The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1876-01-27

sion, but earnest, heartfelt love.
L in love / arose and looked in the
mirror, and my broad-shouldered refec-
tion blushed before my gaze. The
springtime of my life had flown, and my
summer had come and gone, and in the
autumn 1 had dreamt of loves bud and
| blossom.
knelt beside my bed and prayed that
1 might not hate my brother-that I
might not even envy him. His touch
upon my door startled me. He came in
with something in his manner not usual
to him, and sat down opposite me. For
few moments we were silent. Then he
said, speaking rapidly and blushing like
girl: " Ned, old fellow, you-you saw
me making a fool Of myself just now, L
suppose ?"
81 saw you on your knees" I said.
"And thought me silly fellow, eh
understand-you've been so calm and
cool all your life through, you know.
She's driving me mad. Ned, do be-
lieve she likes me, but she won't say
yes. I'd give my right hand for her
love. 1 must have it, and think you
can help me, Ned. From something
she said, 1 believe she thinks you would
disapprove; perhaps you are one of those
old fellows who want every one to marry
for money. Tell her you're not. Ned
dear old fellow-tell her you have no
objection. and I'll never forget tin
deed, won't!"
"Tell her have no objection" I re-
peated, mechanically.
"You know you are master here, and
as much my father as if you really were
one instead of brother" said Ashton.
eff did not know how kindly you had
always felt to us both, shouldn't con-
fide in you, for it's serious thing to be
in love, Ned, and you may thank
Heaven you know nothing about it"
Know nothing about it. All, if he
could have read my heart just then
"Pll do what I can, Ashton" said
at last. "I'll try my best"
And he flung his arm about me in his
own boyish fashion, and left me alone
alone with my own thoughts.
He had said truly; 1 had been like
| father to him. was old enough to be
hers, and no one should know my silly
dream. would hide it while L lived
AS l had said once "I've only the old
l.
then (; L will only think of mother and
of Ashton. Let my own life be as moth
ing; l have lived for them-if needs be,
, I will die for them."
But L would not see or speak to Olive
that night, nor until the next, day was
quite done. Then, in the twilight, sat
beside her and took her hand.
"Olive," I said, "I think you know
thQt Agh II L
has told you so. And you-can you not
love him 2"
She drew her hand from mine, and
said not one word.
81 should rejoice in my brothers
happiness. J. should think him happier
in having your love than anything else
could make him. 1 told him would
tell you So"
And then she spoke.
"You wish me to marry Ashton2"
Reproach was in the tone-reproach
and sorrow.
8" If you can love him, Olive"
said.
She arose. She seemed to shrink
from me, though in the dark I could not
see her face.
81 do not love him." she said.
And we were still as death. Then sud
denly Olive Hunter began to sob.
"You have been very kind to me. I
love you ali, she said; "but 1 cannot
stay here now. Please to let me go
somewhere else. I must-I cannot live
here"
$50 from us, Oliver" 1 said. "Nay,
we are not tyrants; and once assured
you do not love him, Ashton will -
"Hush - she pleaded - "hush /!
Please let me go away Please let me
go away !"
The moon was rising. Her newborn
light fell upon Olives face. Perhaps its
whiteness made her look pale
She leaned against the wall with her
little hand upon her heart, her unfath-
enable eyes full of pain. How had 1
hurt 500 A new thought struck me.
perhaps you love some one else,
Olive z"
And at that she turned her face from
me, and hid it in her hands.
" Too much-too much. You might
have saved me that" she said. "Let
me go away. wish you had never
brought me here"
And 1 arose and went to her. I bent
over the woman 1 loved. 1 touched her
with my hand; her soft hair brushed my
cheek.
"Olive," I said, eff coming here has
brought pain upon you, I wish 1 had
not. I would have died to make you
happy"
And my voice trembled, and my hand
shook, and she turned her face towards |
me again and looked into my eyes.
What she saw in mine 1 do not know
the truth, 1 think. In hers 1 read this
was not old to her not too old to be
loved.
1 stole my arm about her, she did not
untwine it. / uttered her name,
"Oliye," huskily. Afterwards I told
herS of my. struggle with myself, not
then. 1 said : "Olive, love you, but
it cannot be that you care for me. am
old enough to be your father"
And again L saw in her eyes the happy
truth and took her to ny heart.
But we kept our secret for while,
for we both loved Ashton, and both
knew that this wound was not too deep
to find balm and within year, when
the boy brought home bride, pretty
creature whom he loved, and who loved
him, claimed Olive.
And she is mine now and the autumn
blossoms of my heart will only fade on
earth to bloom again through all eternity
n paradise.