Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1877-07-25

few months after Mr.. Allen had taken
up his residence in the town, Frank
Williams called on Flora at her fathers
house.
He found her alone, and after few
words of greeting had been exchanged
between them, he said:
20 :" I came this evening, Flora, to ask
you to marry me-
The abruptness with which he utter
ed these words caused her to gaze at
him in the deepest amazement
:" Surely, Mr.. Williams, l thought
that you were aware before this that
my heart belongs to Henry Durham ;"
" Yes, he replied, q believe that
you were engaged to him when he went
to sea; but that was several years since.
At that time he was rich; then after
wards, as you we'll know, misfortune
befel him. Now what has he to offer
you, Flora, excepting his love?-and
even Of that you are not certain. Who
knows but that some other maiden has
won his affections? 1t is not impossi-
ble-nay, not even improbable. AS
you we'll know, am rich Again, Flo
IA, ask you to be my wife. D
For shame, Mr.. Williams, to en-
deavor to tempt me from him who, [
sincerely believe, has remained true to
me! [ have long honored you as a
friend. Could you believe me to be SO
base and false us to desert Henry on
account Of his poverty? Far from it !!
Your wealth is no temptation. [ can
not be your wife while Henry is true to
me. .a...s,. .. II
"Then my pleadings are in vain?"
Yes; they have no more effect on
my heart than the wind has in moving
a mountain. 81
Contrary to her expectations, Frank
Williams did not quail under her cut
ting retort. Taking a seat by her side,
he said: ....s..
" Flora, you are a true girl, and for
your truthfulness | honor you.
Though poverty has assailed your low
er, still you have never deserted him.
Yours, Flora is noble love-one that
cannot be e4tinguished by the power of
wealth. | glory in your friendship, but
your love | do not desire. Another
maiden has won my heart Perhaps
my words are mysterious. If they are,
some one else will make their meaning
clear. Walk in, Cousin Henry
" Henry F." cried Flora, as she rushed
into Dunhams arms.
"My darling !" he said, tenderly en-
bracing her, and covering her rosy lips
with kisses a...
"Why, Henry" she said, after the
first demonstration of greeting between
them had ended, did you not let me
know that you were coming to-night?"
81 desired to learn, Flora, whether
you were as true to me since became
poor as when fortune smiled on me,
and for that reason Frank asked you to
be his wife, although, had you accepted
him he would have rejected you for
your falseness; then our love would
have perished; now [ can rejoice that
you are mine forever You will for
give me, will you not? ?"
Q" I ought not to, she replied, be-
cause you doubted me; but | pardon
you.
never really doubted you, darling;
| only desired to know what influence
the temptation of riches would have on
tllo lONt you nave ClleI iolIou III liIC. #E
81 also crave Flora's pardon, said
Frank, g for what [ have done, and al
though [ can never call her my wife, [
hope that in some future day can call
her cousin. F"
s'Then you are Hehry's cousin?" she
said, taking him by the hand. /
grant you forgiveness, and trust that
our friendship will never be broken. .
Shortly afterwards Frank babe the
lovers good night, and left them alone
in the happiness of each others compa-
ny.
A few weeks afterwards there was a
double wedding, the parties interested
being Flora Allen and Henry Durham,
Miss Oakland, a very pretty maiden,
and Frank Williams
It was joyous time, with nothing to
mar the happiness of the occasion.
Among the invited guests was Thomas
Boldron, whose mirthful ways and hap
Ply spirits greatly tended to enhance
the pleasures of the day.
In after years Henry Durham be-
came rich, and the early dreams of his
devoted wife were fulflled-Pha1adek
p1aia Saturday Ereniaeg ost