The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1878-08-24
ngs determined him to stop proceed


ers, previously having had an interview
with each. He had used his good judg-
mont and shown them how utterly they
were untitled for each other, and as
the guardian of Elise forbade any show
Of feeling on either side. Elise was
scarcely conscious of the farewell, in
the suddenness of the separation, and
consequent tumult of soul. Her uncle
had told her that love meant marriage,
and marry the professor she should
not.
The professor would readily transfer
his elective affinities" to some other
feminine creation, and Elise among new
scenes would forget the affair entirely.
| If the girl was to marry, her uncle
would find suitable husband for her.
1t was with the intention of securing
Edgar Layson's heart and estates for
Elise that he had invited him at the
present time to his country residence.
Mr.. Boynton's wife had been cousin
of Mr.. Layson's and in former years
had been very intimate with the family.
He had often heard of Elise but thought
of her as mere child, and had come
to make his visit without the slightest
intention of noticing the young woman.
He had travelled extensively, and
studied mankind even more than
books.
In his youth he had loved simple
country maiden, who finally proved
faithless, and he, ever after, though
greatly courted by the fair sex, had re-
manned impervious to their charms.
Elise since her return from Germany
had wrapped herself in her art, and
while striving TO put away her first
love had secured her heart against an
other.
Never very fond of society she with
drew more and more from it until her
uncle was in despair.
The first meeting with Elise had i'm
pressed Edgar Layson more than man
of his imperturbability would care to ac-
knowledge, and he had not been long
in Mr.. Boynton's household before he
decided to claim the fair maiden for his
own. He spoke to Mr.. Boynton of his
feelings for Elise, and asked if he
might address her.
Mr.. Boynton was delighted with the
impression made and urged Edgar to
disclose his love at the first opportuni-
ty offered.
Elise had for some time seemed to
favor young Lieutenant in the neigh
borhood who took her out riding fire.
quently.
She in fact tolerated him because he
drove her to certain natural scenes
where she could not 90 alone, and he
was content to sit by her many an
hour while she sketched, or even wrote
in silence.
Had Edgar Layson been with her she
would have been constrained to keep
up a conversation about books, music
or travelling.
She had once talked about these with
the professor. He had understood, and
appreciated all her simple or complex
ideas of people and things.
Edgar Layson had no right to enter
her heart and stand where the profess
or had.
slrttif ways fn The WHO EiSSeei h1jgpefRe i IL
est unconscious affinity for each other,
not those whose tastes and views are
simply alike.
All this and more she had said to her
uncle when urged to accept Edgar's at
tention.
The Lieutenant's mind was much
weaker in fabric than his clothes, but
he was more harmless than the snakes
and toads he sometimes kept from her
path. He always wore out in CONVEX
satlon the first half hour they were
together; after that he was silent.
In Turkey idiots are considered holy.
when silent the Lieutenant was an an
gel. AS husband he would let his
wife do as she wished. She need
never wash in cold water if she chose
to make it hot.
Ii he were strong, earnest char
acter like Edgar Layson, | should not
object to your being so much with
him." Mr. Boynton would respond.
Elise seemed to grow each day more
unlmpresslonal and self-contained,
though her heart told her she was be-
ing more and more attracted by the
strength and beauty of character of the
man whom she had been told loved her.
Each evening after her own charm
ing music, Mr.. Layson became the CEN
ter of attraction for the company al
ways. Elise heard first, and then grew
to listen to the thoughts and knowledge
which accorded with her own.
1t must be confessed that Mr.. LAWSON
felt some trembling of heart when he
at last found an opportunity to offer
Elise his heart and hand. 81 know
said he, " that you have loved before,
and it was not till had heard of the
professors marriage, and been encour-
aged by your uncle, that l decided to
address YOU
"You are kind" said Elise, "but |
may not think of this now. l loved
once, as you say, and while / NAV not
have known what sort of a man the
professor was, still / had nv ideal. 1t
was that | worshiped, and for aught /
know he embodied it. How can one
truly love twiceP
81 do not need mans love to help
me exist, and in this beautiful summer
time nature is all desire to worship.
at never hurts or pains me. | de-
rive the most perfect satisfaction from
it. If loved you, you would be taken
away or leave me. There's nothing
lasting or perfect in human affection
L appreciate my uncles goodness to
me, but | cannot please him as he de-
SlreS in this matter | know 7 IN, oa,,o