The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1878-01-05

| love Win angel wings hOvers over II SmOOtl
the loibles Of life,
| CHAPTER ".
Edward Aston, after reaching the army
| found himself surrounded by an element for
eign to his anticipations. No refinement and
no society save that ofthe rude soldiery which
tends only to demoralizc instead of elevate
Such state was of course foreign to his taste
alone prompted him to remain. Yes, the once
dear flame that had burned so brightly in his
heart could be cxtinguished, with the last
spark that disturbed his peace the morning he
left Yeldham, 50 comrlete was his success,
that when he learned Of Claras wedding not
IAN emotion stirred his bosom. He had grasp.
ed fate by the strong hand of selfwill; and
was now more than conqueror, though the trial
had been Il sore one Although prompt on
duty and receiving every encouragement for
success, he felt his distaste growing greater
each day, and finally resolved to give up his
commission. The practice of law in more
'civllized community ne concIuuru would he
far preferable. So the expiration Of one year,
passed in scenes Of peril and hardship, found
him once more at home The night following
his arrival there was to be sOciablc ut the
Turner'S, Il place filled to him with happy
memories of the past At first he determined
not to go, but through repeated efforts Of his
friend Yeldham he finally consented, and new
er afterwards regretted going, for the night
was spent more pleasantly than he had dream
ed of Finding the glare and gaiety of the
grand hall uncongenial, he first took a stroll
along the avenues of a beautiful flower garden.
Here he Unexpectedly encountered Miss Della
johnson, whose presence, as she extended her
hand with hearty welcome, sent Il thrill to
his heart that he never forgot.
"Why, | thought you were with the rangers
out vest she exclaimed in astonshed tones.
well, you were pretty near right" he re-
turned with a confused look, for it was only
last night that ! returned, having become thor
oughly disguised with frontier life. But |
didn't mean to surprise you with the presence
of "A soldier, and you must lay it to Yeldham's
charge for was persuaded by him into COM
ing. At least my first temperance among
my old friends ought not be made in a place
like this"
Il differ with you, Mr.. Aston; think this
the very place, as many of your friends are
present, and your unexpected appearance
among them will be more pleasant than if an
ticipated."
you don't get my exact meaning, Miss
Della. mean those army manners should be
rubbed off little before ! enter again into
lsociety."
"Well, your idea is funny. Ihopc you don't
think we look on you as a Mnloc or grizzly
bcar hunter, Mr. Aston"
II II don't really know what conclusion you
all may come to, but Judging from my own
feelings, am akin To one, and ought to be in
their society instead of here amid so much re-
fncment However, you mist excuse the
blundcrs and mistakes am ccran 10 commit"
Certainly, Mr.. Aston, and glcss the excuses
Iyou need will be few; besides, We girls are not
r very critical
/ Thank you, Miss Della, AMI with this As
surancc | will proceed TO makemy debut after
a years isolation. viii you accept my com.
panyYn
As he stepped lciSurciy aynss The richly
furnished room, with lovely ilondc clinging
to his arm, he was happy. Il ruth Edward
Aston was uncon>ciously lcming 10 love
Della Johnson He had KNOW her for years
but looked upon her As Il fried only. Now
that his blighlcd heart, which had ached
, through long, weary months olpain. had found
Il resting place, he was nj ease
j Nearing the piano he sal, Miss Della,
please play for me; YOU know music was not
, on the programme out West"
l While her sweet voice, in mison with the
soft notes Of the instrument, ang out across
the room, he stood mutely byis if transported
4 into elysian fields
r MAY ask the name of thapiecey' he said,
/. a, the last notes died away.