The interior journal. [volume] (Stanford, Ky.) 1872-1881, 1876-12-01
ere MT ar LAST.
nv srLvAxus COBB, IN.

Gnui Wtmship ana wary hrche
Eat in the small, comfortable sitting
room Of an humble cottage not fsI
from tho great city. II was late 10
the evening Of a Spring day, and the,
had not been long in from stroll IL
the by-ways by the glimmering Of I
quartering moon. Paul had seen only
q week Of life since lcapiog the bounc
Of self-owned manhood-that Is, b,
week beyond onc-and-twenty. Mary
was one year younger. And they
were both Of that mould and thai
temperament, which Nature bestows
upon those who are TO be made there
by capable of great enjoyment. Their
sympathies were quick and active
their apetites natural and healthful |;
their affections true and strong; their
aspirations worthy and honorable !;
and their hearts warm and genei Qua,
and stcadfast as the mountain behind
which the moon was dipping.
And these two had been schoolmates
aud companions for years. They had
loved each other while yet children,
and their love had gone on growing
stronger from day to day. Paurs ia
Their and mother had both died while
he was yet an apprentice, and he bad
been left with only the love OF Mary
Archer to give bright sunshine to his
life. Aud Mary had lost her father,
and now labored with q hearty and
healthful cheerfulness to assist her
mother in gaining livelihood. And
she lsbored the harder because poor
crippled brother depended upon her
for a support. lie was not able to help
himself.
Paul wimship had resolved that he
would go to sea. An uncle was cap
tain of large ship bound for the East
Indies, and had offered him a good po-
sition. with promise Of promotion. He
thought he could do better so than to
delve at a trade which could never
yield more than bare support. He
and Mary had talked the matter over,
at length became reconciled to the step
believing it might be for his good.
And on the morrow the ship was TO
sail, and this was to be their last eve
ming together for long, long time.
They knew now how strong and yearn-
ing their love was, ard how depend
ent they were, and must be, up each
other for joy and blessedness; and
they tried to look across the chasm Of
separation 10 the full fruition beyond.
Mary had worked into a fanciful
braid slender tress of her glossy dark
brown hair, and while they talked, she
fixed it into small golden locket, and
shut down upon it glass cover.
There, Paul." she said, when the
work was dore-there is a lock Of my
hair. as you wished. 1t is q pooi
thing. but you will think Of me when
you look upon it."
Paul took the locket, and pressed it
to his lips.
Il shall look upon it often, darling,
and think, while l look, Of the dearest
treasure for me this earth can hold
20, PAUL."
Darling. don't weep. But q few
short mouths, and We will be happier
than ever. / know / shall prosper.
We shall suffer this separation as the
seed is hidden in the ground. 1t is to
be the germ of better things to come"
Il shall try and think SO, Paul. !
will think So"
Paul found piece Of lue ribbon
in Mary's basket, with which he
suspended the locket about his neck,
and when he had placed it once more
to bis lips, with murmured blessing,
he hid it away in his bosom.
And, by and by, they stood at the
door, locked in the parting embrace.
Until long past midnight, Mary sat
by the window and gazed out upon the
stars. She knew that Paul was on his
way, ON foot, to the city, and that it
would take him two hours 10 walk the
distance. So she sat there until she
went up 10 her chamber, and sought
her pillow. but not to sleep. He
heart was too heavy aud sad.
But Mary Archer was young, and
healthful, and strong, and ere long she
brought reason TO the aid Of hope. and
was content to look and pray for the
good to come.
AT the end Of three months letter
came to her from the sea. brought by a
homeward-bound ship which Paul had
met on the trackless deep. Ii was q
letter full of love aud hope and prom
Use. He spoke brave words, and he
was pleasantly situated.
The weeks and the months passed
an, and ano her letter came. 1t Wal
written from Calcutta, and Paul Wal
well aud in glorious spirits. From
there they we're going to Canton.
Again at Canton. he wrote, and th'
t.,,o. oan,a home nv way of EnOlaul