The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1876-03-18

lhey D0Weu anu parted, Tor up the path
was coming the old woman who had once
SO reluctantly admitted the young man to
Vernon cottage. Captain Bertrand start
ed for the hotel, determined, that on the
morrow he would seek Mr.. Morton, and
establish his character with that gentle
man. M sA1#
"She must not die" he whispered,
hopefully. II will win the poor, tired
heart, it human kindness may" sl{
Day after day saw the captain at Mr..
Morton's house. He made friends with
the old gentleman aud his pretty, lively
girls, but they soon saw what Elsie did
not--that his "business in the village"
was to please her. The weeks rolled on.
Every day Elsie, interested and amused
as she had not been for many years, grew
better in health and spirits, until the cap
tain thought it was impossible for her to
be more beautiful or desirable. They
drove or walked every day, when Elsie
could bear it, aud the young girl wondered
how she should ever be able to bear her
loneliness when the captain, his mission
ended and visit over, should return to his
northern home. l
One morning Elsie sat in her low chair
on the piazza, sewing some trihc, and
reading from book open at her knee.
Into each life some rain must fallp'
Alas when shall | have the sunshine p
she whispered, softly. Then, looking up
she saw Albert Bertrand coming up the
gravelled walk, and added, "There is one
ray for me now !"
"Ah Miss Elsie" he exclaimed, "you
are growing rosy, and know it is owing
to our walks. VIII you not take one
more with me? 1t will perhaps be the
last, for / have had letter calling me
home"
A startled cry was hushed in Elsie's
throat, and she answered calmly
al am very sorry. Yes, win walk
with you"
Taking up her hat, they started across
the field toward pretty grove near by,
where was one of their favorite walks.
Elsie talked constantly, in order to gain
time, fearing he would speak of his depar-
ture. When they reached the grove, she
seated herself at the foot of a favorite tree,
and the young man, throwing himself be-
side her, exclaimed,- sl u-t.Y
" | want to remember this picture
this charming grove and silvery stream
with its messy bank, but, above all, you,
my little friend, with your flushed cheeks
and golden hair, bewitchingly curled by
the wind and your walk"
Elsie flushed deeper than before, but
changing his jesting tone, the young man
said
| wish to ask your advice, Miss Elsie.
| am in love, and cannot find out whether
the young lady returns my affection. She
is fair, and kind and sweet, but she is SO
TO all"
Elsie's heart beat fast aud joyously, for
something in his look and tone told her
whom he loved,
" Well" he continued, ~ have loved
her so long-three years Elsie felt faint
and sick--"and in all this time | have
never dreamed of another. It seems now
as if, after having had her SO long in my
heart, | could not give her up, What
would you do in my case, Miss Elsie r.
BY this time Ellie had concluded that
Captain Bertrand had loved long before
he ever met her, and, though inwardly
wounded, her woman's heart helped her to
answer calmly. 5r .,0
Do not make confidant of me, my
friend, but bravely ask the lady yourself.
She is the only person to hear your love
storyl" Ss4.l. a'f'a
Her voice slightly trembled, and the
captain, looking up, saw that she did not
understand. Drawing the picture from
his pocket, he said ,--aa haH
Here, Elsie, is the face of her | love.
1t has been near my heart ever since the
day your voice FIRST fell SO sweetly on my
ear"
Then, seeing the surprise, followed by
daWning love and joy in her face, he
could say no more, but drew her closely to
the heart which would evermore cherish
and protect her. st p'.R
So the North and the South kissed each
other. Is. 's -.
There was ''union of hearts, a union
Of hands, union which none eer may
sevOr," and Elsie Vernon again became
the happy mistress of her vine-clad cot
tage, with Captain Bertrand as its master.
A visitor at their hospitable home, few
years later, might have seen the old black
"mammy" following about the neatly
shayen lawn two little curly heads, bright
boy and girl, whose noisy laughter and
merriment rang out like joy.bells to glad.
den the hearts of their fond and doting
parents. - S sp"
Hurtful Reading. @ ~
A bad book, magazine; or newspaper, is