The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1879-06-28

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It the tcl,ale blood rushed to my cheeks, How
well remembered Papa's best frend-th
s. friend who stood beside his dying pillow, an,
closed his sightless eyes.
= remembered his parting words, too, whel
he lett me standing beside the ncw.made gray,
under the old willows;
mo words of NINE can give you any com
fort now Belle, but time heals the sores
wounds. | regret to leave you, but my rcgi
mcnt goes abroad to morrow, Goodbye, One
day, may it please heaven, hope TO meet you
lagain"
But in the dreary following years | had
heard no word from HIM
"You remember him, of course" continued
my handsome cousin; "hc used 10 be at the
hall a great deal in your fathers time? Well
we met him last night at the reception. He's
been here week and he's a millionaire
Belle. You know old Carruthers, Of Carru-
theirs Place? He is dead, and the Captain in.
herits his fortune, you see. SO don't forget
the hellotrope | know it isn't becoming
purple, of all colors, suits my creole complex
ion best-but remember what a fancy Car
ruthers always had for helotrope, and he's
worth pleasing, on know
Aunt Edmonton laughed as she arose and
shook out her lace fiounces.
"Wear the hcliOtrope, by all means, Rite :;
but you need not feel 4 bit anxious. You Sc
cured the Captain and his fortune last night
that rose silk and diamonds did the work. |
never saw man more infatuated. Well, he's
q good match I've not q word to say against
il; no better family in Virginia than he comes
of, and Carruthers Place is grand home All
there's his carriage below now, I'll 60 down
until you are ready Do make haste, Belle
do up Rites HAIR this evening; you are SO
much more skillful than Felice. And look ov-
er the jewels please; | think that pearl and
opal set will match her dress
| hurried down to the green house. Heart
ache was no new sensation, but somehow my
pain seemed intolerablc as | made my way
down the dim aisle Of gorgeous tropic bios
SONS sitting me with their rank odors.
/ forgot Rites flowers, forgot her waiting
toilet, forgot everything but my own suffering.
An aloe tree in full blossom, sitting alone like
some weird necromancer caught my eye, and
sank down at its roots and burst into bitter
tears.
| seemed to see papa5 grave, covered with
yellow Autumn leaves heard the wash of
the waves the murmur of the pine trees. The
hustle Of the gaslit street drove me almost to
frenzy.
"rhs life is killing me- must go home to
the old hall and rdpa's grave"
A hand touched my arm as the words broke
from my lips.
81 beg your pardon, madam; you seem in
distress. Can help-Good Heaven Belle, is
it you?"
captain Carruthers'
| lcaped to my feet, and we stood face to
face lie was bronZed and bearded, but the
frank, kind eyes were unchanged A wild
impulse seized upon me to clasp his hands
and tell him how lonely and triendless | was
but woman's pride stronger even than wo-
mans love, stuffed the desire at its very birth
bowed COldly.
why Belle, you haven't changed; only
you look worn and sad. | am so glad to meet
you. have written again and again, until |
.ancied you were dead How is it shat find
you here in Paris?'
mo matter; bid you good evening, Captain
Carruthers"
The glad, kind handsome eyes widcncd with
wonder AS darted away
Dear me, Belle, I thought you'd never
come didn't like to keep Carruthers wait
ing. Gracious goodness where are the flow
ersy"
II didn't get them, and | can't dress you,
Marguerite. | am gong to my room"
"Why, what is the matter with you, Belle
Are you illg'
did not pause to answer A. noon on the
following day, my aunt summoned me to her
presence.
"You need not read to-day Belle; I want TO
talk to you. You met Captain Carruthers in
the greenhouse last right?"
Eyes, by accident
Aunt Edmonton toyed with the tasscis of
her morning robe and for the first time to my
knowledge, showed signs Of embarrassment in
my presence
"By accident, of course! | didn't suppose
you mistook my meaning, my dear. He's a
fine, handsome fellow, and he and Rite are
well matched, don't you think so? Well, my
dear, his coming changes our programme in a
measure. We may remain here for the winter
and your health seems to be failing, and you
don't like Paris, Belle, and thought"
"You thought you would send me home
Aunt Edmonton? Pray do meant to ask
permission TO 60 this very day am dread.
fully homesick.'
She laughed genially, and crossing the room
kissed me with more kindness than she had
ever shown.
"Then you shall have permission. my dear
Mrs Montague, an old friend of mine, leaves |
Paris, and you shall go under her charge"
went leaving giddy Paris behind me with
feeling OF infinite relief.
But when reached the old home how desc
late it was. Winter came, and the white snow
filled the hollows and crowned the southern
hills Letters from Aunt Edmonton informed
me that they were in Rome, with Captain Car.
ruthers as escort and limited at a great wed
ding when spring came. Did cares What
was Captain Carruthers to me? My fathers
friend, and | must always regard him with
gratitude; and Marguerite would make him a
stately, beautiful bride. | wished them much
10y.
Yet through all the lonesome winter days
and nights my heart-ache never ceased or
abated.
Spring came, and the skies grew soft and
tender. The SHOWS melted, leaving the hills
green and the sunny hollows sweet with the
scent or violes.
One March morning went out to rake the
towerbeds. The hyacnthe and butter.cupsI
were already above the mold, and here and
there a green tulip-leaf could be seen The
winds blew warm from the far SOUTH the sun
shine glimmered like gold, and in one of the