Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1875-07-10
Written for the Free Press.
Stray Leaves.
No. 3.
TRUE HEARTS.

"Come here, have something to tell You,
said Mrs. Elmo to her daughter Ruth, pretty
Young lady Of seventeen summers. IL Is
whispered around town" she went on as Ruth
YEARLY approached, that you are engaged to
Mr.. Sinclair; now, is this so ~
Mrs. Elmo spoke stcrnly, for she had no
great liking for this gentleman, probably be-
cause Of his poverty.
"Yes it i5 So" her daughter replied; " as
a rule the gossip Of a town IS mere gossip, but
this, am glad to say, is the truth. Paul loves
me, has asked me to become his wife and /
have consented
Ruth Elmo uttered these words as dcliber-
atcly as she might. There was slight ,Fem-
or in her voice but her love conquered ner-
vousness in the end.
"Perhaps. resumed her mother, " Mr. SIN
clair has asked that YOU name the day 2"
d" He has" =" replied the brave girl, not finch
ing under the cold, cruel stare from pair of
steel gray eyes, :" he has, and have named
it"
Ccolly, calmly she spoke. awaiting with an
outward utter indifference the breaking storm.
why, Ruth Elmo, you are crazy! Don't
YOU know that Paul Sinclair is as poor as we
Your father when he died left us comparative
ly nothing, and here, instead Of trying to raise
your family, you have promised to maTry q
pauper y
Mother, your idea Of marriage and mine
completely differ; it is one thing to wed man
only fer bis m0ney--to chain ones sell, for
ever, to a man whose, perhaps, only redeem
ing possession is this same money-to barter
away ones life. love-ones whole existence
for mere earthly possessions tits one thing
to wed for this, mother but it is m higher, a
more ennobling motive to marry man be-
cause YOU feel you can love, honor aud respect
| him. not alone now, but forever T"
Ruth Elmo spoke with passionate elTncSt-
ness. She was seldom reused from quiet
disposition inherited from her father, but now,
! the dark brown eyes flashed forth brilliant
| FIRE; the tall slender figure quivering in eve
" part rose slowly to its full height, and Ruth
I Elmo looked steadily at her astouished parent.
Why, really, you are somewhat Of an ac-
/ tress," sneeringly remarked that good lady
and do Won really think that you regard
! Paul Sinclair in this threo-iold light?"
a truly love Paul, mother, and where
there is true Love, Honor and Respect will
never be found far distant"
All Mrs. EImo's patience seemed gone.
Ruth" she cried, fairly shaking with rage
&" it is idle for me to attempt assembling, and
will not; but listen If this engagement
With Paul Sinclair is not broken Off you and
will part forever. You shall not drag me
/ down"
"Saye yourself these words, Madam II
your daughter desires, the Past shall be en-
tirely obli,erated. If not, If she is satisfied
with her choice, all your threats are mere no.
thing"
Paul Sinclair, the young lawyer, stood with
10 the door. He was about thirty years OF
age and fine specimen Of true manhood
Ruth advanced quickly to him, aud looking
tmidly up into bis face asked
paul, do you love me,-I only ask this
once?"
"Wby. my little birdie, love You with all
my heart, aud he held her closer, yet closer to
him.
"Then, said Ruth Elmo to her mother,
"takc this for your auswer-I am to be Paul's
wife Tomorrow.