The Wellington enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 1867-188?, 1879-06-19

But he had won her, and few minutes
later he left her, the touch of her rosy
mouth yet warm on his lips, and she went
back to her mothers room wearing on her
pretty white hand the jeweled token of
her betrothal
Mamma, dear, have accepted Mr.. Car.
rington," she said simply. ,.---..-
.'I am very glad. Tessie," replied Mrs.
Rivers. II have feared that you would re-
fuse him, and possibly for the sake of
John Eustis" 81.
John has never asked me to be his wife,
mamma, returned the gIrl, wearily, and
something in the suddenly spiritless atti-
tude of the graceful, dropping figure, some
vague, unsatisfied expression ofthe strange
ly pale face hidden by the loose tawny
curls, disturbed and panied her watchful
parent.
When Darlington reached his Office he
found a gentleman there waiting for him.
"Ah, Mr.. Eustis. You wished to see
mes" he observed, lightly.
"Yes, particularly desired to see you
to-day concerning mortgage you hold,
just due, and that I wish to pay" was the
prompt explanation.
Carrington had quite forgotten the claim
he had against the property of Mrs Rivers,
and that he had only secured from a clam
Orlug CTeoltOT Oi ucT ucCtuscu uuSoouu
that he might befriend the girl whom he
dearly loved.
sale you prepared to do thisy" he in
quired wonderingly. of the young man,
whose income was decidedly not opulent.
And may know your motive for wishing
to do it ~
The fine, honest face of John Eustis
flushed slightly, but he evidently did not
consider the question impertinent.
"Could not have come entirely pre-.
pared, should not have come at al" he
returned quietly. My motive is to please
and surprise the lady whom / expect to
marry. For months have dreamed how
her sweet eyes would glisten when should
be able to assure her that had saved her
dear old home for hor bonny sake"
CarringtOn listened, daZed, and paled to
his bearded lips. 1t was impossible to be
lieve any falsity or littleness Of John Eus
tbs, and conceited and egotistical he Ger
tainly was not. And it was equally impos
sible to suspect coquetry or perfidy ol
sweet Tessie Rivers.
Darlington ventured few suitable ques
tions that were readily and inEocently an
swered, and thus shrewdly learned the
truth. There was not, nor had there beer
anv engagement between John Eustis and
Tessie Rivers-only a lifelong, wordless
understanding of tenderest affection ant
truest fidelity. He could understand now
how the fair girl, bound by no promises
doubtful for her future, and solicitous fol
her mother, had accepted what seemed
wisest and best, while her soul was haunt
ed by an unasked and unacknowledget
love that might prove but a shadow, a fan
tasy, a delusion after all, and with hi,
whole noble heart he exhonorated ant
pardoned her. @
"I should make any honorable sacrifc,
to save you from the pain and trouble of ,
single hour" he had told her that morn
ing, meaning il to the utterm0st and tint
for the sacrifice had come. The business
was speedily and satisfactorily transacted
and Tessie's pleased young lover turned Il
go when his friend stopped him.
81, too, wish 10 see Mrs Rivers" he said
81 shall follow presently. De not leav'
the house till shall have come. Promis'
me you will not, john"
| The young man promised, and hurried
away impatient to surprise Tessie with tn,
proofs Of his royal and generous devotion
"Oh. John, you ought not to have dom
this!" she cried, in voice of regret ant
distress. "Yon could not afford 1t, ant
beside something has happened, John
that made it unnecessary"
He gazed at her in mute wonder, 1h
/ pam OI neT sweet eyes etdrtlcu uiu
| "Why could not afford ii, my pet, h
asked gently, "whcn you are to share al
have by and by, when you will be m.
own-mv wife y"
"Oh, john" she gasped, ''you neve
asked me to marry you, and now you ar
too late-oh, John, too latew
And then she covered her face and be
gan to sob bitterly. The poor child ha'
never hidden q sorrow from him in all he
life. She had always gone to him 10
comfort in all her griefs, and it did not ot
cur to her that 1t was not quite prope
and consistent for him to console her for
grief like this.
But in the rlidst OF her tears she sud
denly remembered, and she fed ava
from his detaining hand to the furthe
end of the parlOr, only to meet Carringt'r
who had just come in. --s
; "Tessie," he began, kinkly, ~ liav
made my sacrifice, and have come to tel
you. l know the whole story, just as yo
would tell me yourself did you not wis
to spare me pain. / do not blame yol
little one. / am your friend and his. G
10 him and comfort him. You will max
! him as happy as you could have made IN
had Heaven meant me to be your HUSBAND
l shall see your mamma, and save yo
from all unpleasant explanations"
His goodness touched her. In her graf
tude she could have knelt at his feet an
kissed the kindly hands which now le
her back to her wondering lover.
The next moment he was gone, an
: Johns arms were about her, and John
kisses were on her lips. F'
! On Tessie's wedding morning she foun
among her bridal gifts a magnificer
u souUeair from Monreith Darlington, VIII
retained for her all the decicate an
chivalrous sentiment of such friendshi
, as only a noble gentleman can give to a
adorable lady.