, 1873-10-27

$50, Lucy, this Is the end oft all -
The speaker was tall, broad-shoul-
dered, athletic young man. He WAS
not exactly handsome, as the term goes,
but the clear eye, square chin and firm
lips, indicated integrity Of character,
while the general ffankness of couiten-
anee showed that true beauty which
springs from a great honest heart. He
was a well-to-do farmer, possessing one
Of the best farms In Lawrence county,
besides a snug sum In the Trust Bank.
such, briefly, was John AiEsley.
Years ago, when Judge Thornton first
CAME to live at Fairfield, John had met
and fallen in love with Lucy Thornton.
They were both young then, and sfhey
will outgrow it, " the Judge had said.
But, as time passed, Johns love grew
stronger, though his natural timidity
prevented him from avowingit. When
they were together be would talk on
every subject save that nearest to his
heart. but this could not always last,
and at last lie was aroused to speak.
This was the cause -
A young man had recently arrived at
Fairfield, who signed himself ON the
hotel register rs Paul Raymond. He
appeared to have plenty of money, was
handsome, fascinating In conversation,
and sstoOkv imnensly with the voupg
ladies. But, after being introduced to
Lucy Thornton, lie singled her out
from all Others, and devoted himself to
her entirely. he could play the piano,
sing and quote pOetry-all that sort Of
thing, you know, which naturally
make an impression on young girls
mind. John Ainsley witnessed all this
with sad heart; and so, to set all
doubts at nest, he went to see Lucy one
evening, and asked 10 be his wife. She
refused him. He passed his hand
across his brow, like one stunned by a
severe blow, and then said slowly
$50, Lucy, this the end of it all )"
"Yes, John, it Is better so, " she said;
and then added, hurriedly, '.you know
you have always been like brother to
me and am not worthy"
stop, Lucy, he interrupted, ~you
are worthy the Iowa = any man. But. .
and he looked at her steadily, sswhy do
you cast me OFF, Do not be afraid 10
speal Is it for Paul Raymond"
"Yes, John, he has asked me to mar
ry him. .- -t.--
.'And be Is your choiee. since i Is
not me, Lucy, l wish 1t had been
another, I say it honestly, not from
Jealousy for l do not think he viii
make you the husband you ought to
have. He has never done wrong, that
| knowNof; but think, / feel that uh-
happiness viii some day come to you
through him ="
"You may be right, and do not
blame you for speaking out your mind.
But John, you will Be not angry with
me we win always b friends. won t
weY " 1tN
Yes, Lucy, always friends. / did
think it would be more than this but.
as you say, maybe 1t Is better so. 1t
win be little hard at first, but please
God, shall bear it. Do not look so
sad, dear, you are not to blame. You
followed the lead Of your heart not
your head. II will matter little when /
am gone +"
'-sone ? o John you are not going
away " and tears came to the blue
eyes.
'sYou must not cry, Lucy, you be-
long to another. Yes be went on,
looking out into the deepening twilight,
''lt viii be better for me 70 20. could
not stay here and see you Paul Ray
mond's wife, And after all, dear, per-
haps you win have chosen right. lam
but great. awkward fellow, with none
Of Paul's fine ways, and not in any way
fit for you. 30 viii 20 away and try
10 forget it all -
20 John, am sorry could not give
YOU the love you asked. But there are
plenty Of better women than in the
world, and you VIII be happy yet.r
"Ay, Lncy, the world IS wide, and
has many fair women but an honest
heart has room for only one true
love. We al have our idols, and you
were mine. But the idol had no
response Tor me, and now know that
1 built my hopes upon the sand. It IA
past now, and only the pain In my
heart reminds me Of what / had hoped.
So will 60 away, and II never come
back, think kindly sometimes OF me IS a
friend"
And win you never come back,
JonnS" said Lucy, with trembling
/ lips.
Never is a long time, Lucy said
John, gravely, But II you are ever
In trouble. write 10 me andI will come.
! I hear there 4 much 10 be made In