The Van Buren press., 1872-04-02

hear all about him. 1t is not likely he
IS at home.
"where are you alp asked Madgc
as she entered ;he library.
Come out in the dining an
swered Helen.
Laughinglv Madgc opened the door,
and there. face to face, met Clarence I'D
wards. For moment his heart stood
still, as she gazed on the face that had
become so manly and intellectual look
ing. Then she held out her hand with
the same freedom as Of old, IL am glad
to meet you again.
He took her hand, and for an instant
bis self possession vanished; flood OF
crimson swept over his face but he grew
calm again and answered her back again
in the same easy tone, then excused him
self, and left the room,
Madge fingered, trusting he would re-
turn again, but he did not, and she went
home She had thought she cared moth
ing for Clarence, that the past had been
but foolish dream. and she loved Will
Der Way land, but at sight Of that face
old memories were awakened, anew feei-
ing swept over her heart, and she knew
from that hour she loved Clarence Ed
wards with love deeper than she could
ever give to another She felt troubled
Did he still love herp Had her treat
ment of him crushed all such feeling
She was afraid so.
A few days passed and then he called,
4 lsl.o L.. ,,1 ,,nl1a h, u ~.
compared to the one she bad given him
UP for. She wonld have given a world,
had she possessed it, to have the power
to be as dear to him as she had once
been
He came to see her often during that
long summer, was kind and friendly to
her, but never loving, Oh how her
heart ached, how she longed for a tender
word Surely she must have been mad
TO east such man aside
Whatever faults Madge may have had,
she was at least true, and she knew she
was doing WILDER Wayland an injury by
feeling that way, so she told him all, say
ing she would be his friend, but ANYTHING
dearcr never. Now. WILDER Wayland
hated Clarence ms truly as ever did man,
but he was too well bred to give vent to
the fierce anger and the thirst for revenge
that filed his heart, and Madge was spar
ed Of the remurse she might have felt by
the cool, Indifferent letter she received
in return
She did not tell Clarence what she had
done for fear he did not love her, and
would think her bold. rs well rs trying
to crave his favor by such confession
so she bore her cross alone, striving
faithfully to do her duty. trusting that
in the end all would be WE'LL but it was q
fearful struggle to see him night after
night go away, and know that q deep
dark shadow lay between them, that only
few words could remove.
Clarence is going back to Califor-
MIA, said Helen to Madga one day.
"What for p
He is not satisfied here
81 am so sorry, for it seems so like
old times to have him here. He is not
going soon, is he y
mo, not until autumn. You see he
will he here long enough to attend your
wedding"
IL am not going to marry at all,
Helen
Don't talk to me that, Madgc, for |
know better,
"Indeed, it's the truth. / broke my
engagement with WiIber shortly after
Clarence returned home
"What did you do it for?'
"Oh had many reasons. One was
| had cause to lose all confidence in Viii
bcr and you understand my nature well
enough to know that could never mar
ry, nor even love, man | had no faith
in
"What did he do, Madge? Can you
not tell me p
mo. Helen; it would be a breach of
confidence i'll did
And do you love Clarence
"Don't ask me, Helen
"Oh, Madge and then the two fell
into each others arms. AMI cried and
laughed like two great silly girls that
they were
Clarence, Clarence, have something
to tell you!' said Helen that night, as
she rushed into her brothers room.
"Well. what is it;
"Promise you will tell me, first every
thing she says?'
Everything who says 2"
"Why, Madge. She has broken her
engagement with Wilber long ago, and |
am not certain, but | think she loves
you"
Don't YOU understand p asked she,
as he looked ut her with eyes wide open
with astonishment.
"Well, think ought to, said he.
And she laughed merrly as she saw
him snatch up his hat and hurry out of
the room.
Madge was still sitting where Helen
had left her So busy were her thoughts
with the past that she did not hear the
well known steps beside her until het
hands were clasped in one of his own,
while the other lifted the tear s.ained
face.
"Can | nattcr myself, deaI Madgc,
that you have broken your engagement
with Wilber on my accountf'
She did not answer. but the blue eyes
fill before his earnest gaze. while a wave
of shame swept over her face.
"Oh, Madge. do you love me y
81 do. " was the softly whispered re-
ply
And then Clarence Edwards gathered
4 L IL, 4