Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1875-04-14

rushed TO his lace, his hands ClencheC
as with compressed lips and tremblin!
voice he said, ono Ellen you shall no
anger me, even though you try ant
surely you are too kind, too generou
to do that ? What | said, was said 70
your sake. Believe me, I hope I an
wrong. lpray Timothy is leal ant
as | that he may have it in his
heart to make you happy, as | would
had it been my privilege to call yo,
wife. Now, dearest Ellen, good
bye ! may you ever be as happy as
now"
Turning, he strobe a Iw PAGES off
then swinging rapidly on his heel
came back to where she stooG, with
trembling form, and bowed head. She
was touched by these unmistakable
evidence of his unselfsh devotion,
which she could not fail to recog-
nizc.
"One thing more, Ellen, ere we
part forever" he said the muscles OF
his face were contracted, his voice
was full Of deep, concentrated energy,
and his hands more firmly clenchel,
trembled Zone word and if ever
man spoke tle truth, I do so at this
time. If Timothy Connolly does not
employ every means in his power to
make you happy, if he dcceiyes you,
or causes you to suffer, let him keep
out Of my path, for | swear | will
have no mercy on him.
Again he essayed to leave her,
when, extending her hand she eX,
claimed, in earnest entreaty, "1ou
won't leave me thus, Edward ! / thank
you from my heart, You are good,
noble man and though though l.
can rot love you, may we not be
friends q
He looked at her a moment, and
then as if impelleu by an impulse he
could not control, caught her passion
ateiy to his breast, and presseda a kiss
on her forehead
"Oh Ellen,' he cried, "you know
not what you ask How could I be
near you, and hide my love? 1t is
impossible. Bless you and him, if he
proves true
The next instant he had gone and
with tears still in her eyes, Ellen Don
uan walked slowly homcward.
She had not proceed ed far when she
was addressed by a voice, that soon
banished all the clouds from her fair
brow, and brought to cheek and lips
the sunniest smiles.
"Ah, my sweet Ellen !' it said cheer
lily "why so grave Come apenny
for you thoughts" "
The speaker was Il fine well-built
man, of about fiye-and,twenty years,
fair and handsome. The girl who,
blushing and laughing, had fitted to
his side showed by the trusting conf
dence of her manner how implicitly
she placed her hopes in him.
"My pretty little betrothed," he
proceeded, drawing her arm through
his, "tell me, wasn't that dark Edward
Horan whom | saw going off yon-
der q
"Yes," she said, with some trepida
ton.
81 thought as much," remarked
Timothy Connolly, his brow contract
ing. $50 darling, he was the cause
of that grave little countenance, and
the tear saw on your cheek ! The
gloomy wretch had better have a care,
about getting in my way, or he'll get
his deserts. Can't he take no for an
answer, and 80 his way, without
prowling around and worrying you in
this fashion ?"
Dear Timothy, don't speak so
harshly of him." pleaded Ellen. ED
ward Horan has a good, generous
heart, and was not worrying me- On
the contrary, he was very gentle and
kind"
"Ah ha that's how it is, is it ?"
retorted Connolly, ale is trying to
make you regret your choice and
from the way you defendhim, Ishould
judge he was on the high road to sue
cess. We'll, it's not too late to re-
tract, Ellen. I'm not a man to force
any woman. Oh, no; Tn not
quite so wanting in selt-respect as
that comes to. So, Ellen, you-"
"Oh Timothy, my own true love-
what are you saying? How can you
be so cruel ?" cried the girl, holding
on to the arm he would take away
from her. "You know | could never