The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1876-05-13


ing the last two years of her studies, making
inquiry about her health, her books, and, by
his older knowledge, materially assisting hei
in the development of her mind. When sh'
left school at the age of eighteen, his were
the last eyes she looked in, as he banded hei
in the diligence that was to carry her oaCk u
her future home. As for him, he littIe
thought of lOve-as ioI her, what couiu Sh'
do but suffer in silence?
Two years after her return TO Limoges
her aunt had paralytic stroke Upon send
ing for their family physician II Was learned
that he had been Unexpectedly callcd away
to Paris. His nephew, who had just entered
into partnership with him, would call, IL ac'
ceptable He came ana to Niolet uhu''ef'
able ioy and surprise 1t was Edwin Lebrun
lie was doubly surprised, as he thought her
home was in another par. Of France, and did
moi dream to find in Limoges the interesting
Young lady OF the school ut I. lie was
\ daily visitor during her aunts illness OF
several weeks duration, until she was at last
able to sit up, with only partial loss OF her
right side, confused mind making her
somewhat childish and very feeble She in
sisted upon Edwin's continuing his visits,
leaning upon him, admiring him for his good
traits, his kind nature, no less than his ilne
skill.
! Violet drifted with the tide Of love, that
flowed so gently and tendery along for her,
unknown to him. His daily intercourse
strengthened and increased that love. She
had many admirers, but who can control the
heart? She loved him, and the more for her
love being concealed. He, with his studies,
his patients and cares, never thought OF love,
apparently; man like. he was blind 10 the
love of the patient, quiet girl. Though lie adj
mired Violet, took an unusual interest IN hcr,
seemed to understand her nature, lent her
books, held long, instructive and interesting
conversations with her his heart never felt
the divine ttlatus that Parthcna describes to
lngOmaras.
Two souls with but a single thought,
Two hearts that beat as one.
SO lite passed along, sweet to her, for a few
years longer; then her aunt had second
stroke, from which she never rallied; il
proved suddenly fatal, and Violet was sec
ond time left alone. Her aunt had made an
ample provision for Violet in her will, hav-
ing learned to love her dearly in the years
she had been with her.
Shortly after this Edwin Lebrun went to
Paris, rumOr said to be married to PROBES
sors daughter to whom he was engaged
Violet, whose love for him had grown to be
such an absorbing passion, hearing OF THIS.
resolved that she would leave the life that
would soon become 80 barren 10 her, and,
sailing for America, endcavOr To escape the
tortures that were already racking her heart.
Edwins fare well to her mad been kind and
Notwithstanding more---and ofhis plans he
told her simply that he should never return
to Limoges, aud his stay in Paris would only
depend on circumstances.
SO they parted so fate weaves the
warp and woofof life together; and the result
is-what no human eye can discover, or hu-
mai heart conceive, until the piece, in all It's
beauty and love, or all its sorrows and sad.
ness, is land out before US.
Violet soon had her affairs arranged, and
engaged passage on the ship ARIEL bound for
New York. The ship sailed on the 18th of
August. EiOlets heart sank as she looked
with tear dimmed eyes upon the land that had
80 much love for her, the home that had been
such pleasant one so long.
She was confined to her cabin for the first
few days, the ocean being unusually rough,
but on the fourth evening out, As she was
leaning over the taiirail, gazing at the blue,
sparkling water she was startled by voice
close to her saying, as it possible; do | see
Miss Dcsmoulins :" Turning, she saw the
extended hand of Edwin Lebrun. "What good
star" he said, has been propitlous and sent
you to be sharer OF our voyage" lie shook
hands with her cordially smiling upon her
with that rare, sweet smile that had so often
made her heart bound, and which now sent
the blood rushing there swiftly and swcetly.
Mutual explanations followed. She had
started earlier than at first intended. lie had,
upon arriving in Paris, concluded that the
new world opened TO him greater advantages,
and had speedily concluded his arrange.
ments and embarked upon the first vessel,
which happened TO be the Ariel rs there IA
divinity that shapes our ends, rough hew
them as we may" Victor Hugo would an
swer no, it Is destiny. The thought came to
her; 1T is an untruth he Is not To be wed.
ded"
They stood there conversiDg of many
things the old land, the DID, old home; the
olden time when he first saw her, Il delicate
little Violet al school, memories SO sweet TO
her, and not at all commonplace TO him; un.
til the sun set in golden splendor, followed
by rosetlnted clouds, flooding her shining
hair with its golden sheen, making him think
IN his heart, "What "A lovely girl she is ~
They were brought back TO the prosaic
things of life by one of the Scamen saying
ave shall have "A heavy squall tonight
"lIad you not better retire Ia the cabin,
Edwin said to Violet, "ihe mir grows damp
and chilly
With gentle courtesy he escorted her 10 the
cabin way, and babe her kindly good night
then lit cigar and s,rolled the deck, think
ing over the delightful surprise he had re-
celvei.
Huge banks OF clouds began to loom up IN
the Western sky. The wind Soughed through
the rigging, signing as If for doomed souls
The captain gave hurried orders TO his men
to reef all sails. Every preparation was made
to avoid impendig danger. The wind rose
higher, clouds grew darker, then a stiffness
like death ensued fo- moment, a calmness
that could be felt Then like a race horse let
loose it came; the waters rushing, foaming,
crashing from the West, the ship careening
over on lis side, the big waves dashlng
against the ship, sending the spray halt way
up the masts, drenching the deck, washing
movable objects overheard, and the bark was
at lis mercy, scudding along under bare
poles like an arrow shot from bow. Some
screams and shouts were heard above the din
and uproar, among which was the Captains
voice, shouting through his trumpet, "Do not
fear the worst is over; we shall ride il out