Weekly Trinity journal., 1876-01-29

ton.
Gertrude shook her head sadly.
No." she said, "nevor. My cousin
married then, afterwards left widow,
generously took me to live with her. l
have never met him."
" Poor girl ~ said her companion,
mentally. Il thought as much"
"Hark I" interrupted the blind girl,
hurrcdly. "I hear Alice"
"Oh, Gertrude !" ejsculated tho young
man, recalled to his own sorrow. "Win
you speak TO her for me : l cannot
dare not -
60" she smiled. Leave il to me.
My want Of sight i. compensated for by
keener instincts. feel sure she loves
you. Go, Herbert"
Gertrude Fame had fulfilled her mis-
sion and now anxiously waited her cous-
in's answer. II was slow in coming.
What !" she exclaimed. as it pos
sible have been deceived, Alice. Do
you not love Herbert Weston ~
Yes, Gertrude SEQ it is not possible
to deceive your Affection" rejoined Alice
Errington. I" do love him but that is
no reason why | should be his wife. Re-
fleet if l were, lose this lawsuit |
become poor. How could liver How,
dearest, could you ? How could l keep
you with me ?"
Do not think of mo, darling Alice,
but OF Herbert who loves you."
Il will think Of both, Gertrude, and
will defer my reply TO you and 10 him
until | have seen Sir Johns nephew.-
All, there is carriage coming up the
drive It's he already. Gertrude, l dare
not yet meet him. Your words have un-
settled my nerves. Como with me. I
must recover myself tremble So"
They had scarcely quilted the apart
ment by one door than the young bsronet
was ushered in by anoi her.
He was OF middle hight, handsome,
of an Intelligent expression, with clear
complexion and largo, soft, dark hazel
eyes.
Seating himself, he waited Cor the
widow.
"Mne is scarcely pleasant mission"
he reflected, "to come 10 tell lady that
lawsuit or no, or for all the law suits in
the world, l cannot accept her hand even
if she is inclined to bestow it, Rather
than follow out my uncle's condition, my
uncle's will may leave mo rs | was.-
Neither, | fancy, would Mrs. Errington
consider herself aattored did she know
how | begrudged her these moments
how | pant TO be elsewhere"
His soliloquy was interrupted by the
door opening.
Rising to his feet, scarcely lifting his
eyes, he bowed low.
Mrs. Errington ?" ho said interroga-
lively.
Led by the sound of his voice, Gertrude
advanced toward him.
"No," she smiled. Sc como to apol-
ogise for her delay, but to say she will
join you shortly"
Good Heavens !" CALCULATED the bar
onet, starting forward. do dream
What do | behold Can it be ?"
A deathly pallor spread over Gertrude's
features. Trembling in every limb, she
bent toward the speaker, her lovely eyes
riveted on his face.
"That voice !" she gasped. "Oh I
speak again-in pity speak again %
"Gertrude," he said, softly, taking her
hand.
"Martin I" she cried, "have we then
again met ?"
She staggered forward and he caught
her in his arms.
my darling-my sweet Gertrude 1"
he exclaimed. How eager was | to seek
you How little I dreamed to find you
beneath this roof ~
This roof ?" she repeated, drawing
herself quickly from him. " ] had for
gotten Alice, my cousin. You-can you
be-"
"Sir John Errington's nephew" he
said. Yes living, he left me in pov-
erty ; dying he made rich, Gertrude"
And you are here to"
Refuse my uncle's conditions, and ask
you TO bo my wife"
"Me l-your wife, Martin ?"
A bright joy lighted her countenance.
Rapidly, however, il expired.
No." she continued" no, Martin
tO that can never consent. You shall
teach ME-. will never permit that"
Why not, sweet Gertrude 20
Because a wife should thars ell her
husbands pleasures ~ we'll ~ soFrows.
How can do so, who owing 10 my blind
ness live in . world VI my own, which
you no more can enter than can yours
No, Martin will be your friend
cannot be your wife"
Listen, Gertrude. My lips tremble
as speak yet your words compel me
not to be silent. Supposing could cure
you ?"
You ?"
Yes. Forced to make my own living
| followed the medical profession. was
studying for it when | first saw you. Do
you recollect az ! left you at Grassmeir
| said had formed resolve / dared not
then risk telling you? That resolve WAS
to devote all my thoughts to the cure of
blindness-to study it by day and night,
led on by one hope, one purpose to cure
you. Love aided skill. / effected cures
that made my name renowned, and"
" Mrs. Errington's compliments, Sir
Martin, and she'd be glad if you'd come
into the library" said John, breaking
into the conversation.