Clarksville weekly chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1873-1890, 1875-05-08
For the CHRONICLE.
WILLIS WATERS.
BIZ HILDA.
CHAPTER XI.

Though the ocean roar around me,
Yet it still shall bear me on.
| Though desert should surround me,
| 1t hath springs that may be won."
Mr.. Clifford was confined to hi
room the greater portion of the time
and Willis generally spent the morn
ings with him. She would read iron
his favorite authors, and he loved t
sit near her, and watch her pale fea
lures all aglow with enthusiasm. HI
loved to listen to the sweet voice bring
ing out the beauties of ancient lore
In hours of pain none could sooth,
him like Willis. She was so vigilant
so untiring. The little hands never
wearied in administering to his wants
No matter how the burning brow
throbbed, she would bend uncomplain.
ingly to relieve the sufferer. Thi:
resolute young creature seemed to have
undertaken the work of expiation fol
the wrong her father had unwittingly
done this man in years gone by. Hers
was the task to atone, and by her low
ing kindness alleviate his sufferings.
She was the woman to do it. One of
the kind who seem born for a sick
chamber. Her step was so noiseless,
her touch so light, like the ancient Va
cuna scattering rest and ease prodigal-
ly, she presided overt the afflicted cham
Der. Mrs. Lee was still there. She
could not bring herself to part with
her brother, he was so feeble, and so
rapid seemed his decline. Her hus-
baud had returned home, and left her
to extend her visit to any length she
chose. Ludolph also remained, and
was busy in making his preparations
for a jaunt on the Continent. He was
to remain abroad for two years, and
then return and settle down into mer-
camille life. His departure was filled
completely with joyous expectations,
and no regrets. He had contracted no
sillylove affair to languish for, there
by destroying the charm of freedom
while abroad. He could stand upon
deck and watch the dark waves of the
Atlantic roll mountain-high, and feel
no dread since he had left no fair be-
trothed behind. He could lean from
covering heights and drink in natures
and feel quiet consciousness
hat, should he be precipitated to the
,rags below and crushed in moment,
here was no helpless woman behind
% pine away her life, because he was
Tot. Happy boy thou art indeed tru-
y blessed. Twenty-one and untram-
nelled by an engagement 1t is sci
lom we find a specimen of Young
America out of his teens without an
Embryo moustache, borrowed cane
md love affair. Bah it is disgust
ng. l do hot marvel that our land is
o full of old maids. With the edify
ng sight daily before them of one of
hese youthful couples ambliDg along,
vigorously, they conclude
atlove isan affair too often burlesqued
o be patronized. and they relinquish |
| into the hands ofthe youthful con-
They bring love, high |
loble love. down to the level
f their cowardly sentiment; these
Yould-be men, society babies.
Ludolph had become initiated into
heir select circle, and was spending
ood deal of his time in flirting and be-
the bellies of the city.
The sound of gayety among the fash
onables sped on increasingly, and Ruth
'lifford plunged eagerly into the festal
xcesses. She never wearied. Night
fter night found her sporting joyously
n the whirlpool of giddy pleasure.
he was an heiress, aad some writer
as truly said that "all heiresses are
Ruth Clifford certainly
assessed her share of that happy pass
ort, beauty. She was much sought
fter by her boon companions of the
ty, but she had, as | suppose all girls
ave a chosen of her heart.
he loved Gerald Ripley deeply and
,ndly. All the love of her young
fe she laid at his feet. A woman's
we, pure and unsullied as Alpine
low flakes. Love too pure and chaste
ever wander from Its virgin birth
ace, among the bare, meagre mouns
ins of mans so called devotion. The
of woman.'s love has been
r eighteen hundred years splendid
,nentity. They return cold undigni
ID regard for our undying affection.
now me a man whose heart will thrill
Cupid's touch, and | will show you
rare exception to great rule. We
I'VE this passage from the gifted MGR
lith to comfort us, their arrows are
arble like their hearts" They ex
,et us te sucoumb like trained pup
It's to their every wish, yield without
murmur to their slightest command.
D speak in palmer words the men of !
is century are fearfully spoilt. They
e humored to morning maps, the Op-
a and night-clubs, sleep until ten,
en- arise and find a warm breakfast
eserved by the loving housewife, re-
rp home late at night, and make the 7
xious wife believe that they we're
cessarily detained at the lodge. Poor, !
luded creatures. They remain meek
at home, and fatter themselves they
we the most popular husband in i
wn, never dreaming that their neigh G
If, oyer the way, has the same opin-
n of her liege lord. I'll wager if the !
omen of the nation were to adopt 9
yid rules; such as, breakfast at sew e
!, no opera attending without them b
Ives, and set their veto upon night t
ubs, that their humored husbands 4
,uld soon fall into them, but SO long Z
they lie, and you believe them, so r
ng the precious farce endures."
Gerald Ripley loved Ruth as l sup b