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

to his companions upliGted entreatine
face. GLOW readily you women car
cry It's wonderful There now
brush away your tears was only
jesting, darling know you love me-
and don't really believe you would pay
me so poor compliment as to give
me up Tor such fellow as Edward
Horan." STOPPING, he embraced and
kissed her, and in moment more hel
face was smiling in rivalry to the
MONDAY sunshine ; then arm-ln-arm,
they went their way, Edward Horan
soon forgotten by both, in the present
happy passing hour.
Ayear went by, bringing but little
change to the principal actors in our
story. Ellen's wedding day had not
bee fixed, and, in truth, Timothy Con-
molly seemed in no haste about the
time, and though apparently as devot-
ed as ever there were times when yag-
lie shadows and undeinable misgiv-
ings would creep through her heart.
l. was at about this time that, by
the death of an uncle, Timothy came
into possession Of a small, but we'll
till farm, in an adjoining county, to
which he quickly removed.
BY this Unexpected occurrence he
could no longer postpone the marri-
age in consequence Of insufficient
means for housekeeping, plea which
he had successfully employed on two
other occasions therefore, all regard
ed Ellen marriage as near at hand.
lie, however, seemed of Il contrary
opinion. The day was not fixed, and
it could be observed that, as Ellen's
face grew paler, Edward TIoran's got
darker. They both felt the same sus.
picion. Timothy Connolly had won
the girls heart to spite him.
These suspicious became certain
ties to more than Ellen and Edward
when Timothy's visits became less
and less frequent, until finally his
horse was never seen at Farmer Don
ovan's door oftener than once fort
night while rumors came to River
side Of his gay doings, and how he
was courted at Spottswood.
At last there was left no room for
doubt /; it was quite evident that the
tie which bound him to Ellen Don
ovan had grown irksome to him, nay,
hateful even, and that If it were left
to his decision, he should nerey fix the
day when she would be his wife.
"Lass,' said the old farmer, in
tone OF rage, as he looked on his
childs wan, sad face, "I'll make him
marry yo! lie shall bidc by his
word.'
mo, father" urged Ellen gravely,
but firmly, Il will never marry u man
IN that way. If fIimothy Connolly is
tired of the compact her lip trem-
oled, and she paused to conquer her
Using tears-''if he has found some one
ne likes better, let it be so; we will
oat.'
The next day as Timothy Connolly
vas riding over his farm, rich in fruits
md golden harvests, letter was
handed him. He started in surprise
hen uttered an exclamation of annoy
'nce as he recognized the writing of
Ellen Donovan
"What stupid | was, to bind my
elf as Ibid !" he muttered. '.If |
hadn't | could now marry to my taste.
t was all because of that Edward Ho-
an. He crushed the note in his
land, determined, at first, not to read
t. He imagined it full of mild re-
,roaches, and earnest entreaty for
eturn Of his love and may be his
'wn heart smote him, as he recalled
he fond, trusting face of Ellen Don
van however, he tore open the letter
nd read.
The contents were brief, concise,
indeed, almost a repetition of his own
words uttered year ago.
She wrote. "lf your love has been
1on away from me, it Is not too late
o turn back. | am not so devoid of
elf-regard as to force any one against
heir inclinations therefore, from this
noment release you. If l have mis-
onStrued your conduct during the
'ast months, | sincerely entreat your
ardon, and none will welcome you
ere more warmly than l."
Timothy Connolly's first impulse
vas of shame and repentance, but the
ceiling was soon replaced by a sense
f relief, because Ellen, of her own