The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1876-07-28
SELECT STORY.
LOVE VERSUS AMBITION.
ny ARNOLD n. KoExAx.

A mans ambition is his chief aim in
life, before which even love must give
way, and firmly believe il is for the
beet that we part for the present"
perhaps never to be united again, or
be TO each other what we have been" )"
interrupted Dora, with a trembling
voice.
Possibly. But who can say what
the future has in store for US? ! think
that IL you we're to rise somewhat in
your sphere Of life, the chances might
be-"
Enough, Chester Vane! ! know
what you are striving to gain. ] shall
never be in your way, or prevent you
from obtaining what your tickle heart
desires; but il the future looks dark and
dreary, # you have cause to believe that
your aspirations are vain, do not expect
mercy from me. have been lenient in
my treatment ofyou because ] loved you, f,
and did not dream how shallow a heart
you carried. But let il pass; will only
think Of the future. Here il your ring
take it, and may you ere long obtain
an opportunity TO place il upon the fn-
ger Of lady who is rich enough to sat
isfy your ambition. And impulsive lit
tic Dora turned to 60.
"Are you not rather hssty in your
decision?" = Chester inquired, a little
surprised.
"Not more 30 than you. hoped TO
grnce your home as your wife, TO care
for you and minister to all your wants.
That bright dream has flown forever,
and see before me only dreary waste" /"
"You do not blame me for every.
thing"
"No. forgive you, because know
what IL il to strive for some higher
sphere, and 10 have an obstacle in your
path Of progress. am that obstacle
and since il Is removed you ought to be
contented. Good by. Chester; let us
still be friends"
She gave him her hand--this brave
little womnn-and for the last time re-
turned his caress; then she, drew hei
cloak closer about her and left him
alone.
He stood there, gazing at the spot sh'
had just left; all sunshine and happiness
seemed to have taken wings ard flown
and it was his own fault. Not until sh'
was gone did no realize the immensi.y o
his Ioss-nol until an aching vacancy il
his heart convinced him Of his great err
ror in sacrificing such brave litl,
darling for ambition. Had she but re
turned then and there, her victorJ
would have been complete; ambition
fame, all would have flown, and he hao
lived for love and love alone.
Had he been lees anxious to shine il
the world as great man-had he bu
reflected upon his course, he would hav
paused and taken the counsel OF on
who was more wise than he. But nc
his brain was on FIRE with ambition: al
ready he pictured to himself the glor
with which his light Of genius woul
shine in the world; already he anticipai
ed the pleasure Of welding the maQi
scepter, and his whole soul was file
with the gli.tering vision.
And Dora Allen, poor, forlorn DorI
was well.nigh heart broken. How brigh
had been her happy love dream, but ala
how short. She had loved the youn
man, and longed for the happy da
when she should be his. But all he
bright hopes were dashed to pieces-hs
picture, which be had painted in glow
ing colors, had been utterly destroyed.
All night she lay awake, thinking {
her sad. sad fate, and when the su
ushered in new day she was not VIII
more reconciled to her sorrow. Howe'
er, she was not one to linger and broo
over troubles, and determined to put q
end 10 the matter at once. According
she gathered all her little love token
received from Chester, and sent them
his address, receiving her own in retur
Several years passed away. Chest
Vane had striven for fame and had b
partly succeeded. He had toiled pc
ssveringly but people in modern tim
are not quite az enthusiastic as th,
might be, and, much as he had striv
for fame, he only succeeded in wastil
the best part Of his life, when he mig
have bettered his situation by a mar
age, and enjoyed domestic happiness.
In all these years he had never hea
from Dora. He did not know wheth
she was dead or alive; whether ambiti
had likewise assailed her. Remorse 4
sailed him, and he repented of his sin.
One evening, to dispel the gloom of
solitary evening, he lit cigar and strt
led up the avenue in the direction
Percy Fiizgibbons' lodging rooms, for
chat.
my dear Chester, you come just
timc," cried Mr.. Fitzgibbons, in estac
"Was just dying to see you, and ask y,
to accompany me to the theatre, wher'
new star gives her first performance
America, and who"
"Well, what about this actress?"
terupted Chester.
"Oh, lots Of thingsl Haven't y
heard? She's the most beYitching Z
gelic, magnificent creature / ever Il
eyes onl Acts like fairy, sings like
nightingale, and has the most attract
style about her Of any woman that e.
wore petiicoats! FhctT" And PEI
sank back into his chair, exhausted
his own eloquence.
"Coms now, Percy, a trife less entl
siasm; aren't you overdrawing the thi
liitle7 Now confess"
"Not bit-not the least parti,
All's true I'ye told you. More, shes
angela modern princess in disgu
Oh, I'll go demented over herp'