Mexico weekly ledger., 1879-02-13

especially if they happen to meet with
any sad misfol tunes after marriage.
They have been used to having the
tlattery of the world given them, and
they are even impatient and restless
II their means become such as to ex-
clude them from the gay and fashion
able society they have been familiar
with. They have not the courage to
meet the reverse of fortune. You say
you have known Lena ever since you
were children, and that you have al
ways had deep friendship for each
other. Do you think of the fond
hopes she has cherished since she
gave. her love to you? OF how she
has painted the future in grand col
ors. viewing only the sunny side, and
ever resolving size will grow better
andnnrer for your sake? I tell YOU.
Eustace, love-pure love-is no light
gift, and you should study well be-
fore you throw it aside, regardless of
the deep, cruel wounds you give the
loving one, for the praise and admi-
ration OF one who simply possesses
beauty and wealth. L speak earnest
ly to you when tell you that the
pure and unselfsh love of an innocent
woman is the greatest boon this earth
can give, and blessed is he who pos
sesses it. Be very careful, lest in
seeking fame you lose your happi-
ness"
mo doubt you have spoken much
truth, Landon. l know that Lena
loves me, and that she looks forward
to the time of our marriage as the
bright day Of her life. The last time
we talked together she spoke of her
mother-her poor invalid mother
how she had worked for her, and of
the many lonely, weary hours she had
spent with her. If you could have
seen her, Landon, as she looked up
and smiled, as she concluded with,
But, Eustace, my lonely hours are
almost over, now that you have re-
turned from college, l had met her
that evening to tell her my mind had
changed, and ask to be released from
my engagement; but could L blast
the high hopes she entertained, and
throw all her happiness to the ground? !?
No; / left her suddenly, for could
not stay in her presence, with all my
selfshness. But, Landon, she must
know all tonight. | am resolved, as
L said before, to never marry her"
"Well, Eustace, pity you, 1 do,
indeed; and may God give Lena
courage to stand the disappointment
you send upon her. You are not
worthy of her; you will reap your re-
ward"
Lena Gray and her mother lived in
the small town of w. Mr.. Gray died
when Lena was quite small, and leav-
ing but little property, it was through
Mrs. Gray's labor that they lived in
dependently. AS Lena grew up she
assisted her mother, and they would
no doubt have lived we'll, had it not
been for her mother becoming para
| lized. Then it was that Lena learned
some of the hard realities. She
worked hard that they might keep
| the necessaries of life. Eustace
Shafton and her had been school
mates, and Eustace often helped them
by giving useful presents to her
mother and to herself. Eustace natu-
rally had kind disposition, but he
lacked moral courage. He did not
dare to do right. He and Lena had
been engaged before he went to col
| lege. He had now graduated, re-
turned home, commenced the practice
of law, and was gaining fame. Every
one prophesied that he would make a
great lawyer some day. He was wealthy
talented, and all bid fair for him to
become one of the leading lawyers of
the State. On the day that he had
the above conversation with Landon
Clark, he had promised to see Lena.
lhe tine for their meeting had al
most arrived, and as he walked down
to Mrs. GIay's little cottage, he
though5 if Lena had been of q more
noted family, his mission might have
been different, and he more happy.
Yet, he must go; it would not do for
him to marry in poor family. How
much grander, thought he, would it
sound to have it said he had married
Miss May Osburn, the rich and beau
tiful heiress, than to marry plain
Lena Gray. When he reached the
house Leana met him with an extend
ed hand and glad smile. He led her
Into the garden, she pointing out
flowers, and gathering boquet-he
thinking of the sad mission he came
on.
"What is the matter, Eustace? You
seem unusually silent; has anything
, occurred to cast a shadow over your
PATH"
Nothing in particular, Lena.
/, have something to tell you-some.
, thing that win surprise you at first
then make you sad; and last, you
!, will think me poor, cowardly fel-
], lc@f, f,7and pity me, fear, in a con-
? temptable way"
Lena stopped, turned round and
, said:
''Eustace, what can you mean?
t see there is something in your coun
: tenance more than you express.
Eyes; can tell you, Lena, and
r will do it. You know I've loved yor
for long time, but for the pas
few months I've wondered if We
would be happy if we were to marry
You know that my position is suct
! that would have to mix great dea
) with the public, and necessarily
, meet with the highest circles of socie
t ty, and you have not met the aristo
| cratic portion of the world much, ant
= | believe you would soon become dis
/ gusted with it. 1t would not sui
: you-and-I've come to ask to bt
II released from our engagement. Dom
E despise me and cali me a coward"
5 Lena stood there pale and motion
{ less as death. The cruel asp had bit
5 ten her, and she was trying to recovel
E from the subtle poison She wal
silent for some minutes, during
which great change had passed owe