The Lincoln County herald., 1872-07-17
TOO LAYE!"
BY ]. E. BADGER, JR.

NV, s"u W MS owu oXertlOn had OBJ
tanned . superior education, his parents
dying while he was yet child. At the
time our story opsns, he vas occupying
the position Of book keeper iu an sxtso.
sivs dry goods establishment in Quincy.
Illinois. The head partner, Mr.. stone
was kind. though proud man, and
noting that Willis vas a very promising
young man, often invited him to his
house. While here, Willis met aud
formed an attachment with Ella, Mr..
Stsne's only child. Almost uncou-
seiously the two young people learned to
love each other, although that love had
never been expressed in words. Mrs.
Stone was cold, naughty woman, beau
tiiul, though chilling as an iceberg, and
dseming her husbands clerk as beneath
her notice, treated him accordingly.
Thus matters stood when our story
opens.
1t was the eve Of grand ball given by
Stone in honor Of his daughter. eigh-
teenth birthday. The two lovers were
stlnding in the conservatory, where they
had proceeded to escape from the heat
Of the crowded rooms.
"Then, dear Nlls, in spite of the dit
snce between US, you say you love me
You, the beautiful heiress, love me, the
penniless clerk in your fathers counting
house u spoke Herbert, in continuation
Of conversation, the substance of which
can be easily imagined by the reader
"Yes, Herbert. will say it. You may
deem me unmaidenly in doing so; | do
love, revere you! TO ms you are all that
is noble aud great. What do care for
riches ! have enough fer both!
only wish your love !" murmured the girl,
hiding her face upon the shoulder OF
Willis, who pressed her to his breast in
q transport Of joy.
MY love you have had ever since our
FIRST meetisg, although did not know
1t until lately. The thought Of having
to part from you soon, opened my eyes
and showed me how dear you we're to
my heart"
part from me? Oh, Herbert, mus,
you go? Why must we part? You say
you love me, aud know love you, oh,
how deeply Say you are jesting =
pleaded the mAidon looking into Willis
face with fearful eyes.
ELLA, | must n, and trust you will
say, God speed time Our country is i,
danger, aud needs the arms Of all hel
children. Would you have me stay
trembling at home while brave men or,
lighting for our home and honor p re-
proachfully uttered Willis.
But you are all | have to love, and
feel that some great trouble will com,
upon US, should you 20. feel that ",
will never meet again upon earth. Oh
Herbert, if you love nc. say you viii
not go!'
"EIla, darling, you know that I lov'
you, but | must 20. had hoped ere
this time 10 be in the field, but my love
for you has prevented. But come let u
return to tie ballroom or your mother
will miss US; you know that she doe
not like me and thinks you condsscen,
too much when you treat me kindly.
will tell your father Of our love in th'
morning and"
"You need not take the trouble, youn!
man, !" interrupted cold hard voice, and
a tall, stately form stood before them
II can give you his answer now. Ou
daughter shall never we'd poor upstar
clerk who has nothing but his pittifu
wages and q vast amount Of impudeno
to recommend him. Go, sir, and neve
darksn our door again with your pres
ence, or | shall have the servants trsa
you as you deserve! Leave, sir, thi
instant!" aud she augrily stamped be
foot.
Ella" whispered Willis, trust in NE
and all will come out right yet" and b.
pressed his lips to her pale brow.
"Will you leave, fellow, or shall cal
, tho servant p cried the enragsd lady.
, II will not trouble ysu 90 far. madau
Ella, remember, and good night I" and b
left the conservatory.
Ella, come with me" said her mother
They went into the house. and Mr.
Stone led the way to her room, wher
} after locking the door, she seated her
self.
"Child, have | not told you time an
time again, never to speak to that fs
low? He is not fit company for you.
"Theu why does father ask him her
: If he is so bad? Besides. l love him
sobbed Ella.
because he 10 an old-hs is 80 sasil
. imposed upon. A to your loving hin
| heard you tell him as much. But nov
| tell you, once for all. that you mus
not think 80 of hin. Pah love him, q
poor as q church mouse, while there ~
dozens Of wealthy men who would be onl
!. too glad of q smile from you! l hav
told you what to do, and if you fail I
o obey me, l shall know how to act" coldl
r answered her mother.
II will speak to father. he cares littl
$ for my feelings. if" and the girl burs
r int . 6t Of hystsrioal sobbiuss.
II shall tell him all, myself, and unit
I get his answer, 1 shall see that you d
not meet this Herber& Willis again, as h
!; calls himself You can stay here, snd