The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1879-06-09

81 eneroach upon your privacy, Mr..
Eversleigh, to ask if you did not leave in
my possession, or, in fact give me an article
which, on second thought, you may wish
returned2 Surely you do not intend this fol
me?'
Opening the leaves Of the book, she took
from between them his mothers likeness oi
Cecil
The hot blood crimsoned Philips brow.
"Yours, presume, Mr.. EversleighP"
He felt that his heart secret was being be-
trayed by his discomposure, but he could
not for the life of him help it
"Yes-now he stammered, taking the
the card with trembling hand. THAT is, it
belongs to my mother"
Mrs. Weeks smiled reassuringly
at is beautiful face, Mr. Eversleigh. I
do not know how you could help loving its
possessor."
Glove, madam faltered Philip.
"4ou need not feel ashamed to own it, for
she is no doubt worthy of your affection. ~
''She is worthy the Affection of the
noblest, was the low, less embarrassed re-
ply.
There is frmness in her countenance,"
said the widow, ''rare in young ladies, and
still more rare in one so young as,she."
There was nothing inquisitive in her man.
ner Her voice was sympathetic, motherly
and won his heart.
Until this hour, he had felt perfectly at
ease in her presence. The discovery of his
passion would not have affected him had it
been otherwise made. He could even have
told her it, But, for such stupid blunder
as the leaving OF Cecil's likeness where any
one might have found it, he felt conteupti-
BILE.
"You are right, madam; she is the pattern
of frmness and duty"
80 | imagined when first looked at the
face. Do not think me inquisitive, Mr..
Eversleigh"-her voice took on a tender
tone-"but, may ask, are you engaged to
the LADY,"
He turned away his head and sighed
heavily as he replied:
Does not the back of the likeness tell the
tale?'
He held it toward her Gazing intently
on tia sweet face a second, Mrs. Weeks re-
versed the card and read:
"'Mizpah; mine in spirit only Why,
surely" she said, returning it. 'these ale
not the features of q coquette Confde in
me, MIR. Eversleg gh; my heart always goes
out to those in trouble; have known much
myself, and can fully comprehend the feel
ings of others"
This was the first mention she had made
of herself, 1t touched the responsive cord
in Philips heart.
In few sentences, he confded to her
keeping the story of his unfortunate love,
but without bringing into it the name OF the
loved one.
Several times during the recital, Mrs.
Weeks made as if to interrupt him, the mus
cles of her face twitching spasmodically.
"You can now see how such all unfortu-
nate event must disturb the repose of one
who has the mission of the minister resting
Oh his shoulders"
But he did not receive the answer an
ticipated.
may. Mr.. Everslcigh, you have more to
thank God that he has given you the love of
so pure creature, responded the widow.
''No doubt time will come when your dear
ones course must be shown to have been
eminently Just. Take courage from that old
oaying:
1T is better to have loved and lost
Than never TO nave loved at all,
truth uudeniable"
81 am inclined to think her right, madam,
but my selfish feelings are getting the better
OF my Judgment"
That is wrong, sir. Doubts should not
be harbored for single moment"
| Philip could not withstand the tender
solicitude that called forth this rebuke, and
humbly thanked her. assuring her that he
would profit by it.
"Look higher, Mr.. Eversleigh," she add
ed. Earthly friends are unable to fur
nSh that sweet consolation and admonition
ever to be found through faith, at the Foun-
tain Head of our religion. Look for true
sympathy and divine teaching there-beyOnd
the skies. The source is inexhaustible, the
promise alleviating Blessed are they that
mourn, for they shall be comforted. | bat
tie with my feelings, because that sweet
promise gives me hope for the hereafter"
Her voice was broken, tinged with sorrow
wrestling for utterance.
| Again the tones brought to the young stu
dent his lost love. The widows accents
were wildly like hers on that tateful night
when she had sorrowingiy dismissed his
suit.
Mrs. Weeks seemed to note his puzzled
look.
81 am inconsistent, Mr. Eversleigh," she
apologzed, "treating you to such woful
repinings. 1 will no longer hinder your
| StuGlc3. one rose 10 rtllre. 'DuI you
have not told me your lady loves name;
do you object? 1t is idle curiosity, perhaps,
but curiosity is woman's falling and must
be my excuse for asking"
There was no help for it; he was forced to
speak. But he gave only the Christian
name
Mrs. Weeks seemed yexed.
"Are You afraid to give it in full?' she
asked, taking quick step toward the door.
"Net that is your own business. | have no
ri at to ask impertirent questions"
Philip put aside his returning reticenoe
and granted the request.
Had he been enabled to see into the wild
ow's room little later, he would have be-
held her stretched PROSTATE on the floor,
the Herald turned at the account of the
"Attempted Robbery" lying beside her, her
hair dishevelled, and her frame shaken by
the violence OF overhowng grief.
The letter he had intended sending was
never written. Her rebuke had brought
him to reason.
CHAPTER XIII,