Weekly Trinity journal., 1876-01-29
GERTRUDE's LOVER.
" Where is Miss Fame, John ~

In her sitting room, Mr.. Weston.
She has just rung for me to bring her
here" answered the old an-servant.
That is well. Say l much wish to
see her."
While the young visitor, evidently in
much perturbation, paced the pretty draw
ing groom, the old domestic proceeded on
his errand. On entering Miss Fsne's
apartment, he found her standing waiting
for him.
She was about twenty-six, of a slight,
graceful figure, and fair, swcet-expres-
stoned countenance, rendered singusrly
striking by pair of large, beautiful blue
eyes, but it required only q second glance
at the latter to perceive they were depriv-
ed of that great blessing-sight.
Come, john" she said smiling, chow
long you have kept me -
"l'm sorry you should need so poor an
arm as mine, Miss Gertrude" replied the
old man, with emotion. 81 know what
blindness is, and | wish over and over
again that you would go up to London
and try to find that young man who gave
me sight"
All. how sweet it must be to see, .
sighed the girl. "Tell me, John, again
about yourself"
"Why, Miss, until five years ago was
as blind AS you, and had to live on char
ity. The band that supported me died,
and should have had to enter the work
house or starve, when resolved TO 60 up
to one Of those large hospitals in London.
They dismissed me as incurable. As |
left with heavy heart enough, a voice
addressed me. 1t inquired why there
were tears on my cheek. / told the rea-
son. The speaker asked if l would risk
placing myself in his hands. Gladly
consented, and in six weeks, saw"
Wonderful ~ murmured Gertrude
Fame. "Oh that l COULD find him =
Who is here, John ?" she asked, quickly,
as the old man led her into the drawing
room.
Mr.. Weston, Miss he wants to see
YOU"
Herbert" and the girls face flushed
with pleasure. My kind friend Her
bert. You can go, good John"
Holding forth her hands, she advanced
to the young man, who took and pressed
them in his.
Dear Gertrade," he said, chow |
have longed to see you-sweet comforter
in all my troubles"
"TroubleS ? See me. Where then is
Alice ?"
" In the library l have just left her"
" Your voice is sad, Herbert" exclaim-
ed the girl, bending her ear toward him.
Something has happened"
Something has happened, indeed" he
responded, mournfully. You are aware
dear Gertrude, how passionately I love
your cousin, Mrs. Errington. But her
lawsuit, my comparative poverty, and a
sense OF my own unworthyness, have
made me nervous to confess my alteration
To day has put it forever beyond my
power. Listen. AS you know, her late
husbands brother entered into a law suit
respecting the property. He has died
suddenly. BY will his nephew has inher-
tied, with this proviso, that il Alice will
consent to marry him the lawsuit will be
settled"
" And what does Alice say 2"
Ignorant of my love, she has asked
my advice. She hesitates, yet seems dis
posed to accept, but finally deferred her
decision until the young Baronet's arrival
10 see her, which will be to-day"
" Why do you not ask her to be yours
at once ?' said Gertrude.
" | dare not. 1t appears ungenorous
and selfish, when wealth and title are
placed in her grasp"
" Wealth, title I" cried the blind girl
quickly. What are these 10 love to
rendering those happy who are dearer 10
us than life ? What joy is there beyond
that ?''
Herbert Weston looked at her amazed.
Her cheek was flushed, her features ami
mated her eyes SO brilliant it WAS din
cult 10 believe they lacked sight. Ad-
vancng nearer he took her hand, saying
kindly
Gertrude, you speak as one who knows
what such love is."
I" l do" she murmured sadly, dropping
her head. Yes but TO rne il il only "A
sweet dream. Love, to the blind, Is dif-
ferent 10 what it can be 10 you, Herbert.
With them it is hopeless"
"My poor Gertrude ! Do | know
Him whom love ?" she interrupted,
smiling. mo. No one here has seen
him. / will tell you how il was. Over
six years ago 1 was staying with Mrs,
Elliot. One afternoon | accompanied
her daughters TO rowing match on the
river. There was great crowd, and
somehow got separated from my friends.
was overwhelmed by terror when my
alarm was augmented by some rough
men who had been drinking. Ny fear
was subject of mirth 10 them they ad-
dressed me, they touched me ; screamed
aloud suddenly another voice sounded
in my ear-loud, angry 10 the men /; soft,
clear, brave and musical to me. i felt
myself lifted in pair of strong arms and
carried from the crowd. My rescuer re-
stored me TO my party. lie was asked
home. He went. He came again and
again, ever with flowers for me. Once
he came to say farewell. lie had to 60 10
London.
"' Gertrude he whispered, Il love
you, but | am too poor to wed. Never
forget me never can | forget you. l