub
superficial and selfish. / felt that,
though she might admire him for a
time, such woman as Alice Milford
could never be happy as his wife.
"hal, you are so fond of music,
you must hear Miss Alice sing"
Tom said directly.
He led her to the piano, and mo-
toned me to seat near her, and re-
turned to resume his conversation
with Mr.. Milford.
"Sing whatever you like best,
please" said, as she turned to ask
me as to my favorite. "My sister
used TO sing to me before she mar
ried; but of late l know but little of
home or home songs"
Softly she swept her white fingers
over the keys, and then broke into a
song full of feeling.
81 have heard you sing it before
Miss Milford" 1 said quito forget
ting myself, when she stopped.
"Ah p said she; and her face
flushed crimson.
"This is not the first time" went
on, 81 have seen you, though you do
not remember me. The house YOU
occupied last spring was opposite
my lodgings. l remember your face
well, and your songs cheered many
a lonely evening for mes
81 have seen you at your window"
she replied, half shyly, in a soft, low
voice, that made the blood quicken
in my pulses, though why l could
hardly tell.
"Sing something more, pleassp I
said directly.
She chose a simple ballad, a sad
one, and her voice seemed like the
wall of a broken heart. When she
had finished, she suddenly rose, and
SAID, "Are you fond of flowers? We
have some very fine ones in bloom
now; Tom," she added, "won't you
come into the conservatory"
Tom rose, giving her his arm as
he did so. Mr.. Milford and 1 fol-
followed.
"Alice, DEAR" said Tom, with an
uncalled for show of affection, "give
me flower. A rose, 1 like roses
best"
Alice broke some rose sprays has
tily. and presented them to him.
"You will not forget my friend, I"
he said, patronizingly.
She paused by a camelia, which
was crowned with rich white bios
SONS, and plucking one just opened
she tinnidly placed it in my hand.
1 understood her. She saw my
love for her, and pitied me. Ieould
not look up when ] thanked her.
Oh! could she but know what ]
knew--that the love ] would give
all l possessed to win was held so
cheap by Tom.
u am almost afraid l have offend
ed Papa Mi ford" said Tom, after
we left. "The old idiot has gone to
dabbling in shares, and it's plain to
be seen that he isn't up to it. 1t
won't take very long for him to lose
what he has. But I'll say no more
on the subject. Are you going
there again on Tuesday night.Y
They asked me, but / have not
yet decided"
Go by all MEANS" he answered
carelessly. "They seem to like you;
and old Milford don't take to every
one"
Tuesday evening found me at Mr..
Milford's. / had determined not to
go, but could not stay away. 1t was
not party, merely a friendly gath
ering, with music, dancing and
cheerful talk. 1t was exquisite
pleasure to be near Alice although
l knew she was lost to me, and that
l must crush out the love I felt for
her.
Come and see US often, said Mr..
Milford, as / was leaving; "come at
any and all times"
But l hesitated. I had noticed
that Alice had Stunned me all that
evening nor did she now join in this
invitation. stammered something,
and left resolving never to enter the
house again. Tom was my friend;
at least, owed my introduction TO
him; and I would not be traitor,
to him, even if / could. Never to
see Alice again was the honorable
course.
Three weeks after l met Tom in
the street.
"Well, old Milford has done it at
lastr' he said, stopping me. Lost
every shilling, just as l knew he
would! That sudden panic yester
day did it.
'And Alice" I cried breath
lessly.
"Oh, Alice has just written me a
note asking to be released from the
engagement on account of her ia
theirs failure. Which 1 did, Of
course" he continued with laugh.
"The heartless scoundrel," l NUT
tered between my teeth as / turned
on my heel and abruptly left him.
An hour afterward, was at Mr..
Milford's. The old gentleman
clasped my hand eagerly.
"My dear boy, do you know"
he began.
81 know ALL" I cried, interruptipg
him; and I came to see if I could
help YOU
NO, I have something left and
even if I had not, l am not so
very old but l Iconld work for Alice"
And Alice-Miss Milford-hoW
does she bear itY' stammered.
Like a heroine. But she has had
more than this to bear"
Il know it. The villain! May l
Il wonder would it be asking too
much," I stammered out, desperate
". ''if l might see her~
"Of course, my dear boy" he said
with some surprise, "She is in the
conservatory"
few to her side, She was sit