Knoxville weekly chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1875, 1873-12-17
LEONE'S ROMANCE.
TCoNCLUDED.1


nursing, he informed Leone, who had
been untiring in her devoted care of him,
name was Clarence Ainsle-was an Eng
lishman, who nearly a year before had
come to America, and purchasing a few
acres OF. land in the. West made it his
home
He also stated that business had called
him to New York, and that while enjoy
ing horseback ride he had been suddenly
fred npon, was thrown to the ground, and
had an indistlnct remembrance that some
one was robbing him, for his watch, pock-
ct book, and all valuables he had about
him were gone.
That Clarence Ainslie was no ordinary
NAN Leone Lightfoot knew when she first
saw him lying by the roadside, but that he
would ever possess the power to control
her life she had not believed.
But so it was, for each day proved to her
that she had met her beau ideal; and vet
was he for her? Might he not already
be married?
The thought chilled her very heart; and
yet, when she saw the dark fascinating
eyes turned upon her with admiration, and
read-or hoped she did-therein deeper,
holier feeling, Leone felt happy, and long
ed TO be very slave, and become mere
automaton to the caprice of Clarence Aims
lie.
Now, Arthur Lightfoot and his pretty
wife looked upon the matter in q different
light, for, though hospitablein the extreme
70 the stranger guest, they looked upon
him as a poor English emigrant, petty
Western farmer, and did not like the idea
That he should wholly control the heart of
Leone, for they were not blind to her de-
ton TO the wounded stranger.
Still they could but admire the courteous
manner OF their stranger guest, when, af-
ter six weeks, he sufficiently recovered to
Join them in the parlor and at dinner.
That he had been reared a gentleman
was evident, and that he had travelled and
seen something of the world was also evil
dent, as was that Mr.. and Mrs. Lightfoot
had neves seen a handsomer man, thew
were compelled to admit but that Leone,
the belle, the heiress, and most lovely wo-
man of the day, should live an unknown
and poor Englishman-bah the thought
even was ridiculous.
When the trunk of Clarence Ainslie ar
rived, for he had sent for il as soon as he
was able te speak, Mrs. Lightfoot paced
around it for half an hour in the vain en-
deayor to find something plebeian about
II; but the trunk was a good on, English
make, and bore on it simply the letters
&C. A, England"
With disappointed look the inquisitive
little woman ordered it sent to the sick
mans room, and sought her chamber.
Arthur, Leone really loves that wound
ed man, and what will come of it all ?n
at is Leone's romance, little wife she
will recover from it few tears at part
ing; hard riding for her poor horse; few
sentimental songs, and all will be over.u
But, Arthur, suppose it should not be
suppose he should love her; for you know
he's poor and she's rich-what them
well, he can not have her, that's ALL"
And Arthur Lightfoot went out for
drive.
At length the hour come for Clarence
Ainslie to depart, for no longer could he
impose upon the kindness of his host and
hostess, and, determined TO leave that
evening, he asked to see Leone alone.
With pale face but quiet manner, the
young girl entered the room, and stepping
forward Clarence Ainsile said, feelingly:
Miss Lightfoot, no longer can impose
upon your kindness, and tonight L leave
you. Shall it be forever?n
No answer came, and the Englishman
continued:
ITO you I owe my life, and to you /
would dedicate the years that remain. 1
am unknown to you-a stranger in a strange
land-and you have but my word for it
that l offer you love that never was Of
fered to woman before, a hand and heart
that has never sinned Intentionally against
a fellow-being. VIII you accept what 1
have to offer ~
II will.n
on VIII trust me take me Is / am,
and become my wife ?n
II will
No other word was spoken, but two
hearts were perfectly happy.
OF course, Arthur LightfOOt and his wife
objected and decidedly refused, but Leone
was determined. It was no romance with
her, and when she fatty told them she
would marry Clarence without their con-
sent they made a virtue of necessity and
il, cOnsOling themselves with the thought
that, after all, his being stranger aud a
poor man was really the only faults that
they could find in him.
At the request Of the parties most inter
ested it was quiet wedding, Just six
months after the meeting of the lovers and
DR.. Wells and Farmer Jessop's family were
only invited and TO this day the good old
lady has not ceased to gossip about the
magnificent trousseau the bride had, and
the quiet happiness that shone in the eyes
Of the young cuple.
IL had been decided that the bridal tour
should he TO Europe, as Clarence Ainslie
said that business would call him there
soon, and Mr.. and Mrs. Iightfoot had
been persuaded TO accompany them so
the day after the wedding the New York
steamer bore happy quartet from the
land # free America.
arriving safely in England, few days
were passed quietly at the hotel, and
then. by an Invitation from Clarence
Ainslie. the party started out 10 visit the
spot where he had passed his boyhood's
days.