The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1874-05-28

this matter settled, for she had been in
constant dread of some trouble with this
man since the death of my father. We
all suspected that it was this man DENY
ing my father liquor unless he complied
with this indenture that produced delis~
iun tremens and caused his death at that
time. never told my mother the extent
of the exposure nor the deep modification
it had been to me. 1t was so humiliating
to me. Many who thought me proud
would rather exult that was brought
down. I could have overcome all such
envy and ill-feeling, but there was one
who would not perhaps acknowledge it.
yet who would feel it great degradation.
His family were people proud of their
family's stainless character. How could
he, or they, respect one whose father had
been such disgrace almost to humanity
pleaded headache and retired early,
my mother never suspecting the real
cause of my indisposition.
Restlessly spent the night, and the
next morning was too unwelI to leave the
house. Indeed, the ordeal of going where
so many eyes would be upon me seemed
past endurance. I might be a heroine,
but this kind of one was not according to
my taste. had not in years taken day
of rest, SO claimed the indulgence that
day; and it was spent in investigating
the condition of my affairs as well as
looking into my own heart. The state of
the latter alarmed me, for I found it al
most absorbed by Percy Gilmore.
Life to me would be a blank without
he shared it with me. Yet if he wished
it (which I was not quite sure of there
were obstacles in the way of union with
him which could not be overcome with
out involving the happiness and welfare
of others. This would not think of for
q moment. We each had others to sup
Fort and might continue to do so if we
brought them together by the united
efforts of both. But would they be happy?
There would be discordant, jarring notes
which could not fail to destroy all the
harmony of both families. My own dar-
ling mother should not be thus sacrificed.
What right had I to immediate upon the
altar of my affections the happiness of
others! God forgive my thoughtlessness
in allowing myself to be thus entangled.
was unnerved; there came upon me q
terrible desOlation-a conflict between
love and duty. There rose up before me
clouds SO dark and dense that no ray Of
light dswned through their midnight
blackness. Then these clouds would dis
with all the desolation of winter storm,
which had swept away ell that was new
and bright in my life, took its place. i
was becoming morbid. This yielding TO
despondency would not do. arose,
dressed myself and went out for awalk.
The fresh air gave me vigor and tried
| to see life IN more roseate colOrs.
The shadows of twilight were deepen
| ing around me - again entered my
home. To my surprise Percy Gilmore met
me at the door. Taking me affectionately
by the hand he led me to seat. His
eyes expressed all the sympathy of his
soul. thought to have met him coldly,
but his manner disarmed me. The con-
sciousness of my feelings toward him
made the blood rush to my face, and
stood confused, but not cold, before him.
He expressed pleasure at seeing me able
to leave the house. He made no refer
ence to the cause of my illness. He was
. man of great delicacy OF feeling.
Percy Gilmore was not what the world
would call handsome. He was tall and ro-
bust, with strong but not very regular
features, yet manly in looks and manners.
He was an honest, truehearted gentle.
man, who despised falsehoOd aud deceit
lone whom you could trust, and one
whom I could and did love with all q
woman's power who loves for the first
time.
| After tea Percy proposed walk. as
sented, for it was mild spring weather,
and out in the balmy air we went We
proceeded without speaking for some
time, neither wishing to break the i'm.
pressive silence.
Percy at length, turning toward me,
said:
Miss st. Clair-no, let me call you
Virginia-I have for some time desired
to have private conversation with you"
! He stopped, and looking into my face
went on:
ITO tell you that I love you, that my
life, my soul, with all its hopes of joy IN
the future, is centered upon you, and
have sometimes flattered myself that it
was returned. Tell me if I have made so
fearful mistake"
"Percy," said, II have never until
to-day understood my feelings toward you.
CandOr compels me to acknowledge that
we have both made perhaps . fatal mis-
take in loving each other. Our duties,
our responsibilities all cry out against 1t
Are you man enough to give up love
which can only bring disaster and ship
wreck to all by whom we are surrounded
and who are 90 dependent upon ns for
support and happiness9 As for myself it
is settled. I have done it this day and it
is wnGlterublA We must talk NO more Of
it; let it b forever with the past, the dead
past, where no sound, no word or look
shall ever revive it"
i Percy's eyes were upon the ground
whilst was speaking. His face became
pallid when uttered the last word. TAX.
ing my hand In his and looking me earn
estly In the face, he said:
mo. Virgins, am not man enough
If that 10 your standard-to cruah out
every joy and hope Of lives which have
not been the brightest; nor do feel
, called upon to make such sacrifices fol
others.- Your imagination finds discord
. where am sure there would be the most
perfect harmony. Aided by your advlce
:: In business should be able to supper,
and make you al comfortable and happy
For Gods sake, take back that word IN
altesG6ls. At least let me feel that their
when ! can call you mine-aye, my
wife"
percy" said, "you are weaker thai
: I thought you"
sDo mot say weaker, but say more Low
ing. All, Virginia, give me the power I,
: be your protector. fes me not see YOU
} insulted . yesterday, and yet stand bach
powerlees TO assist whom nv soul N,
D burning to strike such villain, hal
D we'll nigh said, from existence. Obi lie
these strong arms raise and hold 70,
above al such mofti6catiOns. FOrafy,
Q mo for abiding to It"
!. "Ifthere was no other obstacle in the way
!: Pefcy.n I said. /" 70 our union. Would M