The Huntington argus. [volume] (Huntington, W. Va.) 1872-1905, 1872-06-01

year and half elapsed and 1t was RI.
mored abroad that Ruth was engaged to a
certain Nicomte, who had long lowered
near her, aud whose inlatuation with the
charming foreigner was plainly VISIBLE to
all. The Nicomte belonged to an old and
illustrious family, and Squire Halliday
flattered himself that all his pride and am.
bilious hopes for his daughter were about
to be realized
just about this time n foreign letter
reached the hotel where the Hallidays
were stopping directed TO Miss Ruth. 1t
chancei to Ice handed TO her father, and he
Immediately recognizing the handwriting
Of Albert Britain opened and read the let
ter.
Probably his long sojourn in France had
gwen him more extended view Of parental
authority than would have been commend
ell in his own land. BE that a. it NAV. he
resolved that this letter should not inter-
lere with the brilliant marriage in pros
pect for Ruth
Albert letter was q tender message OF
love aud remembrance, aud not only spoke
ofuueNpected success which he had achiev-
ed, but also dwelt upon the prospects OF
his speedy return to claim Ruth for his
own.
How would poor Ruth have wept and
rejuiccd over mat letter. But she never
saw it. Her father enclosed it in cold
formal note OF his own, which stated that
his daughter had rclinquished all thought
Of a union with one 80 tar beneath her
and that she was about TO become the
bride Of another And this letter also re.
questei that all further communication
should cease
The letter reached lie destination. ani
accomplished it, cruel work When Albert
read those few briei lines, instead Of the
heartfull message lac had awaited from
Ruth, he felt M though he had been robb.
Ell OF all he was worth living for Here
signed all hope. all ambition; he struggled
no more for his aim was lost forever The
success which he had now and which was
30 full of golden promise. slipped suddenly
away, for HE neryeless fingers lOosed their
grasp
A long period Of mental torture finally
merged into a severe illness, which nearly
proved fatal
Meantime Ruth waited The Vicomte
bad gained her fathers consent 10 plead
her suit, but when be laid bis name and
future at her feet, he was calmly rejected
Squire Halliday was overcome with
vexati1n and disappointment. the Vicente
with chagrin. ln vain the squire reasoned
with his wiiiul daughter-ior once she was
firm enough 10 resist bis will
Another year slipped away-which was
passed 10y Ruth and her father chiefly be-
tween Rome and Florence-for after her
refusal 20 wed the Nic0mte. Ruth bad no
longer any heart for the tnvolities % Par
Is snd then Albert's strange silence threw
damper ou all her pleasures While sho
could hear from him she had been happy.
but now that no letters came DAY alter day.
she tortured herself with vain question.
in-s as 10 why be dd not write, or wins be
dii not come How could be 20 negIoct
her. who hal been so true 20 him?
Yet all this while Ruth never doubted
her lovers faithlu'uess The truth Of her
own heart was evidence enough 10 Der Of
Alberts truth also.
She did not doubt him. bat she feared
that something had happened 10 him
that I've was ll, or, perhaps. dead.
All. could she but have known the truth
known how that that faithful, manly
heart stiil cherished the thought OF her,
amid al it, bitterness
Many lime. wheu Albert lay upon bic
sick couch. had be in bic delinum wildly
called upon her name. Aud many time
had Ruth started from her sleep, a. tho