The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1879-10-03


should come to console with her about her |
losses.
AS the twilight shadows crept slowly |
along, and the gaslights outside began to
glare and throw out dazzling brightness,
a lonely feeling began to take possession of
her, and over her stole a sickenng fear OF
desolation and dread of coming evil.
Perhaps Harry had not received her motel
Perhaps he was out OF town He might
have been waylaid, and even now was lying
rear her, bleeding and dying
Just as she was getting nervous and ex
cited over his non-appearance, she was
startled by ring at the door. But it was
only note for her father, and so she sank
down again on the sofa, with her fears in
| creasing, until she received summons to
"come to the library
Mr.. Phillips held before him an open let
| ter, and as he saw the startled look on Eva's
| face, felt almost afraid to let her see the con-
| tents.
But she had recognized the writing, and
seeing his panied look, said:
Let me read it, papa,for must know the
worst
Mr.. Philids watched anxiously the varied
expressions passing over her face, and felt
that scorn was the most prominent of
| all.
| Still he feared for the future, and won
dered greatly at her calmness.
The note was only a cool, mstter-of. fact
business note, asking a release from the en-.
gagement,' stating that he had learned of
their losses, and knowing that it would be
years before he could support Eva properly,
thought it best to free her. Said he,
Thought it best not to answer Eva's note in
person. as 1T might cause scene,' which he
always avoided, when possible, and request.
ed Mr.. Phillips to forward formal re-
lease.
But Eva passed that night in tears and
sorrow, She began to realize her disap-
pointment in Harry's steadfastness, and felt
at times, as if no one in the world could be
trusted.
When the morning dawned she felt weary
and nervous, but had analyzed her feelings
and found berself able and willing to give
him up as far as her love went, but could
not bring her mind to face the sarcasm and
derision other young friends, and especially
Coz May.
Harry Miller heard with dismay of the
disasters attending Mr.. Phillips. He rushed
wildly around, inquiring of this friend and
| hat ho fhot otata
positively how matters stood. Finding that
Mr.. Phillips had lost Eva's fortune, as well
as his own, and that nothing remained but
the home they occupied and their country
house, and that the city home must be rent
ed, to support them in their country home,
he sat down to plan some way to rescue him
self from this dilemma, as he considered
it.
Eva was the girl of his choice, and, as he
admitted to himself, the one he would mar
a cent But as he had nothing but his pro-
fession, he must look for some one that
would bring money to him, even if he had
no love for her.
He could never wait, for years, toiing and
delving, to make fortune for himself, and
to pledge himself to make fortune for
both WAS too much.
So he looked at it in a business way and al
last sat down in business manner to write
the note. which might, perhaps, break the
heart of Eva Phillips.
She had always seemed to be very sem
sible girl. so when she knew how he was
situated, she would not blame him. He
hoped she wouldn't make fool of herself,
and with slight tinge of regret, but grea
deal of philosophy, as he termed it, he sen
the note, to Mr.. Phillips, requesting re
lease.
Lighting a cigar, he seated himself tc
await the answer, and think over the many
chances and few heiresses awaiting hin
when his freedom should be proclaimed.
After enumerating half a dozen, or more
he suddenly paused at the name of May
Barrows, Eva's cousin. She dotted on hin
he knew, and, beside wasn't she the heir t.
her grandmothers large estate ? Hadn'
, Eva told him so, beside stating, May woult
be worth one hundred thousand in her OWL
!. right p Suppose it wasn't half what he ex
pected Eva to have, wasn't it a pretty snul
fortune for these times
!, The old lady was over so years of age
and was now very i'll, with no hopes of re
. covery. The family was eminently respecta
Bile, being descendants from the first settlers
Wasn't that something to be looked at2 BE
sides, she was Eva's cousin. OF course tina
a was better than being no relation whateve
8 to Eva.
Half loaf was better than none, as far a
: the relation was concerned, and the forum
: too!
So Harry Miller, after receiving an az
ceptance of his request, felt free to seek th
beautiful May Bowers, the belle of the set
" son and before the season was over Ev
! received letter from her cousin, detailin
at great length her future prospects and II
h numerous wedding parties her friends il
d tended to give her, with description of h
trousseau, which grandmother's money w
e going to furnish.
Grandma kirtley had always entertalne
greater affection for May than tor her 9th
v grandchildren for Mays mother had di'
= when she was only few months old, al
% the care of her for some years had devolv'
" upon the old lady.
II. To Eva she had always been very kin
! aud when she heard of her engagement
"a the rising young lawyer, Harry Miller, W
proud and happy over it, sending her wo
a to that effect.
10 Alter Mr.. Phillips had lost everythin
30 learning of Eva's kindness toward her pa
1t ents, and the hope which she infused in
r. their hearts, she sent letters of encourag
nj ment and substantial mementoes Of her 10y
But when she heard of Harry's desertion b
to anger knew no bounds. At one time s
to was going to sue him for breach of promis