Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1878-11-06

her nuSDauu gave hCl iOa'S'
So Fred Elliot was banishcd from
his fathers house, because he had
married a wife; and left that wife, all
unknown and unsuspectcd, to change
and soften his fathers heart.
The first time that she ventured to
speak of Fred, her uncle silenced her
most peremptorily.
4 forbid you to speak OF him in my
presence. Let that subject be avoided
between us. once and for all. If you
are dutiful you shall supply his place.
as will enleavor TO ill your fathers;
but never speak that name.'
She Obeyed with heavy heart; there
was no choice for her but to obey, at
present. Her uncle grew much at
tached to her. Secretly and silently
he grieved .orely for his only son
and inwardly cursed the ambitious pride
that had led to their arrangement,
though outwarGly he appear ed hard
and cold. His hair. that had been as
black as jet, turned gray and a worn
and ANXIOUS osk became habitual with
him. To Amy he turned for comiort
in his hearts hidden and unspoken des-
olation.
She was his sweet and patient COM
paniou always: reading, playing, sing
ing to him-Fred's iavorite airs and
songs; 1t was the only way in which
she dared plead for him and tcnderly
recall him to his fathers heart. She
took charge Of his home comforts too ,
as they had not been cared for since
his wife died long ago. Both uncle
and niece shrank from society, but in
the house, and in long, solitary walks
and drives, they were almost insepara-
bic.
Ont tltl Sbih W iiSls
You are a daughter 10 me, indeed.
shall leave all my wealth to you.'
She shrank away, and cried out at
that-off her guard for minute.
Oh. no, no, no! | could not accept
1t. 1t is-it belongs to-another!' And
then stood trembling, with her eyes
cast down.
Mr.. Elliot frowned heavily.
1T belongs to me. TO do with as /
will; and choose to give it to you, not
to-one who has dis sraced me-
She gathered courage. With crimson
face and heayius bosom and fearful eyes,
she cried.
oh, do not say SO, uncle! Fred will
never. disgrace you; he is too good, too
noble
He interrupted her:
Do you know what his goodness and
nobleness has brought hln to: know
he writes to YOU sometimes. lie is-my
son is-at work as bookkeeper in fac
tory in Connecticut. at a salary Of
twelve dollars per week. How long do
YOU think it will be before he can sup
port his wife on that?' Then pausing
suddenly, as he marked her glowing
cheeks and troubled, heaving breast, a
thought occurred to him. He uttered
an exclamation of comprehension and
regret. and putting his arm around her
drew her towards him.
Amy, my child. did you know that
Fred was married 2
Her heart beat until it nearly stiiicd
her. What question would come
next?
Yes, uncle" she laltered, with white,
trcmb!in. lips.
He noted her emotion aud mistooE
it, cause. Filled with a great regret
and pity. he drew her TO his breast. 50
thai She hid ner lace AGAINST his should
er.
N, chiid. my own. sweet erl. be
candid with me; speak TO ne as You
would to your own ialLer. Did you
love Fred with more than a cousins
love-
The question was SO unexpected, so
altogether different from what size had
dreaded. that il took her by surprise.
! All her love for her young husband, all
her grief lor lis long absence Che had
been gone six months), the painful
thought that she had driven him from
his hone-thesr, and another keen anA-
iety that gnawed her heart in silence,
overcane her now, and found ulterance
in the cry that left her lips.
# loved hin better than my life
batter than MY life !! she cried, and lell
weeping on heruncle' $ breast.
He caressed and sOothed her.
sAlasr he cried. If he had only
married you, how happy we might, al
have becnp
She raised her head-a look of de
lightlul surprise upon her face.
Would you have consented to that
she cried.
MY child, can you doubt it?'
Her hand flew to her bosom then
she paused.
No, no | must nOt-my promise
nv OATH che murmured, and raised
her hand TO her brow with a bewilder
ed look; and yet to be SO near happI
ness-and not-uot seize upon it!' heI
voice died suddenly; the agitation ha'
been too great-she lay senselesS in MIR
ElhoPs arms.
This did not much surprise him; she
had been far from well of late. causing
him much anxiety. He laid her on :
couch, and ringing the bell for help
| I A., hn ,lr.ss at th.