The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1874-06-26

Ao" tuNc an opportunity OF settling Yourself
well and happily in life, which, perhaps
may never occur again. Mr. Irving is a man
OF whose love any woman may be proud.
lie has avowed his love openly and honorably,
and offered you his hand in marriage. 1t
remains to be seen whether you will wreck
your whole life for the sake of man who
has shown so conclusively how lightly
he holds your peace and happiness"
a few evenings after, Mr.. Dalton called
upon Mis- wakefield
He was 80 frequenta visitor that he walk
ed into the parlor unannounce1, as was his
usual habit, counting confidently on the
welcome that had hitherto always greeted
him.
10 his surprise, he found that Helen was
not alone; Incorporating, pleaSant-look-
ing gentleman was there, with whom she
seemed to be on the best of terms. With
this surprise was mingled feeling of anger
at this unlooked-for intrusion Oh his long
established rights.
Bat Helen did not seem to think that he
had any right to be displeased, or, indeed,
to take any cognizance of the fact Her
manner, though pleasant and courteous, was
perfectly cool and unembarrassed.
Several times did Dalton try to engage
her in exclusive conversation, or to assume
something of the old freedom that custom
had made him consider as right; he was
quietly met and bafied at every point.
There was an invisible barrier between them
against which he inwardly chafed, bat 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, Us he began to fear this man
to be-
He felt, however, with as thoroughly an
uncomfortable a feeling at his heart as be
ever experienced in hi, life.
HeIen's conduct puzzled him Did she
intend to throw him over 1oard? or was she
trying to arouse his jealousy so as to bring
him 10 the point?
The vanity which was a strong element in
his character made him incline to the latter
supposition.
The next evening he called again.
Miss Helen i not at home to any one
this evening, said the servant who answered
his ring.
But, Susan, you know she Is always at
home to me, said Dalton, with his most
per-Dasiye tone and smile.
Sol thought, sir" responded Susan,
rather obviously, not little puzzled at the
strange turn affairs were taking but the
orders l. not to admit nobody. -
As Dalton passed the parlor windows.
which were lighted, he saw the shadow of a
man on the curtains. Near it was that of
the woman who he now knew was dearer to
him than all the world beside.
ITS the same fellow that was here the
other evening-confound him,'' he muttered.
lie determined to have an explanation with
HeIen-to make a frank ayOwal of his love
and intentions
Though some fears mingled with his hopes
the latter preponderated. He recalled the
confession of her love for hun, into which
he had entrapped her. True, he had taken
this assurance, giving her only husks in re-
turn, but it bad been precious to him, never
theIess, and was now doubly so-like every
other blessing, the possibility of its loss en-
hancing its value.
As he thought of all Helen's womanly
gifts and graces, a feeling almost akin to
horror came over him at the idea of losing
her forever
Dalton lost no time in putting his resoIu-
tion into practice.
Not the faintest tinge of color broke into
uelen's cheeks as she listened, nor did her
eyes waver as they met those that were fixed
so 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
have known that [ loved you-that it has
long been the first and dearest wish of my
heart to make you my wife ?''
''How should | know that? You never
told me 500
''Not with my lips, perhaps; but 1 have
told my love, and all that it sought, in looks
and ways far more expressive than the most
eloquent words" a"
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.
Il did-to my shame l confess it, being
warranted by no such assurance from you.
But that is something that is past. To the
man whose love hus been so openly and
freely proffered l have given in return
nv whole heart | repeat it-your ayowal
has come too late -
Aud often, during all the lonely, loveless
years that followed did Oscar Dalton hear
these words echoing through the desoIate
chambers OF his heart-"A is too ldte!''
THE former Chief of Police of Terre
Haute, Ind, WAS recently married under
unusual circumstances. His little son, tired
of living without mother, suggested to
his father the lady whom he would accept
as a stepmother. The lady was sought,
and listened to the singular proposition