Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1876-10-19

tions, though my lover was poor man, com.
pared to my uncle. We were happy in those
days, very happy. Arnold was a true, noble
man, one to whom love was sacred word. .
woman's heart sacred trust We had been
betrothed nearly six months, when Uncle
Charley decided to accept an invitation to spend
week with some city friends, 10 give me an
opportunity to do some shopping. For in the
spring was to be Arnold Halcomb's wife,
We started off gaily, and spent most delight
ful week in London. Uncle Charley was
resident there during several years before he
retired from business, and could take me to
visit all points of interest We made large
purchases for my bridal outfit, and returned
home.
ALAS! we returned; mourning heavily
where we had left so gaily. Upon our trip
from the city Uncle Charley in some way made
false step upon the platform from a railway
carriage, and fell, injuring himself so severely
that immediate amputation of both legs be-
came necessary. 1t was in my power then to
repay the devotion and care that had been Law
ished upon me, and faithfully endeavored to
alleviate my uncle's sufferings in every way in
my power.
ut was then, dear, That my heart was torn
as yours is to-day. The basest ingratitude
seemed to me involved in my marriage, which
necessitated divided duty, even if my hus-
band consented to live here That l hesitated
to ask, for as you know the life here will bet
ter suit retired elderly man or woman than
young, ambitious aspirant for the worlds hon
ors and profits. So made my choice"
''But your choice was to remain with your
uncle?"
"Yes, dear. l remained here Arnold Hal
combe, the noblest man that ever knew, did
not make my duty harder by being angry at
my dismissal. Very sadly he admitted the
necessities of the case, and left me. Even then
he would have corresponded with me, would
have himself bound, but that l would not per-
nit. My uncles life was not in danger, and
would not let Arnold waste the best years of
his manhood without wife and home. So we
bade each other farewell, and a few months
later heard that my lover had Joined party
of men going to Australia"
"And you have never heard from them since?'
''Never! My uncle lived six years. When
was most desolate after his death, l found
you. You have been my comfort for eight
long years, but did not mean to tie your
young life down to mine. When 1 die hope
to leave you happy in your own home Stephen
knows this, dear"
'NIarjorie," whispered, ''did Arnold Hal
combe marry?"
81 never knew, dear"
''But you, do you still love him?'
eyes, dear, l shall love him while live,"
| She told me then no more of her heart his
tory, but talked of Stephen, of our love, of
entire sympathy in the future. l think she
must have written to him, for in the evening
he came again and we were betrothed.
knew that Stephen must return to his bust
ness in few days, but he promised 10 return
in month.
Marjorie gave him a cordial invitation to be
our guest. But when Marjorie left us alone
for the condolences lovers exchange, / plunged
at once into the subject that had been in my
mind all day.
''Stephen," said, ''tell me again about your
Cousins offer"
"Why, do you want to go to Australia ?"
he cried in amazement.
"No, but want to know something about
your cousin
s'There is but little to tell. When | was
mere boy, he went to Australia poor man
He invested very small capital - 'an..
ih;rad hio farp, Grad