The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1876-01-26
"Do not think of me. darling Alice


do not think of me, darling Alice,
bit of Herbert. who loves YOU"
Il will think Of both, Gertrude, and
viii defer my answer to yoa aud him
until l have seen Sir Johns nephew.
All there is a carriage coming up
the drive; tits he already. Gertrude,
| dare not yet meet him. Your words
have unsettled my nerves. Come
with me. Imust recover myself: l
tremble So"
They had scarcely quilted the
apartment by one door, than the
young baroaet was ushered in by
another.
He was OF middle height, hand
some, Of an intelligent expression,
a clear complexion, and large, soft,
dark hazel eyes.
Seating himself be waited Tor the
widow.
mine is scarcely z pleasant mis-
sion," be reflected, ito come to tell
a lady that, lawsuit or no. or for all
the lawsuits in the world, | cannot
accent her hand, even if sheis inclin-
ed to bestcw il. Rather than follow
out my uncle's condition, my uncle's
will NAV leave me as was. Neither,
[ fancy, would Mrs. ErFington con-
slider herself nattered did she know
how l begrudged her those few mo-
ments-how | pantto be elsewhere"
His soliloquy was interrupted by
the door opening.
Rising to his feet, scarcely lifting
his eyes, he bowed low.
Mrs. Erriugton?i be said interro-
gatively.
Led by the sound Of his voice, Ger
trude advanced toward him.
no" she smiled. Il come TO
apologize for her delay, bat TO say
she viii join you shortly
Good heavens.,n calculated the
baronet, starting forward, DO 1
dream: What do ] behold? Can il
be?'
4 deathly pallor spread over Ger
trude's features. Trembling In every
limb, she bent toward the speaker,
her lovely ewes riyiged on his face.
"rhat voice she gasped. "Oh!
speak again-in pity. speak again,
Gertrude" be said softly, taking
her hand.
Martin, " she cried, have We again
metz"
She staggered forward, and be
caught her 10 his arms.
MY darling-my sweet Gerirude!"
be exclaimed. How eager was to
seek you. How little | dreamed to
fud you beneath this roof"
This roof" she repeated. drawing
herself quickly from him. Il had for
gotten Alice, my cousin. You-can
you be"
"Sir john Errington's nephew"
be said. Yes; living, be left me in
poverty; dying, he made me rich,
Gertrude"
And you are here To-
Refuse my uncle's conditions and
to ask you to be my yife."
"Mei-your wife, Martini"
A bright joy lighted her counte-
nance rapidly, however, it expired
NO" she continued, no, Martin;
to that | can never consent. You
are generous, noble and kind. I0u
shall teach me-. will never permit
that"
Why not, sweet Ger:rude?n
Because a wife should share all
her husbands pleasures as well as
sorrows. How can | do so, who,
to nv blindness, live in n
world Of my own, which you no more
can enter than | can yours? No Mar
tin; | will be your friend; / cannot
be your wife"
Listen, Gertrude. My lips trem-
bic as | speak; yet your words COM
pei me not to be silent. Surprising
could cure your"
"You?"
"Yes. Forced to make my own
living, | followed the medical pro-
f%ession. | was studying for it
when | first saw you. Do you
recollect as | left you al Grassmeir |
said | had formed a resolve | dared
not hen risk telling you? That re
solve was to devote all my thoughts
to the cure Of blindness-to study it
by day and night, led on by one hope,
one purpose; to care you. owe aid
ed skill. | effected cures that made
my name renowned, and"
Mrs. ErriDgton's compliments.
Sir Martin, aud she'd be glad ifvou'd
come into the library" said John,
breakiDginto the conversation.
Certainly. will come directly"
replied the baronet, irritably. Leave
us a moment, my good fellow"
But the old man did not obey.
With eyes and mouth ~distended, he
moved quickly forward, ike one in 4
dream, until be stood opposite the
other; then:
1T is-it Isl" be cried excitedlv.
throwing up bis hands. Il could
not be mistaken. Obi Miss Ger
trude-MisS Gertrude, it's fate; it's
fortune TO you. This is the doctor
told you about-the young man
who gave me sight-yes, sight.
Every night | have blessed YOU in
my prayers" proceeded the old man,
dropping on bis knees, and kissing
Sir Martins hand, "Only do one
other thing. Cure her, sir-cure
herr
IF she viii let me, / win try, nv
friend,' he answered. "GertrGde,
viii Won trust me?"
Il do not know, IL fear" she an
nOuneed, in agitation. Disappointment
would be $3.50 terrible. Leave me
now q while, | pray you"
Tenderly be pressed her hand,
and went. When she was alone,
Gertrude dropped into a chair, weep
ing.
What am | to do do?" she mur-
INJURED. 81 must not accept him; for
it would ruin Alice"
She lifted her head. Some 2
had entered. 1t was Herbert Wes-
ton.
HE has come. Gertrude" he said.
gloomily: and Alice has accepted
him"