The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1873-04-22
Miss VernOn's Lover.
Sc A SHES to ashes, dust to dust"

IN Argeline Vernon said the words
over slowly-coldly- up closely the
withered hearts-ease, and violets, in their
wrapping of silver paper. There was a
curl of soft, bright, chestnut hair twining
around them--she put the whole within
little box that had treasured them for
years, snapped down the lid, and dropped
the whole upon the cleaning Goals, in the
CRATE.
There was flash-a momentary sparkle
"a wreath of thin, blu smoke assembled
pale, ghastly flame shot up, quivered, and
died, and then the fiery Goals cleaned on,
blood red as before.
"There Philip Desmond, rest in peace!'
She rose and went to the mirror, push
ing back the heavy braids of hair from her
face, as if they hurt her. The scrutiny to
which she subjected herself was no light
one. Perhaps she wanted to compare her
negative attractions with the fervid bril-
lance of Miss Montgomery's beauty.
She recalled the sparkling, blonde face,
with its dark violet eyes; white and damask
complexion pearly teeth; hair like spun
gold, and that nameless fascination of wo-
man that made the young bellies admirers
swear it was witchcraft that so enthralled
them. Yes, there was no disputing the
fact Lettie Montgomery was very fair,
nay, more than fair, she was beautiful. 1t
was no matter of wonder that Desmond,
with his artist fancy, should love her.
For three years, Miss Vernon had been
the belle of her set. She was an orphan
heiress, residing with her fathers widowed
sister, a woman of fashion and influence,
whose ruling ambition was to see her niece
we'll settled in life Mr.. Desmond suited
her, as far as personal attractions were
concerned, but in the way Of property he
fell far short of Mrs. Marlowes require
ments.
But Argeline was of age, and had, be-
sides, will of her own, and would brook
no interference, so Mrs. Marowe had been
obliged to hold her peace. Now, that the
thing was all over, the lady secretly rejoiced
at Philips falsity especially as Argeline,
seeing the condition of things, had given
him dismissal, even before he had dared
to think Of asking it,.
1t was very hard for tho girl to break of
this connection. AS one knows, who has
been through a like trial, how these ties of
daily companionship and love wind around
our hearts. No one knows how it hurts to
sever them rudely, and take home to us
the cold fact that what has been so sweet,
hours, when heaven seemed to be drawing
nigh to earth, are gone forever and that
henceforth we must go on to the end, lack
ing som ething knowing and feeling al
WAYS, that we have lost some sweetness
and glory out of life that can never return.
There was great struggle in Argeline's
soul--she had nearly lost faith in creation,
because of this unstable Philip Desmond
bur after the first bitter disappointment,
better thoughts came back.
Two weeks after she had broken will
him, she saw phase in his character
hitherto concealed, that made her thanl
God devoutly that she had been saved from
becoming his.
She was walking in Broad street on'
morning, when light phaeton drew VI
at the door Of shop near her. Philil
sprang out and assisted Miss Montgomer.
to alight Just then, tattered littl'
begger girl laid her hand on the dainty
trailing silk robe of the lady.
Charity, sweet lady for the love o
heaven, charity y said the thin, deat
voice.
Miss Montgomery swept rudely on, th'
child still clinging to her garments.