Helena weekly herald. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1867-1900, 1872-02-15


could only thank my friend in need warmly,
and accept the proffered greenback.
After this, it was of course impossible not
| to talk with him. and discovering that we had
many mutual friends, my first shyness for
want of regular introduction soon wore
away, and we were soon conversing like old
acquaintances Sitting near each other, as
we did in the cars, l not only made out what
he said by tho motion of his handsome, clear
cut lips, but also heard, almost always. his
pleasant toned voice. Once in the station of
New York, however, could only depend on
my eyes to tell his words. Twice it happened
that did not quite catch his meaning, and at
last, when q hack-driver spoke to him and
he appealed to me, had to ASK
"What does he say?"
saw the surprised look on Mr.. Chester's
face as he answered. and as l took his arm to
go to the carriage, l said -
You thought me stupid just now; but to
tell you the truth, | am quite deaf
Really, us made the avowal, felt more
regret and pain from my misfortune than
ever before in my life.
'1ndced!" he exclaimed, loud enough for
me to he0r him. II should never have
guessed it."
"No, dare say not; but it is the unfortu-
nate truth. There-I am very much obliged
to you for your kindness. Good-by"
| went off to my day of shopping with
strangely mixed feelings the handsome eve
of Paul Chester haunting me every moment so
entirely, that it was only a half expected en-
bodiment of my thoughts to see him waiting
for me at the depot.
81 am going with you to Rushtown," he
said, "if you will allow it. l have a couple
OF days holiday, and think l should like to
| spend them near yOu"
blushed at the words. This, then, must
be real, honest admiration for me, since he
could not yet know that was an heiress and
full of this thought, the journey was like
ride through fairyland.
This was but the beginning of Mr.. Chesters
devotion to me. He spent the two days in
Rushton, and was much at our house, as my
parents were grateful to him for his kindness
to me. They liked him too, and as he was
| in every way uneXceptionab1e, there was no
| objection to his very pointed attentions
But as soon as l had returned to my old
home, and knew that he must have heard
that was wealthy, the old demon of distrust
took possession OF me. dared not believe it
was real, honest love that looked out of Paul
Chester's eyes; yet to suppose him seeking
me only for my fortune, seemed an insult to
him; so l vacilated miserably between hope
and fear, until the ever memorable day of the
picnic.
1t was a lovely August day; Paul was
| spending some weeks in RushtOn, as the
courts were adjourned, and his law business
at present dull 1t was just after the merry
| dinner was over, and l, standing a little apart
| from the rest; saw him approach my intimate
| friend, sweet Julia Robertson.
"You look melancholy" l saw her say to
him as he approached her; ''what is the
| matter?"
"Ah, Miss julia" he answered, as he flung
himself down beside her ON the grass, agnes
drives me wild. Sometimes she is seemingly
so glad to see me, that am almost ready to
avow my love; then again, she treats me so
coldly, that am in despair"
| crouched lower in the shadow, and, shall
| confess it? watched them eagerly, breath
leSslv
''Shc is haunted with fear that because
she is deaf, no one will really love her." said
Julia.
''Is that it? But l think she is the most
fascinating woman | ever saw"
"She is very lovely; but she is very rich,
you know, and it is her constant terror that
she may be wooed for her wealth only"
Paul blushed crimson.
She could not suspect me of that am
not so rich as she is, but have enough to
place me above such suspicion"
felt like tiinging myself on my knees be-
fore the young man who had thus outraged.
but at this moment there was a stir in the
party, and Julia sprang up. There was a
moment of confusion which could not un-
derstand, and then Paul was mt my side.
''1t is laundering" he said; 'it is going to
rain. Quick! we must hurry to some shelter
But even as he spoke, the fury broke forth
great drops of rain came down through the
swaying branches, the lightning flashed al
most continually. and the thunder, swelling
up from hoarse roar, burst forth in one
terrific crash that seemed to tear the heavens
open, and reverberate along the frightened
earth.
At that moment my senses failed me-
knew nothing more, until slowly | came to
myself in what seemed thick darkness. Strong
arms were around me, a warm breath famed
my cheek, and l heard-yes, hedrd-a low
voice uttcring sweet words of love.
Agnes, my darling, my pretty one, my
lOve!'-and then an audaciOuS kiss was pres
sed upon my lips.
AT this | reused myself
''Whcrc am Il" asked, fcebly.
Under some thick pine trees, that will
keep the rain off for awhile, answered Paul.
in what seemed to be fearfuy loud voice |
You tainted, and | brought you here, as the !
storm seems abating."
Don't speak quite so loud" said. "And |
how can yOu think the storm ahating, when
the rain is making such Il noise?'
why, it is only faint dip nOw," he |
answered, astonisbed Can you hear it,"
Yes | answered, in an ecstasy of de-
light. II can hear the branches sway, and
the wind fall. o, Paul! | can hear any
thing
''Then perhaps you can hear me say that |
love you, he said, once again clasping me in
his arms.