The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1879-12-19

and again two lovers--if lovers they can be
called-are standing beneath the lindens,
whose sere and yellow leaves are lying at
their feet.
1t is Bertha and Benjamin Ripley.
4 do not love you, Benjamin. said the
former, looking past her companion into the
moonlight, as if she saw another face than
his; mot in the way you love me. 1 don't
think shall ever love any one in that way
again But if you think you can be content
with the calm, friendly regard which is all
that have to give, will be your wife.
Not Christmas day, though, cannot marry
you on that day."
When will you them? pleaded the eager
man at her side. Think how long I have
waited
ANY day after; it does not matter when
Bertha yielded passively to the warm en-
brace to which she was folded, shivering a
little as she felt the ardent pressure of the
lip that touched her own.
All how unlike another betrothal which
seemed so far away from her now.
1t is the day before that time-honored
festival, which annually brings together so
many separated families, and the cars are
full of happy people, 'going home for
Christmas"
Among those who stopped at Glenville
was bronzed and bearded man, who looked
as if he had come a long way.
1t is Philip Irving, who must have been a
great favorite with his townspeople, to judge
by the numerous hand shakings he received
on his way to his fathers house.
News in a village flies quickly, and Bertha
was not long in learning of her recreant
lovers return.
He has come, as he said he would was
her inward reflection, AS she sought the SOL
itude of her own room.
The only pleasant thing among the bitter
recollections that surged over her was the
thought that he would learn of her engage
ment to her cousin, and not think she was
pining on account of his cruel and unmanly
deception.
Enclosing the one Letter she had received
from him in an envelope, together with {
brief line, requesting the return of the two
she had written him, Bertha gave it to he
youngest brother, bidding him give it t.
Philip with his own hand.
That evening as Bertha was sitting besid
Benjamin, in her fathers parlor, trying t.
school her aching heart to the task that grew
> more rksome every hour that was spent il
his society, the door was thrown open an
q Philip Irving stroled in.
, One moment, BERTHA he cried, as, risin
q to her feet, the indignant and astonished gin
turned her flashing eyes upon him. 4 hav
7 only one question to ask, and then, if 20
1 desire it, l will never speak to you sgair
Is this letter'-here he held it up before he
the only genuine part of which Is the er
o velope, the only one you have received du
a ing my sbsence?"
Yes
L have written you half dozen! Recei,
ing in reply only this, which l now belle,
# is forgery
# Bertha glanced at the letter that ",
). handed her.
1T is forgery don't understand
= Il think do' interrupted Philip, turniI
- towards the conscience. stricken man
rather where he had been, for he had nc
a. skunk from the room.
Hearing the clang of the closing gat
10 Philip only waited to hold the blushing al
,e happy girl TO his heart, in brief, rapture
re- embrace, and then sprang after him.
or AS Benjamin mounted the steps of
al store, heavy hand was laid ON his should,
s- aud stern voice whispered in his ear;
Benjamin Ripley, if you hope to recei
you intercepted
or Without uttering word, but with ha
es shaking like one in an ague fit, the gui
IT. man unlocked private desk, and hand
,is Philip package of letters, who, turni
M towards the door, said:
you are Berthas cousin-who will be
he wife tomorrow evening, in spite of all yC
rt, and your sisters plottings-and for her 50
at | spare you. But only on condition Il
Tor you resign the office-whose trust you h,
ue abused-within twenty four hours"
1t was great wonder to the'good peo
no of Glenville why their postmaster so s.
'ar denly resigned bis office, but Philip {
lei Bertha kept their own counsel not car
''n to add any further punishment to the
'rd comfited man, who, soon after sold out
ar- moved away.
ID The sun never shone more brightly Il
ig on the happy Christmas morn thst ushe
gle in Bertha's wedding-day; for Philip thou
len that to be the most fitting season to cl,
Eye her, whose hove and companionship was
ed make his whole aftei-life one long day
her thanksgiving.
she