Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1874-07-04


your whole life for the sake OF a uan who
has shown so concIusivcly how lightly
he holds your peace and happiness.
A few evenings after, Mr.. Dalton called
upon Miss Wakefield.
He was so frequent visitor that lie walk.
ed into the paror unannounced, as was hi:
usual habit, counting confidently on the
welcome that had hitherto always greeted
him.
To his surprise, he found that Helen was
not alone; Incorporating, plea-ant-look-
ing gentleman was there, with whom she
seemed to be on the hest of terms. With
this surprise was mingled feeling OF anger
at this unlooked-fur intrusion on his long
established rights.
Bat Helen did not seem to think that he
had any right to be dispIca>ed, or, indeed
to take any cogmizancc of the fact. Her
manner, though pleasant and courteous, was
perfectly cool and unembrrra~Scd.
Several times did Dalton try to engage
her in exclusive 2onycl~ation. or to assume
something of the old freedom that custom
had made him consider as night, he was
quietly met and baflIed at every point,
There was an invisible barrier between them
agains, which he inwardiy cIaied, but could
not pass.
In spite of all his efforts, he began to con-
slider himself as the intruder, finding his
position to be 50 awkward as to be forced to
torego the resolution he had formed to out
stay his rival, as he began to fear this man
to be
lie felt, however, with as thoroughly an
uncomfortable q feeling at his heart as he
ever experienced in hi, life.
IIecn'S conduct puzzlcd him. Did she
intend to throw him overheard? or was she
trying to arouse his jealousy 50 as to bring
him to the point?
The vanity which was strong element in
his character made him incline to the latter
supposition.
The next evening he called again.
"MiSs Helen is not at home to any ono
:hiS evening" said the servant who answered
his ring.
But, Susan, you know she IS always at
home to nle,' said Dalton, with his most
PEI lasiye tone and smile.
80 thought, SIR responded Susan,
rather obviously, not a li,tje puzzled at the
strange turn affairs were taking; "but the
orders is not to admit nobody"
As Dalton passed the par'or windows,
which were .ightc!, he saw tie Shadow of 4
:aan on the curtains. Near it WAS that Of
the woman who he nov knew was >,caycr 10
him than all the world ba-ji2.
Its the same fellow that was here the
o;hcrcycniug -contound him, he muttered.
He determined to haycan explanation with
llelcnto make a frank ayowa! of his love
and Intentions
Though some fears mingled with hi, hopes
The latter prepondc,atcd He recalled the
confession of her love FOX him, into which
ne had ontrapped her. True he had taken
this assurance, giving ncr only husks in re
turn, bat it had boon precious to him, never
theleSs. and was now doub,y s9-likc every
other blessing, the possibility of its loss en-
hancing its value.
As he thought of all lIcIcn's wommly
gifts and gIuce>, a feeling almost akin to
horror came over him at the idea OF losing
.cr forever.
Dalton lost no time in putting his resoln-
lion into practice.
Not the iaintest tingc of color broke into
Helen cheeks as she listened. nor did her
eyes waycr as they met those that We're fixed
50 earnestly upon her.
"Your avowal has come too late, Mr. Dal-
ton. | have pledged my heart and hand to
John Irving
"Oh, say not 50, Helen, You surely must
nave known that loved you-that it has
long been the first and dearest wish Of my
heart to make you my wi!c?'
"lIow should know that? You never
told me So
'Not with my lips, perhaps; but | have
told my love, aud all that it sought, in looks
and ways far more expressive than the most
eloquent Words
Il had no right to take any such declara-
ton, and you no right to expect it of me- :"
"But, Helen, you once said that you loved
me-
For the first time the face flushed, even to
the temples.
II did-to my shame I confess it, being
warranted by no such assurance from you.
But that is something that is past To the
man whose love has been so openly and
freely prollered | have given in return
my whole heart. repeat it-your ayowal
has come too atc'
And often, during all the lonely, Ioveless
years that followed did Oscar Dalton hear
these words echoing through the desolate
chambers OF his heart--"H is too late!,"