Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1876-01-27

her that somewhere there was lurking
fell destroyer capable of swoopinY down
| upon any prey, foul or fair, that might
! seize his fancy. She became enraged, of
course, with what she Called her mothers
imbecility. and wrote back to her never to
dare mention that word again, that IL it
ever had been in the family, il was the
old-tashioned kind that people throve upon
and lived with to a ridiculous old age.
Jane said ''t" all through the letter.
then became so terrified with this little
monosyllable that she tore the paper into
fragments. sent a telegram TO her forewo-
man and started in the afternoon train for
home.
Dora looked SO beautiful to Jane that
| she could not persuade herself she was at
| all out Of health. Her eyes shone like
sapphires. and her cheeks wore 50 brilliant
glow that Jane took courage, and began
to believe that all would vet be well.
For week or two Dora seemed TO gain
| strength again. James sharp vet genial
company was like tonic to the failing
health of the child. and she was even able
to 90 to church once more. But her step
was faitering and slow, and the powerful,
| imperious notes, that had once filled the
church with rare rich melody were lost In
faint sweet shadow of their former selves
Iremblingly and low they fell upon James
listening ear and smote upon her heart till
it was like 10 burst. Then the pityiny
glances OF the good country folks, the dain-
ties showered in upon her day by day fo-
her iainting appetite, above all, the un-
earthly beauty that seemed 10 shape itself
about Dora before James terrified eves-all
these drove the poor woman for relief in
any shape. She wished from the bottom
OF her heart that this man Van Dorm loved
Dora. as the poor child was foolish enough
to become prey to a hereditary malady
simply because this one strong element of
her life was thwarted
But Jane could find nCproof OF this eth
er IN the past or the present. He had simply
been civil. perhaps kinder to Dora at times
than to others. because nobody could help
being Kind TO her.
But how 10 inveigle this fellow to Dora's
feet Ii was most unpromisny and
hateful task. What an aggravatiou to
misery to plot and plan TOR result that
will only be bearable as a means of saving
life. As far as all those bright dreams OF
James went il would snuff them out like
The extingulsher OF a candle. But life,
sweet life. must be saved from the wreck
III that were overpast for Dora, then il
would be worse than worthless to Jane.
Of course the instrument must be mon
ey. This was the lever that moved the
world Miles Van Dorm was ambitious;
he was also poor. .sstrnggling, hemmeJ in
with difficulties on all sides. Jane could
afford to pay well tor the overthrow of her
own ambition. and thus foster that of Miles
Van Dorm.
She went to town. aud from thence drove
out 10 the parsonage of Ralph Peyton,
which was but short distance from the
suburbs OF the metropolis.
Entering the snug little study, il gave
her singular shock 10 see tbs shapely
form OF Miles Van Dorm bent over a huge
volume OF legal lore. She expected 10 see
him. and really chose this evening for her
visit to favor this presumption; but. never
the iess.to have thus before her this fleshly
agent the tates had chosen for her discom-
future gave her "A shock of dsmay.
Calm and cold, always seemingly we'll
dressed. whatever the material or cut of
his apparel, Jane vaguely approved of his
personal appearance. ltwas creditable-
amazingly so-tor a Van Dorm, lie seemed
politely desirous OF news from his late
abiding place, but kept his long front tin-
ger on the page OF his book, and glanced
longingiy thither from time TO time. At
last Ralph's step was heard in the hall and
Immediately upon the young minister's en-.
trance. he turned again to legal study. He
bowed politely when Jane left. but looked
to Ralph TO do the honors OF her depar
ture.
Jane paused at the outer door.
Ralph" she said, Il came here with
purpose, but my heart failed me. The fact
is, this is u terrible blow to me-"
What is a terrible blow, Jane?"
"Why. this foolish madness of Dora's
don't believe, mark you, she's dying for
love, but she's naturally delicate, and has
been spoiled all her life. Whatever it is,
shes wasting away Ralph, and | can't bear
it it kills me. You know. don't you.
Ralph" said Jane, with her foot on the
step OF the carra2e. THAT all | have will
be hers sometime: and it's no patry trifle,
| can tell you"
Then she drove away. leaving Ralph
gazing after her with almost a ludicrous
air of bewilderment. He walked with
slow halting step to the study. and sank
into a chair with heavy sigh.
Miles looked over inauiringly.
Have you heard anything to disturb
you?" he said.
Yes. Miles" replied Ralph. .impatienly.
''Do put by that plodding of yours, and
give me some advice. You know board
ed in the school-master's family when
preached ant there"
Miles nodded.
"Well,you also know what an mpusve
fellow am. Oh, Miles if | only had your
coldness and reserve I'm afraid I've un-
consciously gained the affection of the
school masters daughter"
"Miss Fairfeld-the lady that was here
jnst now?" inquired Miles.
NO" roared Ralph. "How could you
suppose such a thing? mean Dora, little
Dora-dear, gentle. sweet little Dora. To
think of It Miles She was mere child
that one couldn't help petting and caress-
ing. You certainly must remember her
well. She sang, didn't she. in your choir.
Miles looked at his friend, and a heat
gradually gathered in his eyes.in his voice;
even the fOrehnger that rested in the huge
| book of legal lore trembled.
go on. he said, calmly. or course she
sang in my choir. do remember her WELL
| Go on"
Go on" repeated Ralph. Its all very
well to say Go on but what am | to do?
Her sister just told me that she's wasting
away. You know she's delicate any way,
Miles. and she can't bear my departure
from there. Dear. dear little Doral'
do you mean to say that Dora Fairfield
is actually ill-in your behalf?' said Miles.
Her sister told me SO just now, and she
ought to know. What was she to do?
This confidence is excusable on her part,
Miles; she idolizes Dora. How can she
help it? Dear little rose of the wild wood!
to think should have unwittingly won
| her love-"
"Miles grew visibly paler.
''lt seems to me l can remember now.
he said closing the book. and leaning his
head upon his hand, ''that when she faint
ed in my arms that night it was after the
sudden mention Of your name"
"Fainted!" cried Ralph Il never heard
of that. Why didn't you tell me?'
| 81 oil nf hoc
coldly but as corroborative testimony, 1t
is. of course, valuable"
| "What am 1 to dor" exclaimed Ralph.
"Shs mustn't perish, Miles; that would be
terrible. Wouldn't you 60 to her at once
if you were in my placer"
| A smile of icy bitterness touched the lips
of Miles Van Dorm. "Yes." he said ,coldly,
'.if were in your place, l should 20 to
her."
Ralph started to his feet. "Will you 20
over. Miles ?" he said 1.-The first thing in the
morning, and ask Jane-Miss Fairfeld-to