The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1876-07-22

placing his arm around the trembling
happy girl, he imprinted a loving kis.
upon her lips.
There was no proposal, no hint that in
the future he should proudly claim hei
for his bride but her faith in him need
ed no such declaration. Returning tc
the hotel, the four chatted pleasantly for
a short time, and then separated to their
rooms. Half an hour later, all were
wrapped in slumber, and when Eleanor
awoke the next morning her lover had
gone.
For days and days she watched for
the promised letter, which never came
till late in the autumn, they too returned
to the city. Still Elearor received nc
word nor call from her quondam lover
and the poor girl felt that death alone
would bring balm to her broken heart
Five years later, and in the elegant
drawiug-room of Mrs. Wortley's palatial
residence were gathered the wealth and
beauty of the city. Brilliantly the light
fell on noble and handsome men, on
women all beauty and bloom But
queen Of them oil stood the beautiful
woman in whose honor the ball was Civ.
en-. Could it be possible that FIVE years
had wrought that marvellous change in
once plain Eleanor. The pallor Of her
lace had given place TO a skin Of marble
whiteness, relieved by a delicate pink
on the cheeks Her hair, once red, was
of deep golden brown; her crowning
beauty, her eyes. alone remained un.
changed
Among the last guests announced were
DR.. Merton and Ned Dalton, both still
bachelors. AT the mention Of Merton a
name Mrs. Wortley gave quick, appe.
hensive glance at her neice but the calm
answering smile assured her that the
foolish passion of her girlhood troubled
her no more AS the doctor approached,
he looked in astonishment at the queenly
girl.
Not that beautiful creature. Ned 2 1t
cannot be possible
Quite true, assure you somewhat
changed from the little girl you airted
so desperately with five years ago
They were duly presented, aud step.
ped aside to make room for others
Gayly the time passed and the evening
was almost over ere the doctor found an
opportunity OF again approaching Eleanor
Il hear you have been il Europe for
some time, Miss Thorn
Yes. You remember the sumner we
met at Camden. Doctor
Yes, he faltercd
Aunt and ! sailed for the Old World
that fall, remaining there FIVE years
Then haiter myself that you have
not forgotten that summer FIVE years
ago ? inquired The doctor
oh no 1t is udelihly engraven
upon my memory.
But astute as was the man at her side
be could not Interpret the strange look
that accompanied the words.
May |, then, claim the privilege of an
old friend, and call ON you2'
Certainly, doctor let there be no for.
maiity between us.
Eleanor was now claimed for prom.
ised dance, and the doctor saw no more
OF her that evening,
Eleanor's invitation was eagerly aecep.
ted, and the following evening found
Dr. Merton seated in Mrs Wortly's
drawing room with Eleanor by his eide
before leaving the house he had obtained
her consent to drive with him the follow.
ing day. Then came balls, parties oper.
as, in quick succession never was sea.
son so gay, and gayest Of all was queen.
ly Eleanor Thorn, chaperoned by her in.
dulgent aunt, and invariably accompanied
by DR.. Merton.
One evening he called and was sur.
prised Oh being told that Miss Thorn was
engaged, and could not see him. The
following eve lug he received similar
rebuff. As he descended the steps of her
house he encountered his friend Ned.
Cut out at last, George
What do you mean ? he fercely de.
Why, haven't you heard that Miss
Thorn is soon to be married to q foreign
gentlemen of high birth -? He has Just
arrived from Europe.
Il do not believe it 1t is false = But
the pallid lips and cheeks told that 1t
was received as no idle tale
Come with me it you want proof.
A few moments later they entered the
theater Seated in one of the lower
boxes was Eleanor. radiant, aud sparkling
with jcwels BY her side, with eyes
fixed lovingly upon her, was tall, hand.
some gentleman. Turning her head she
encountered the burning gaze of George
Merton With q scorniul smile upon
her lips, She turned to the gentleman be.
side her, and whispered something to
him he followed the direction Of her
eyes and encountered those Of his rival,
Almost maddened by the sight, Merton
rushed from tha hulding nor paused un-
Ill he reached hi- own room
On the foIna,ot evening he called at
Mrs. WorIly ani -sked for Miss Thorn
After few minutes had elapsed she en-.
tered the room. looking If possible, more
than ever beautiful Ia The eyes of the
infatuated young man
Eleanor what means this flirting ?
Darling you can never know the agony
have endured the lasl two DAYS
He attempted to raise her hand 70 his
lips quick as thought she snateaed it
from him.
Miss Thorn, what do you mean ls
my love nothing To you ? For, ny jsr-
lug, love, worship yon For you |
would peril my salvation Oh, Eleanor,
tell me the rumors I hear are false. BY
he right of my great love | demand All
answer
Pale as marble statue stood Eleanor.
Say but that you love me, and on
earth | ask no other boon
Calmly turning upon her suppiant
sutor Eleanor said,-