Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1879-05-02
would not be disappointed in her capa-

Seven years passed away, and our lit
ne Lucine had grown into a beautiful
and talented young lady. In six months
she would be eighteen. She was gen
eral favorite with her teachers and
schoolmates, and still cherished O deep
regard and reverence for her absent
guardian.
Sometimes she feared he had ceased
to care for her, and in one of her letters
she spoke regretfully Of his long alb
sence. His answer was to expect him
in the next steamer In the meantime
he had sent orders tp his man of bust
ness to get his house ready for occupancy
at given time. He had also written to
his aunt, Miss Willis. to be in readiness
to commence Housekeeping with him on
his return, as he was going to bring his
ward home to live.
The doctor came home at the time
specified, and was delighted to meet his
ward.
Immediately after her guardians re-
turn, Lucine went to her future home,
and Miss Willis was delighted with the
beautiful girl.
A suitable wardrobe was provided for
her, and a, series of balls and parties
was inaugurated. = For three months
there was rarely an evening they were
not invited out or received at home.
The opera and theatre demanded their
share of patronage, and Lucine was al.
ways surrounded byA group OF men.
mary of whom were men OF, talent and
culture. She often thought of the fairy
story of Onderefla, hhd imagined her
self awakening in the uncarpeted room
in the tenement house on l. street.
It gave the doctor great pleasure to
witness the admiration of the crowd for
his ward. But time soon came when
jealousy was awakened |; he. tdos soon
learned the lesson he had escaped from
in his journeying over the world. 1t
is an old saying thatwe sreaaever too old
to love. IT love comes not in our youth
it will come with redoubled strength in
our maturity. The, human eaft Graves
love, and win not be cheated Thus it
was with our hero. ~ ;
= He had travelled seven years, mixing
with ell phases of society, yet had re-
turned heart Free never having seen the
woman he wished to call wife. Now he
was madly in love with child he had
rescued from life of poverty and toll!
He, was ,alpatient man, yet he needed all
his patience at this time. He was often
called upon to intercede with Lucine for
one or another of her admirers. Once
he told her that she must select one and
let the others go, as he was tired Of
playing the part of mediator. She
laughed lightly and said,- r. ~
do, guardy, dismiss them all. I am
tired myself, and would rather stay
quietly at home, and bid good-by to so.
ciety." ..i. n}a..,.a
My dear Lucine, deal frankly with
your true friend, and tell me candidly,
are you not in love with any of those
young fellows"
"No. dear guardy, with none of these
young fellows!" ~.
"Then, do you love any one? Tell
me, dear, because l am soon going away
again, and il i have to lose you I would
rather see You settled safely before I
CO." 'ea f. -.es
"Oh, guardy. what shall I do with
out you Z? I shall not wish to live !! ~
"You have not answered my ques-
ton, Lucine. Do you love any one 2"
If must speak I will, and proclaim
my own weakness. Yes, I do love one
who cares nought for me. Now, guardy,
I hope you will be satisfied"
Saying this she burst into passion
of tears. He gathered her to his heart
and soothed her as he had done seven
years before /; but with different feel
ing. He could scarcely restrain his
own tears, man as he was, at the wreck
of all his hopes.
Oh, my darling, how gladly would
l give my hearts best blood to purchase
your life's happiness! We are both
broken-hearted. You love one, you
say, who does not return your affection.
This is my case, also"
She nestled closer to him and spoke
through her tears. ST
ooh, guardy, no woman could know
you and not love you-you, so good,
generous and true % E '<
Little one, if You could only love
me little-just little u
"Oh, guardy, don't you see that /
love you better than all the world be-
side? L should die if you died ! I
could not live if you were gone /"
My own darling he cried in rap
ture, pressing her close to his throbbing
heart. +" Then you will be my wife Z. Z
Yes." was the soft-spoken answer.
The doctor soon reminded Lucine Of
of her fathers request to open the
casket when she became engaged to the
man of her choice.
81 will do so before 7 Sleep" said
Lucine. ~---
Doctor Stanley was happy man that
evening. He had distanced all his
rivals. sgs.ss..... .@t lra3{t 5sps
On retiring that night to her cham
Der, Lucine remembered the casket
She had kept it securely locked in her
trunk ever since her fathers death.
She brought it reverently.to the light,
and with trembling hands unlocked it.
1t was small ebony box, inlaid with
pearl, and had been a jewel.case. In
one OF the compartments were several
rings, set of pearls, q few Jet orna-
ments, and chain and ornaments
of coral that were marked Lucine.""
There was nothing very expensive, but
every article was precious in her eyes,