The interior journal. [volume] (Stanford, Ky.) 1872-1881, 1873-08-01
mr. presence would render me happy.

ana thlstles. would You willingly be
come one likewise, aud abide with m,
there 80 long as we both should live {
Honestly, would youi"
"Miss Bright, you ask me this. Yor
know not with whom youjost or what yor
cast away. Proud is the blood that flow
through these veins. and when once in
suited never forgives. hye lands ant
money. My Wealth should have been
lavishcd on you, but henceforth we ar,
Strangers"
ooh, sad, sorrowfnl, terrible, terrific, =
murmured she with mock gravity, a,
he turned away.
She then sat down on an oaken scat,
within the arbor, and sang with vivacity
in clear, sweet tones; an old Scotch dit.
ty.
Abr Edna Bright, you are an oddly,
it is true, but n genuine pearl. You did
not sell yourself for gold. You knew
him who offered it to be unfeeling and
selfish, and you sing as merrily over lost
thousands as If you had accepted them.
Truly, the nightingale is the sweetest
Of singers" said voice at her elbow.
She looked up to meet the calm, grey
eyes Of Maurice Cassell.
That was only the beginning of my
song" answered she, "but as compli-
ments are generally reserved until one has
finished, infer that it is your pleasure
that cease"
Certainly il was rude in me to inter
rupt you, and | should get no more than
justice were | half drowned once week
for my numerous blunders. Miss
Bright" he continued in a graver tone,
81 wish to see youa alone this evening the
sound of your voice led me to the arbor,
and | am here to tell you that love you
more than any living creature-morc
than life itself Can you trust your fu-
ture to my kesping?'
For the first time in her life Edna
Bright knew not what to say. The first
man she had ever loved had asked her to
be his wife. She gazed mutely on the
deep earnest face of Maurice Cassell and
he saw that tear-drop glittered in either
of the great brown eyes. Precious tears
they were, for they told him more elo-
quently than words that he loved not IN
vain.
Thus were those two spirits, the laugh
ing maiden and the grave man, betroth-
ed, with no witness save the roses which
climbed over the arbor.
Maurice Cassell had feared Henry
Vane as a rival. His wealth and hand
some face, he thought, would plead
strongly in his favor; while he had bu:
bis PROFESSIONALISM of law-and a per-
suasive tongue.
From q rustic seat under tho elm, he
had Just seen him in earnest conversation
with Edna, noticed that he turned away alb
-uptly, aud that she completed the dra-
ma with q song to play the part Of in,
liaercnee.
He saw the fate of poor Vane, and
rushed as if driven by an irresistible
power to know his own also.
Edna met Henry Vane at breakfast,
and to his surprise she bowed and
smiled more brightly, if possible, than
usual, She was certainly more charm
ing than he had ever seen her. Yet he
,luld endure no more than a glance at
her lovely face now, for hideous, great
monster gnawed at his heart so vigorous
y that cloud seemed to be resting on
he very sigh; of his eyes.
Miss Bright, may see you at ten
o'clock this morning in the parlorY"
lsked he, rising from the table.
Certainly, Nh. Vane."
She found him waiting at the appoint /
d time.
81 was rather hasty yesterday even
ng," said he, offering her Il chair, chow
,vor, not so without proyocation. | de-
Jared my love and you talked to me of
ightning-bugs just think of i'll That
vas indiiIerence-rudeness. But | am
ure that you will repent, and forgive
you. Only love me and you'll be the
ichest lady in"
"But | must tell YOU"
"Tell me nothing now. l will meet
'ou in this room one week from tonight.
You viii then give me an answer which,
Ifter your deliberation, l am confident,
will be favorable"
"Very well, nodded she, and thus
hey parted.
After the unexpected rebuff given him
~ Ednathe previous evening, he retired to
lis room and sat by the open window,
hat the night breeze might cool his hea-
ed temples The old Scotch air tantal-
i'm almost 10 distraction. How dare
he sing, when she knew that the sound
4 every note was waited to his ears
certainly. her assurance was unparalleled!
"But she will be mine.' soliloquized
e. "Her beauty shall adorn my house
nd cause men to envy Inc, Her wit
hall entertain my guests. / will pass
er by unnoticed for week, then give
er chance to ask for pardon. She
hall rue IT,"
But 10! he awakes from his revery.-