The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1878-12-07

suddenly became abstraeted, answer
ing at random, her gaze wandering to
group near them so often that he
asked the cause ...t
She answered his question by asking
another.
"Who is that gentleman talking
with Miss Lane2 He reminds me OF
one whom l have met before"
"That is one of natures noblemen,
Philip Chester, by name, and Is my
particular friend. lie has a romance,
quite interesting which, If you care to
listen, will relate"
II am fond of Romance, please do"
she said, with an eagerness that sur
prised him.
"Abtut eight years ago. he COM
menced. "Phil aud took run down
to the little village of Wildwood.
ave passed the time pleasantly,
trouting and boating alternately. Phll,
being somewhat of an artist, often
amused himself by sketching bits Of
scenery. One day while engaged on a
particularly romantic scene, we encouut-
cred od.nymph, such as we read of
in 'ScOtt's poems.' Phil persuaded her
to let him sketch her, and, would you
believe it, although SHE was not more
than 10 years of age, he fancies HIM
self in love with herl
"lIe has never met her since, being
called suddenly away the same night of
their meeting, and not having ascer.
talned her name, 1t was impossible for
him to find her on his return to the viii
lage some few months later. 1t seems
a hopeless vigil. but he has not yet de.
SPARED. Only the other day he said he
felt more hopeful than ever. Do you
know" he continued, that you strange.
ly remind me of this little forest maid?
"Nonsence" she said, while rosy
flush overspread her face making her
more beautiful than ever. your story
has interested me greatly, aud | would
| like to become acquainted with the
hero of your romance; perhaps l can
furnish sequel to your little story
~ will present hin immediately" and,
starting up, he was about to rush off in
search Of his friend, when she detained
! him.
"Not tonight, please; l am not pre-
pared; but Tomorrow ii you will bring
your friend and and the picture you
spoke of L" she paused. "Witll
pleasure" he responded; "our dance
| believe" and, Offering his arm, they
were soon among the merry crowd OF
dancers.
Madge Morell descended to the par
lor with light heart, next day wher
her visitors were announced. Never
had she been in gayer spirits. She
fairly charmed her listeners, PHILIP
found himself entranced, wondering il
she were real flesh and blood.
II am dreaming" he mentally eX.
claimed. She is my ideal of Il wO
man, just what have pictured to my
self what my wood-nymph would Dt
could l find her."
"By the way, Phil, did you bring
that sketch7 Miss MOrell has pIoniseC
sequel to your romance, which wa
relating to her. | am somewhat Impa'
tient to hear it," broke in Harry, arous'
ing him from his reyerie into which be
had fallen.
The sketch was produced, and, after
looking at it for some time, MadgC
turned to Philip, and asked;
"lIave you ever thought that this
child must, ere this, have grown tt
womonhood?"
"I havel' exclaimed the impulsvt
Harry. 81 have pictured to Phil, time
and time again, what she must be like
now. Her wild, outdoor life, whicl
she probably continued, would render
her complexion Of the wild Indian cast
quite contrast TO our city bellies. Sht
would need training, probably. Nor
than likely she has gIown up in ute
ignorance, and is now married to som,
lout OF farmer, her time being chiefly
spent in attending the pigs ana chick
ems. Imagine if you can, her seateC
on three legged stool, trying to extrac
the lacteal fluid from refractory COW
1t is not more absurd than is Phlli'
foolish fancy"
Both laughed heartily at Harry
ideal picture, aud Madge, recovering
her gravity, excused herself. Return
ing shortly with a small package, sh,
bade Philip open it.
He gazed in astonishment, as, hastil,
unwrapping it, he found it contained
the duplicate sketch. "Where is she?'
be cried eagerly. "Have you seen her
Where is she, and what is she like
Anything like Harry has represente,
her?"
"Iu one respect, certainly not; sh
remains single true to the first affection
awakened in her young heart"
"Where Is she? Please do not kee
me longer in suspense" cried Philip
unable to restrain his emotion.
"HaVe l then so greatly change
that you do not recognize me?' sh
asked archly, while a radiant lgh
shone in her eyes.
"My darlingl found at lastP' and
needless of Harry's presence, he claspe
her in his arms.
Harry uttered a prolonged whistle
walked over to the window aud locke
out.
. Unloosing herself from his CLASP
Madge turned to Harry saying: "Wha
about the ideal picture drawn fe,
/. moments ago?' "Accept my humbl
apology" he replied. 81 retract it a.
aud ii you and Phil can dispense wit
my presence l will say au revoir,"
Left alone, the lovers were not Ion
in giving satisfactory explanations.
, Madge quickly told him how she ha
watched for his return in vain, how he
father had returned from India. an
placed her in school until her education
was finished: Afterwards of thei
years sOjourned in Europe, AMI thei
subsequent return.
"And you remembered me all til
time, he asked, and she replied, "ho,
could forget you?"-but we will in
trude no farther; suffice 1t to say tina
shortly after there was wedding, /
which Madge Morel and Philip play e
prominent part.
,, Harry Thornton, good-natured an
gay, often recalls the scene of the
: tlrst meeting when he visits them {
their pleasant home In Wildwood, wher
he is always welcome guest.
PARAGRAPHIC.
III.