River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1879-07-03

that this assertion was TO be sorely tested
before that day would be done.
sand /, responded Tessie. in edd. alb
stracted, dreamy tones, SHOULD rather
endure the worst in silence and alone,
than to feel that one | loved was suffer
ing for me-"
II should be glad to suffer for YOU if
by that | might win YOU he said.
But he had won her, and a 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 ieWeled to-
ken of her betrothal.
Mamma, dear, I have accepted Mr.
Carungton, she said simply.
Il am very glad, Tessie, replied Mrs.
Rivers. Il have feared that you would
refuse him, and possibly for the sake of
John Eustis.r
"John has never asked me to be his
wife, mamma returned the girl, YEARLY,
and something in the suddenly spirltless
attitude of the graceful, dropping figure,
some unsatisfied expression of the
strangely pale face half 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.. Eush, You wished to see
meg he observed, lightly.
Yes, l particularly desired to see you
to-day concerning mortgage you hold,
just due, that ! wish to pay was the
prompt explanation.
Darlington had quite forgotten the
clam he had against the property Of Mrs.
Rivers, and that he had only secured
froma clamoring creditor Of her deceased
husband that he might befriend the girl
whom he dearly loved.
"Are you prepared to do this?" he IN
quired, wonderingly, of the young man,
whose income was decidedly not opuleui.
''And may / know your motive for wish
ing to do it?"
The fine, honest face of John Eustis
flushed slightly, but he evidently dld not
consider the question npertinent
Gould | not have come entirely pre-
pared | should not have come st ALL he
returned quietly "My motive is TO
please and surprise the lady whom | ex-
pect to marry For months | have
dremed how her sweet eyes would glis-
ten when | should be able to assure her
than | had saved her dear old home fol
| her bOnny sake"
Darlington listened, dazed, and paled
to his bearded lips.
1t was impossible to believe any falsity
or littleness of. John Eustis, and cen
ceited and egotistical he certainly sas
,,l llxfF Al so
suspect coquetry or perfdy of sweet les
sic Rivers.
burlington ventured few subtle ques-
tions that were readily and innocently an
swered, and thus shrewdly learned the
truth. There was not, nor had there ever
| been, any engagement between John Eus-
tbs and Tessie Rivers-only a lifelong,
wordless understanding OF tenderest al
lection and truest fidelity. He could I'M
derstand now how the fair girl, bound by
no promises, doubtful for her future, and
soicitous for her mother, had accepted
what seemed wisest and best, while her
soul was haunted by an unasked and UNI
acknowledged love that might prove but
shadow, fantasy, a delusion after all,
and with his whole noble heart he exon
Grated and pardoned her.
Il should make any honorable sacrifice
to save you from the pain and trouble OF
Il single hour. he had told her that morn.
ing, meaning it to the uttermost, and time
for the sacrifice had come. The business
was speedily and satisfactorily transacted
and Tessie's pleased young lover turned
to go when his friend stopped him.
81, too, wish to see Miss Rivers he
sand 81 shall follow you presently. DC
not leave the house till shall have come
4 Promise me you will not, John"
The young man promised, and hurried
away impatient to surprise Tessie with
he proofs of his loyal and generous de
yotion.
"Oh, John, you ought not to have donC
this Y she cried in voice Of regret and
distress. "You could not afford it, ano
beside something has happened, John
that made it unnecessary.
He gazed at her in mute wonder. The
pain Of her sweet-eyes startled him. , ~.
"Why could | not afford it, my pet, .
be asked gently, "when you are to share
all | have by and by, when sou will be
my own-my wife,"
"Oh, JOHN she gasped, ''you never
asked ne to marry you, and now you arc
100 late-oh, John, too late!"
| And then she covered her face and be-
gan to sob bitterly. The poor child had
never hidden sorrow from him in all
her life. She had always gone to him for
comfort in all her grefs, and it did not
occur to her that it was not quite proper
and consistent for him to console her for
grief like this.
But in the midst of her tears she sud-
denly remembered and she fed away
from his OBTAINING hand to the furthest
end Of the parlor, only to meet Carring-
ton, who had just come in.
"Tessie,>' he began Kindly, 81 have
made my sacrifice, and | have come to
tell you. | know the whole story, just
as YOU would tell me yourself did you
not wish to spare me pain | do not
blame you, little one. [ am your friend
and his Go TO HIM and comfort him.
You will make him as happy as you
could have made me had Heaven meant
me to be your husband. shall see your
mamma, and save you from all unpleas-
ant explanations" s.
His goodness touched her. In her
gratitude she could have knelt at his
feet and kissed the kindly hands which
now led her back to her wondering lover.
The next moment he was gone, and
Johns arms were about her. and sJohn' 8
kisses were on her lips.
On TessIes wedding morning she
found among her bridal gifts magnlfi-
cent souvenir from Monrelth Carrlngton,
whe retained for her all the delicate and
chivaIrous sentiment OF such friendship
as only a noble gentleman can give to
an adorable lady