Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1878-06-20

She tore from the packet its small white
wrapper. and then drawing q penknife
from her pocket hastily cut the fastenings
OF small white paper box. aud drew from
ene gold chain. to which was attached
. tiny. Jeweled iocket.
This Is . rare gilt" said he. examining
Is.
1T Is n gin which l would give almost
my life to return to the giyer with the as
surance that the circumstances Of which II
Is token are much regretted by me; and
must barter my earthly peace and happi-
ness"
You talk In riddles.'
We'll. l will explain. Six years ago.
before had entered my eighteenth year, I
parted from my first lover; . boy not two
years my senior. believed then that the
first love was the true one. know better
now, but only to my despair. pllghted
my troth to him; he believes to this day
that love him as | used. for have never
seen him since left my country home. lie
sends me presents and tender messages,
which makes me wrctcheJ. But he never
writes to me. He gives me no opportunity
20 tell him Of this change. for | do not
know where he Is. do not think could
do II II | did. | assured him again and
again, on that last night that should not
outgrow my love for him. for he warned
me Of this. thought l understood my
heart Poor child that I Il did not
know that had one"
Then you do not love him nowT'
only with the tender. plying love OF a
sister"
And you love some one else s-pardon
me, but II sm to advise l must know the
whole facts OF the case"
Her face was quiet enough and she did not
raise her eyes, though q crimson blus h
burned up 10 the waves Of her golden
brown hair as she replied, Yes, l love
some one else"
lie watched her proud counteuance with
searching eyes for moment; then be
sprang forward and grasped her hands.
Virginia, you are . true woman. II
did no, believe this. would not ask you as
/ sta0d before you. face to face, II you love
me-"
Your assertion Is contradictory, coup
led vith that question, II you expect me to
answer IT," she answered proudly.
But where Is the necessity OF my saying
that love your have made 1t known to
you by acts hundred times during the
pas, two months"
she was abou, to reply Immediately, but
she stopped aud waited moment.
Hugh Annesley," she said suddenly, at
last, This Is selfish la you"
Whist do you mean:' he asked.
"l OH strive 10 oetray me into u conies-
sion OF love for you, before yoa advise me
how 10 deal with the man iormely loved,
and who you knew now, loves me. Sup
pose | we're TO tell you that | had only n
friendly regard for you. and that loved
anothery'
In that case | should advise YOU pre-.
clsely as do now
And how Is THAR
He did not reply for moment. and she
waited lmpa.iently while he stood toying
with the locket
Has II occurred TO you that the giver
has probably sent copy within thisi" he
asked.
nei 4 ,.esi ;t!sA' "'-''' : - :
No. but /, Is lixely." she replied.
do you wish to sect"
"No; but YOU may"
He unclasped the locket.
"Yes. he said" looking gravely within
while she stood silently by with averted
eyes. ''He was homely fellow, wasn't
he. GenieI'
She turned and looked at him ln aston
isbment. He laughed at her surprised
face
..You wanted my advise, didn't you 2
~ es", she replied.
"Wcll. think you can do no better than
marry hlm."
Who 2" she asked starting.
The original Of this portrait"
She stood gazing blankly at him.
You are mocking me; you are cruel.
she said. the tears starting 10 her eyes and
her color rising.
81 am doing nothing of the kind he re,
But do no, love hun"
: Il assure you that you do"
He laughed again; her eyes flashed. .
Convince me OF IT," she said, curling
her lips.
IL will do so. Look at the portrait"
She took Il from his hand, and he watch
ed her while she gazed. First csme look
OF blank astonishment, then one of doubt.
anerwatd An expression of bewildei meut,
and tiDally. one OF inquiry, as she raised
her eyes to his face.
Are you puzzied." he asked. smiling.
well. will explain. That is copy OF
my face, and am your old lover, Justin
Perry. Five years ago l discovered my
parents. and was re-chrlstened by them.
But my new name and station have not
changed my heart. l still love Genie
Thornton.
And still love Justin Perry. them" she
said. after moments conflicting emotions.
You are evidently convinced" he re-
piled, laughing and kissing her.
ut Is all so strange. Justin-Hugh."
But that doesn't prevent cur marrying
and becoming happy"
Aud ii didn't.