Knoxville journal. [volume] (Knoxville, Iowa) 1874-1986, 1875-05-27

least she never gave any other reason for il; but
the warm breatts of May found her still an invalid
Faithfully had Marion Canpton mnstered To her
young sister-in law, and, however much she may
have wondered about the antique ring upon Bees
sizes wasted finger. she dsereetly silent and
only puzzled herself trying to connect IL with
Gregory Marshalls seeming neglect
At length Bessie grew we'll enough to resume
her old habits and Mrs Campton began TO plan for
| the summer. She had promised a gay party to be
one of them at Long Branch; but what should Bes-
sic dor
II have made up my mind, Marion. OF course
can't stay here. Bob intends visiting college
friend, Ray will not return from Europe until the
aatumn, and of course can't remain alone. am
going TO your sister, TO Foaming Brook. | have
known sorrow now and can be a more suitable
companion for Mrs. Mendon than for you Marion, "
Bessie replied one day when Mrs, Campton was
urging her TO accompany her
Seeing Bessies heart was set upon II. and hop
ing much from the influence Of her gentle sister,
day OF June accompanied Bessie to the quiet
mountain retreat
She was warmly welcomed by the sad, lonely
widow, for the sweet young girl had found warm
place in that bereayed heart,
Before leaving home Arthur Doraine, who had
been so kind and thoughtful asked Bessie TO be
his wife. Ii was terrible blow for Bessie To re-
fuse Ms that hope had so often inspired him. and
IL was hard for Bessie too, remembering how her
father had desired their union. But her woman's
would not allow her 10 wholly doubt Marshall
Circumstances aud her reason were all against
him, but still she wore his ring, believing all
would some day be fully explained.
Bessie soon resumed her wild mountain ram
bles in which she had taken such delight In her
past visit. Her only companion was her father
faithful Newfoundland dog, Day after day the
simple village folk saw the lovely sad-eyed
maiden, In her plain black dress, with her long,
glossy enrls flowing as mantle about her pass
through the one wide village street With little
basket In one hand and the other resting upon old
Braves shaggy head she courageou-ly climbed the
steep mountain paths. Toward sunset she re-
turned, with tired, lstess feet, the little basket
filed with wild flowers and the bloom of the hills
upon her cheeks. Daily she gained in strength
and beauty, and what was far better, peace and
consolation for her wounded heart.
One delightful morning as the maiden WAS pre-
pairing for her ramble one OF the village youth
tapped at the door with letter for her. On open
ing IL she found IL to be from her brother Ray, He
welcome his English bride.
II WINS not until after midday that she and
Brave set out for their last jaunt over the mount
aims.
One by one she babe farewell TO the spots that had
grown so dear TO her. Here green. moss covered
old tree. there laughing little cascade or ce-eold
spring; again, a bed Of graceful ferns. grassy
grotto. or perhaps only bleak, gray rock -all
were dear and all were visited for one last fare
well
The shadows were beginning 10 Iengthen as Bes.
sic and her dog approached high plateau over
looking the country for many miles. Sinking
down upon n soft cushion of grcencFt moss she
threw aside her mountain hat and resting her head
upon her hand. gave herself up 10 one of her wax
ing dreams. The mellow tints OF autumn were al
ready seen among the naples, and afar down the
slope her eye took in the beautiful landscape plct-
ure. A. she sat, she heard the faint sound Of the
chapel bell in the village. which. in old English
fashion, rang ont the evening chime. The fading
sunshine scattered through the leaves and fell over
her head, tenderly softly. A low growl from Brave
caused Bessie TO quickly spring 10 her feet Was
IL phantom OF her own thoughts or did Gregory
Mar.hall stand before her?
Darling. darling can you forgive meY" With
glad cry she reached toward him and was elasped
in his close embrace.
There on the quiet mountain side, they sat down,
and the story simple and yet 80 full of pain TO
both OF them was told each 10 the other,
II knew you were true" said Bessie, with
womanly trust shining from her brown eyes.
Even while lacked your trust, loved on" re-
piled Marshall.
My intended two weeks visit in Cuba was ex.
tended into months and from there / hstlessly
sailed for England. by the merest chance ! met
Ray In London and learned OF your bereavement
and Illness. Resolved 10 see you aud hear from
your own lips the very truth, | sought and found
you again
Ny faith has been rewarded" was Bessies
quiet reply.
The next spring time Bessie became the happy
wife Of Gregory Marshall and their little dark eyed
son bears Uncle Arthur's" name.-Onr Firestde
Friend.