Ellsworth American., 1877-06-21

Toward the close of the day he found
himself taking the lone path up the hill
TO the Fleetwood mansion. I'm only 90
Ing TO say goodbye he says to May, with
a guilty feeling as she asks him where he
is going.
Give the dear girl my love, replies
May, with a look at Tom, as much as to
say better give her your own, too Tom
returned the look, as much as TO say how
| wish dared, turns around and walks
on slowly. He knows that he Is going TO
bid farewell to all that might make his
life joyous and happy; yea, more than that
something sacred which woIld be almost
too much JOY for him TO possess. lie
hears the birds twittering. and asks him
self why the passion of love was ever Civ
en- 10 human beings; why could they not
have been like the birds, happy in mere
existence? As he went up the steps and
laid his hand On the door bell he heard
passionate exclamation within. aud the
next moment Joe Walker rushed out,
nearly upsetting him in his haste. The
two stared at each other, and Joe eXclaim-
cd with sneer:
What. are you going TO propose to Miss
Fleetwood. too?'
DO you mean to insult Mis- Fleetwood:
cried Tom, iiercely
Not At all replied Joe. as he made
mock bow and walked down the steps
Tom stood by the open door uncertain
whether he should run after Joe Walker
and thrash him or not A tumult Of emot-
ions had irapcd up in him that almost
overmasIered him. There was no mistak-
ina the purport of the words he had spok-
en- In a msment of anger. Miss Fleetwood
had not accepted Mr.. Walker. and who
Knows besides he had come to say good
bye, and he djdn't want to 90 away
without doing 30. The parlor door is
partly open. and presuming upon his if
timacy In the house and family he pushes
II quite open and enters. Miss Fleetwood
was sitting by the window as he came in
She rose hastily. and he could see that She
had been crying Now there was
nothing IN the world that could so unman
Tom as tears
have said that Miss Fleetworu was not
handsome. but 70 Tom she looked at that
moment perfectly beautiful. To see the
woman he loved most IN the world III sor-
row caused a sudden feeling To 90 out to
her that he could not keep back He cast
his doubts and fears and independence 10
the winds forgot his resolves and reso-
lutions, and taking her bv both hands led
her TO a seat and poured out his whole
honest, manly soul Of love to her.
i know my own unworthluess. said
Tom. humhly, after the first outburst Of
passion, but by Gods help am willing
to labor any length Of time 10 overcome
any obstacle in the way 70 win your love.
Can YOU accept such love a. miuc:
And what VA, Miss Fleetwood's reply
Had she known for some time that this
man loved her as none other had done
And as she loved him in return was She
the woman to be ashamed Of having n
love for so noble and worthy MAY?
The smiles broke quite through the tears
a. she whispered. i can, do
The room was very >tll to Tom for n
moment. as he tclt that this precious hfc
was given into his keeping. and both felt
that thenceforth their lives began fresh
and new. Tom was the first to speak.
know ! can do anything and every
thlhg now. and then when | have made a
a rsme and a fortune in the world ! shall
come and claim my reward
'15t. Tom. why wait 20 longi Why not
let Fne share your trials and struggles and
successes: Am not worthy
Worthy exclaimed Tom, passionately.
and perhaps we had better look out of the
window moment, but what right have
| 10 obtain such prize without working
tor itf'
Ny dear Tom. the best Of rights. Can
we afford TO lose the best part OF our lives :
No she went on. all that have i yours
In making for yourself all that your heart
longs for, and working together what can
we not do In the world for other,?'
All, Tom, where is your boa-ted indie
pendence now. You have been brought 10
think for some time past that the adjunct
OF riches. with.talent.is not 70 be di-pised !;
and now you are succumbiug entirely to
the enemy as you say. then my dear. |
shall have to take back what said this
morning, and lose my loved independerc cc
And so | shall lose mine says Emma,
shyly lifting her face to his full Of the
deepest trust and love.
week amer Toms marriage he recciy-
ed letter from Joe Walker begging his par
don in the most gentlemanly terms for his
rudeness on that memorable evening
And | congratulate you wrote he, upon
having the finest woman In the State for a
wife.
10 which Tom replied, giving Mr.. W.
full pardon. and thanking him besides in
the heartiest manner for his action on that
occasion. Which letter Joe was reading
when VIII Marks came in with a Letter
from Jack Briggs.
Jack Is as ignorant as ever a. to the
cause OF that match; says the old gentle
man Is as satisfied a il his son-in-law was
Croesus himself.
'Dofs he says Joe, looking up from his
letter slowly.
Yes. Don't you think you could write a
story about it some time, joe:
Perhaps can says Joe, with smile.
L Weekly Visitor