The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1877-12-22

hold; no fierce cloud OF wrath, with torked
| lightnngs leaving destruction in their wake,
darkcned his sunny future. But the pure love
of an aiiectionac mother reigncd supreme,
land so cngrafted itself upon his heart that the
future with all its misery failed to erase 1t,
With this purity of principle Edward Aston
| had gone through college and returned with
the highcs, honoys. Now that he had just
commenced his legal profession, there vas only
one blank to ill to complete his happiness
and that was the consummation of his mar
riagc.
Breakfast being over the old horse was
soon. harncsscd for the drive, in despite Of his
seeming rcmonsrancc The very thought OF
Clara being by his side after so Tonga Separ'
alton, dispclled every gloomy thought that
might lurll behind the yet unrevcaled sorrow,
A sharp crack of the whip warned Rossiter that
freedom was at an end, when he moved on III
the direction of the Walton'S. As he drove
alonr the firm beaten road all nature seemed
more beautiful than ever The cheerful birds
warbled their morning songs, while the re.
freshed plowman's voice revcrberated along
the distant hills, as he drove his rural team
through the rich valley below. No sooner
had he entered the hall than Maj. Walton met
HIM with that cold yet polite greeting which
told him his fate was sealed. Inviting him to be
seated, he said Clara would soon be in. Min
utes then seemed like hours, while his thoughts
came and went in fairy visions. Extending
his hand in token of true devotion as her form
darkened the door, she said:
please excuse me for not being ready in
time"
Never mind, you are early enough. It's
hardly nine yet So you see we have ample
time, us the drive is short
con, where did you ret those beautiful
flowers" she exclaimed; they are so sweet and
lovely with dew drops still clinging to them
81 gathered them early this morning cspec
tally for YOU"
As she took them with many thanks for his
thoughttulncss, they drove away in the direc
ton of the appointed place. Extending far
away on the right rose in majestic splendor a
chain of mountains, whose rugged base inter
spersed with chaotic rocks bound the swift,
clear river as it ran hurriedly toward the sea
Fast receding behind them lowered high Ea-
Gle Cliff whose rocky summit seemed almost
TO touch the blue vault of heaven. On their
left lay the lake, whose smooth surface reflect
ing in dazzling colors the morning. splendor,
was broken ever and anon by some sluggish
turtle leaping from projecting rock, or Il pro.
truding fish in search of food Clinging to
the fence along the road ran American ivy,
which looked dOuby beautiful on that morn.
ing with its great red bloom; while nesting
beneath the thick foliage grew the modest VIC
let with its head yet sparkling in dew
HAS my dear little girl made the confession,
and are you mine-yes, mine forever, or are
we doomed to sepTation:" inquired Edward
Aston in nervous tones, after having sat in
anxious silence, while Clara had chatted about
the beauties of nature. You seemed so cheer.
full that dared think the obstacle removed
bu: the meeting with your father this morning
almost shut out hopes last ray
"Oh, no, have not mentioned the subject to
him, but when | told him you were to accom-.
pany me this morning, troubled look over
Swallowed his brow, which made me shrink
from our agreement. Yet hope to overcome
all, and as soon as a good opportunity is pre-
sented | will confess to him."
Major Walton, as before stated, was a man
of iron will yet there were times when his ten.
der feeling could be touched by the simplest
means, and it was to such a time Clara now
referred.
Let us dismiss this subject" she continued,
land talk of today's pleasure. | believe this
is the first time we have had such a drive since
the Sunday school celebration, about two years
ago DO you remember that evenings drive 2"
Indeed do, and never can forget it, for the
next day left for school, and ever since my
heart is stirred when think Of that pleasant
evening
The grounds, long since noted as place to
hold picnics and May-da festivities, were 10,
Gated in small valley surrounded by noun.
tains, except on the south where the ground
slopes gently toward the lake. From the base
u
spring, whose cool waters were sheltered by
an overhanging precipce of rock On either
bank of the streamlct thus formed grew beau
tiful groves of cedar, which furnished a rest
ing place. Already large crowd had assem-.
bled, among whom was Capt. Brooks, who no
sooner saw the two drive up than he met Clara
with Il friendly greeting, while she, despite
her own feelings, tried hard to show like
courtesy, at the same time introducing her Low.
or, for the two rivals before this had never met
Il wish you much enjoyment, Mr.. Brooks, .
said Edward, as he cast n glance through the
crowd recognizing many familiar faces. The
place looks quite natural" he continued, adj
dressing Clara and lifting her lightly from the
buggy. Mountains, spring, groves and all