Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1877-04-28

WHICH pY SOME ihlsCuAbCO VI utHc'i SH~SN
projecting root, and capsized, hurling Jessi
into mass of water-lily plants, whose ibrou
roots held her down. Paul leaped into tn
water and drew her out, painting and half
smothered
What did you follow me for 2" was Jes
sizes peiulent query, when they reached th'
bank.
ITO save you from drowning, suppose,
was Mr. Jannings' reply, as he leaned agains
tree, for the sudden fright and exertion hae
almost mastered bis strength. Jessie wa
vigorously wrioging the water ont Of her drip
ping garments, but size glanced UP earnestly
into his pale face, the weakness in his voice
alarming her
Forgive me ~ she said. ptifully. :" You
are wet and chilled ought to be thankful
you were here. believe those roots would
have held me down until would have smother
ed. What lovely shroui would have had y
She turned her clear blue eyes, and gazed
abstracicdly second at the floating mass Of
green leaves, starred with waxen white buds.
Then she caught Paul's arm, and hurried him
homeward.
"You will get your death standing here in
your wet clothes Do you know, Mr.. JAN
nings, if l ever commit suicide, will die a.
mong those lilies"
"You?" exclaimed Paul Jannings, a cold
shiver running through his veins "What
could induce you to commit suicide ~
Nothing" her laugh rang out clear and
silyery, "unless should suffer as have seen
women suffer, who have loved and been de-
cciyed. think if any man should win my
love, and then throw me aside for another, !
could die Willingly
Paul Janniues looked down pitifully at the
tile fower-fair face. and thought what pretty
crushed lily she would be, if the bitterness Of
love betrayed ever came to her.
Let US hope no such dismal fate awaits
YOU" be said, earnestly, as they reached the
porch. snd Jessie ran laughingly up 10 her
room. Paul was i'll for few days after that,
and Jessie was so delicate aud assidious 10 her
attentions, that Paul almost forgot, under the
bewiliering influence of golden sunshine, fra
grant flowers, and Jesse's growing attractions.
that every tender thought, or loving look he
gave this innocent young girl, would be thorns
in her pillow tefore many months. His af-
fanccd wife, beauty and The belle Of many n
watering place, wrote him dainty perfumed
notes. which be read dutifully, and laid away
with kind thoughts Of the absent one yet one
fash of Jessie's beautiful eyes would drive the
writer out Of his head, and he would Join in
her rambles for flowers aud berries, with a deli
cious feeling of content
SO the summer days drifted on, Paul revcl-
ling in renewed health ard rcs,iulness that
no fashionable summer resort had ever given
him, and Jessie slowly awakening to thoughts
and feelings that but few weeks ago had been
unknown to her simple mind.
She never gave a thought to the difference
in their social positons-Paul, a scion Of one
Of the Oldest and wealthiest families in the
land, she the pretty daughter Of an humble
farmer-but allowed Lin to row her out a.
mong the Lilies, 10 crown her with dewy BIOS
SONS, read to her, sing TO her, and feed her
with the great luscious berries that lined the
bodgarows, never dreaming Of day when /
this blissfu life should end, and this glory,
which seemed to clothe Garth aod sky with |
supernal brighteness, should vanish forever
Paul Jannings was 10 heartless lirt no dis
honorable man, and it was only his engage
ment to Miss Chambers that kept his lips seal
3D. and withheld from Jessie the words she had
a right to expect. and hurgered to hear For
Paul never spoke word Of love, although ev-
idences Of his idolatrous passion broke out in
a thousand ways.
1t would be a great match for her, said
farmer Harper to his wife, as they sat on the
kitchen porch and watched Paul and Jessie
strolling through the meadow.
And good enough she is for him, replied
the proud mother, "for she's as pretty as
picture"
She ras growing lovelier. There was
brighter light in her eye, a softer glow on her
dimpled checks anl merier ring in her
voice, as ID, September days came 10 and
crowned the bills with deeper iinge Of gold,
and Paul broke of purple clusters Of grapes
and dropped them into Ter lap as she sa, in
the arbor Once, when she glanced up sud-
denly, she was startled at the strange look on
bis face, for it had occurred to Paul that he
must leave Jessie, or break bis engagement 4
with Miss Chambers, an alternative be sLrank !
from. for she was lis ideal Of a truly noble,
,ultured woman.
"Wba. is it makes you look 50 serious,
Paul."
Jessie did not hesitate 70 call him Paul now.
&" was thinking" he tried to speak lightly,
what you woull say If should leave you, j
lnd never come back"
4 sbsdo@ crePt into her blue eyes, and her /
ips quiyered little 9
g. would be tempted to dnd grave among
he water lilies, Think" sic replied, then =
flushed botly at the unguarjel confession.
You must not think Of such thing" a
'aul said. sternIy, although Bis head aehed .
With sudden dread. We have been good