Delaware Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1843-1874, 1873-07-21
For The Deidvdre Republican.
LAura's Promise, or Loves
Reward.

-> ~ 49, ~
Raise the curtain, please Laura is not Il
whole earth lovely, tut the world 10 which
am gong Is lovelier still.
o! Mother, mother, cried the young girl spols
en- to, don't mention death, il is too dreadful
What could do without you? Father will no
care for me when you are gone.
'My poor child don't speak 50, you hurt me.
Forgive me mother darling said Laura
kneelng before her mothers chair, but | cant
bear TO think of your leaving me so soon and sh,
covered her face with her hanls and sobbet
bitterly.
Mrs. Doyle was Il victim TO consumption All,
knew from her symptoms tba: death could no
be far of, yet she ciung 10 life not because she
feared death but for her daughters sake, ther
beautiful girl of nineteen summers.
She had tenderly loved her husband but Ee
after a few years of welded life became cold in
his manner TO her, not but that he loved her,
but he could not understand why she so per-
sistently attended church aud took 50 much in
terest in good works; he was worldly minded,
and possessing wealth wished to have his wife
stand highest among the gay and fashionable
world.
For some time Laura continued to sob heart
brokenly; then her mother lifting her head ten
desly, said, Laura, darling, it is sinful thus tc
give way to your grief, hoped you were one OF
Gods children
4 hoped so to mother, but o, it is 80 dreadful
to think of being left alone in the world, cant
help it,.
Listen, my daughter, | wish you TO prom
ise me one thing before die
'Wlilt is it mother?
That you Will never marry a mai " hO IS mol
a christian
For u Uinent Laura hestated for h thought
OF young Hart whom she loved and who but
a short time before had told her the old story
ever new toyouthful hearts.
'Will you promise Laura''
Yes, mother, promise
Then am content
One week after this conversation Laura
Doyle was motlcrless. how lonely and des-
over 10 her home, which somehow did no seem
like home now that her mother was gone.
Six months after her mothers death Arthur
Hart pressed his suit and asked her TO be his
wife.
He was not little surprised and hurt at her
refusal.
Laura you cannot mean it,
Yes promised my mother nerer TO marry a
man who was hot good christian and necer
will
'rhen you do not love me"
You know that do love you, that is just why
cannot consent 10 run tue risk of losing your
love after We are married. You love the
world too well even 10 be willing that your wife
should not b. one of this fashionable, woi Idly
set. No, no, Arthur, will not consent to be-
come your wife unless your heart is changed.
love YOU with all my hearrbu for all this say
TO you seek wife who will better suit your
present mind
Laura how can you be so cruel, | will do
anything for you, but this cannot do
Then farewell, forget me as anything more
than a friend. That shall always be and my
prayers will follow you.'
Thus they parted, both sad each loving the
other better than everbefore.
Laura now felt that she had chosen her own
lot and resolved not 10 murmer.
For two years she lived with her father, but
at the end Of this time he married and she feel
ing that ii never could be home to her again
got permission of her father to seek home
elsewhere.
The home she found was in a seminary where
she worked faithfully four years. During all
Of this time she had not seen Arthur; she sup
posed him either dead or married.
He had gone away to the old wor Id the day
after she refused him without one word of fare
well 70 her whosevery life was as it were bound
up in him.
About the time of which we spoke Laura took
sick. Many friends were interested in her,
for her four years work had won many hearts
TO love the gentle quiet music teacher.
The doctor advised change of air and in
short time She started for Italy under the care
OF Mrs. Luthirs wealthy lady resident OF
the town in Which she had been teaching.
For the first few days she was unable to leave
her room, but after that the ocean air seemed
Just the tonic sh0 needed. Before she arrived at
her destination she was so much better tha
Mrs. Luhiers declared she was roster than her.
self.
One day after their arrival in Italy while en-
joying the scenery .. a lohg walk, Laura wa,
surprised at meeting Arthur Hart.
1t WAS very painful meeting on both sides
| for neither having heard from the other thougl
| Arthur left no means untried, each supposed
| the other married.
Laura was the first 10 speak but 1t was mere
| iy passing sautation, she supposing he hat
not forgiven her and he answered with ar equal
| ly cool bow.
| During the three weeks that followed the,
often met but neither sought an explanaton.-
AT last Arthur could bear the suspense III
longer and mutual explanations then ensued.
Laura learned that Arthur hurt at her re
fusal, had embarked for the old world, hut be
! ing shipwrecked for three years On small is
/ land inhabited by a few Ignorant yet harmless
4 people, had at last been brought back by
eoasting vessel TO New York.
lie had written to her but receiving no repl,
had concluded that she no longer loved hin
and for the last three years had been roaming
over the world. But during this time lie ha
found Christ Us his Saviour, and now added he
Laura shall claim you at an eaily day.
A short time after, they we've married an
Laura often says she loves bin all the more 10
having once lost him and her husband adds an
thank God that you did not accept me then.
RAY LirrLEToN.
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