South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1873-09-26
DO you care to have me come, LILY p

an IoFeu her, and she wanted him TO see
her in the midst of her friends
Whether she loved him was question
he Gid not dare TO ask, for Rupert Neil's
smile, just then, iniruded itself into bis me
mory, aud he turned away with clcuded
brow.
Only once he went TO visit her in her
studio. L, was pleasant room, hung with
tno pictures, some Of which l. han Ward
jealousy recognized as Mr.. Neirs produc-
tions.
There were two or three of Lily's own,
hung in charming half-ligbt; and on the
easel before her was ii sketch, in lumber, of
the old Homestead
When Ethan saw that, his lips trembled
and he babe her an abrupt good-by.
She was surrounded by her friends, and
so could not binder bis departure and
that was the reason he went home without
hearing the happy secret Lily had TO i'm
part.
letters came to the old home, every
week, as Lily had promised, but they did
not contain much about her new life.
And so the year drtted away, and gold
en- September. days had fallen on the earth
again.
1t was chilly that night, and Ethan
Ward and his mother had drawn up their
chairs to the hearth, where cheerful fire
was burning, aud were brisky talking.
There was a shadow on Ethan Wards
brow, and his eyes rested sorrowfully on his
mothers face.
She Lad been thinking Of Lily who was
soon coming home, but, looking up, she
surprised the sad look on his face.
what troubles you, Ethan {?
q am troubled for you, dear mother
You know | have only been able to raise
half the money on the mortgage due to.
morrow, and old Styles declined to take il.
What did he say about it 2
'Wcll, be said | had better wait until
had it all but fear he intends to get us
OUT
Ethan lost her reply, for there was a
noise of carriage wheels outside, and, be-
fore either of them could stir, Lily was in
the room, kneeling at Mrs. Wards feet,
her eyes and her checks shining with some
toward delight which they could not COM
probend.
'Unless she is going to be married, Eth
an thought, aud his heart began to beat
fast and hard.
The first words he understood were
these:
And, so, dear mother, have paid off
the mortgage, and the house is yours
But, Lily, he began, hastily, Il will no,
take this from yOu
Il don't ask you to take it, she said, her
voice fal'ering IN its joyfulness, Il gave it
to mother I!
Il will take it, my LILY, for know it
plcases your kind heart to give it, says
Mrs Ward 'aud now you must sit down
and rest. Bat what is in that big square
buudleY'
That is my wedding. dress she said her
eyes downcast, and her cheeks the hue of
red rose. DON'T 60, Ethan = she said
pleadiDgly, as she saw him move back his
chair
His face was dcathly pale, but he obeyei
her Wish, and sat down again.
And Lily unfastened the folds Of snowy
muslin aud shook out the soft ribbons,
and Mrs. Ward thought it a marvel Of
beauty.
Il made it every stitch, myself, said
Lily, putting her little head on one side
to look at it egoin. 'But, there ia one
thing in the way she continued, glancing
up at Etban's white face Il want TO be
married, but have not found my bride.
groom yet
And the little head went down in Mrs.
Wards lap.
Ethan sprung 10 her side.
Lily he cried, do you mean it Are.
at you goiog to marry Mr. Neil?
'Mr. Neil was married LAST night she
said, 60 lady to whom he has been en-
gagged for years, and was first brides
maid
And you will be my own little wife,
LILY =
Lily looked up shyly, and then nestled
Der bright head on bis shoulder.
That is what | came home for she
said, softly
sz----.