The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1879-07-04
TWELVE DAYS IN LOVE.

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pie wore hurrying along through th.
binding snow-storm, battling with tbs
wind that howled and moaned out bJ
turns its story of woe.
Hugh Remington and his friend vii
liams, glad 10 be out of the storm, had
settled themselves in gown and alippert
for quiet evening nj home. The shut
ters were closed and tho curtains drawn,
and on either side of the hearth wae
placed the fayorite chair of each. These
friends had lived together in their bach
elor quarters for more than two years.
Everything in the apartment showed re-
fined taste and wealth. Some said that
il all belonged to Hugh, and that he
made IL home for his friend. No one,
however, knew this 10 be true. Hugh
was quiet and reserved, seldom spoke of
his affairs 10 any ono, mover laid any
special claim 10 anything, but allowed Il
TO appear that oil things were equally
shared. After the evening papers had
been read and discussed, tho two sat
talking of days gone by, Of little episodes
In their lives. Hugh was in talkatiye
mood, and had told several good stories
OF his past life; stopping suddenly, he
exclaimed:
Did I ever tell you of my love for
!" No" replied Williams. "lot's have
It,"
"weli," said Hugh. taking another
cigar, and looking very serious as he
leaned back in his great easy chair, Il
met her in Paris"
Met who7"
"Oh, never mind who. Be content
that am telling You the story, and don't
ask for names. thought of her as the
widow II Is q sufficient title"
Well, won't interrupt. Go on"
So Hugh continued:
81 was calling upon my old friend,
Mrs. Leo, and while waiting for the SER
want 10 take her my card. an odd piece
Of bric-a-brnc standing IN the corner Of
the room attracted my attention. / got
up and went over 10 examine IL. While
thus engaged the door opened. turned,
Il was Mrs. Lee, when, OIL
what beauty met my Aight!-so small
that she looked like child. large. deep
blue eyes that came out from under a
mass Of light golden curls, q small nose
and a rosebud of n mouth. She was
dressed in deep mourning, and thought,
rs looked at her. that had never seen
y moro beautiful picture, She didn't
zoe me until / made slight movement,
which startled her. Coming forward, !
said:
"' I frightened you. did I not?"
Yes; was not aware that there was
any one in the room. You are waiting
for Mrs. Lee?' And she gave me the
sweetest smile, showing n most perfect
row of teeth.
n 2
peared and introduced ms. Mrs. -
was making Mrs. Leo n short visit prior
10 her departure TO America. i was glad
OF that, rs should then have the pleas
nre Of seeing her again.
1.-THE evening passed only too quickly,
and arose with an apology for staying
30 late. Mrs. Leo invited mo 10 dine
with them informally the next day. She
said her friend preferred being quiet, so
they should be quite alone. You may
be sure that accepted the invitation,
and was there promptly at the hour.
Tho widow was more charming than on
the previous evening. longed 10 stop
the hours from rolling on. Having been
in the habit Of dropping in at Mrs. Lees
at all hours, my frequent-almost daily
visits were not noticed as anything
strange or unusual. Mrs. Lee thanked
me for coming to them in their loneli.
moss, and the widow would give me one
of her sweet smiles, and I was thankful
in my inmost heart that they were
lonely, and that it fell to my lot 70 cheer
them. So the weeks passed, until the
time came for the departure Of Mrs.
Lees friend.
Now, had intended passing month
or two in England before coming home,
but when found that the widow was TO
return in ten days, / began to think that
my duty called me back 10 my business.
The more / thought of it, tho more inn
portant it seemed to me that should go.
Sc Do you know OF any one going on
the 15th?' the widow asked me, one
evening, in her dove-like way.
/" No one but myself, I answered.
Business has called me sooner than
expected
t'' How delightfulr from the widow;
while Mrs. Lee exclaimed, 'Oh, Mr..
Remington, l am so glad! I couldn'i
bear the idea of my friend going en-.
tirely alone, and you, of all others, will
know best how to take care Of her.
'We then began to make our plans
Mrs. - intended making n visit of 0
few days to some friends in London.
was going direct to Liverpool. Mrs. Lee
and drove down to see our friend off
and l looked forward to the pleasure oi
meeting her on board the steamer. My
last days in Paris were spent in saying
goodbye to old friends, and buying
presents for sister Nell and the children
/ got every nouveaute that could find
and felt we'll pleased with my selection
At last I was on the steamer, and stood
looking at the ship moving away. b.
my side was the widow, and 1 though
that had never seen her look so lovely
exulted in the knowledge that she lxney
no one on board. / was her only friend
consequently I should have her all t,
myself; this was (so l said to myself
what I had for weeks been looking for
Was in lover That question had no
occurred to me. I felt supremely happy
and thought the situation delightful.
was ready to do anything for this fai
creature. She had only to command;
was all eagerness TO obey. soon has
opportunities Of showing my devotion.
The following morning came on
on deck very early, and was surprised t
find my little lady there. She looke'
very miserable and very pretty. TIL
morning salutation over, / asked hoy
she had slept.
sfT haven't silent at all she snid in