The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1879-02-08
Select Story,
TEN DAYS In LOVE.

1t was a cold night in January, People
were hurrying along through the binding
snow-storm, battling with the wind that
howled and moaned out by turns its story
Of woe.
Hugh Remington and his friend Will
liams, glad to be out of the storm, had set
tied themselves in gown and slippers for a
quiet evening at home. The shutters
we're closed and the curtains drawn, and
on either side of the hearth was placed
the iavorite chair Of each. These friends
had lived together in their bachelor quar-
tiers for more than two years Everything
in the apartment showed refined taste and
wealth. Some said that it all belonged to
Hugh, and that he made it home for his
friend. No one, however, knew this to
be true. Hugh was quiet and reserved,
seldom spoke Of his affairs to any one,
never laid any special claim to anything,
but allowed it to appear that all things
were equally shared. After the evening
papers had been read and discussed, the
two sat talking of days gone by, Of little
episodes in their lives. Hugh was in
talking mood, and had told several good
stories of his past life; stopping suddenly,
he exclaimed:
"Did | ever tell you of my love for the
widow ?"
"No," replied William. "Let's have
it,"
"Well," said Hugh, taking another
cigar, and looking very serious as he
leaned back in his great easy.chair, 81
met her In Paris"
"Met who? ?"
ooh, never mind who. Be content
that am telling you the story, and don't
ask for names. | thought of her as ''the
widow" 1t is a sufficient title
"Well, | won't interrupt. Go on
So Hugh continued
" was calling upon my old friend Mrs.
Lee, and while waiting for the servant to
take her my card, nn odd piece of bric-a-
brac standing in the corner of the room
attracted my attention. got up and
went over to examine it. While thus en-
gagged, the door opened. turned, think
ing that it was Mrs. Lee, when, oh what
beauty net my sight $50 small that
she looked like child, largo deep blue
eyes that came out from under mass of
light golden curls, a small nose, and rose
bud Of a mouth. She was dressed 10 deep
mourning, and | thought as looked at
her, that had never seen more beauti.
ful picture. She didn't SEQ me until
made a slight movement, which startled
her. Coming forward said,
~ frightened you did | not ?"
"Yes; | was not aware that there was
one in the room. You arc waiting for
Mrs. Lee ?" Aud she gave me the
sweetest Of smiles, showing most perfect
row Of teeth.
Before could answer, Mrs. Lee ap-
peared, and introduced us. Mrs, -
was making Mrs. Lee a short visit prior to
her departure for America. / was glad
Of that, as | should then have the pleas
ure Of seeing her again.
"The evening passed only too quickly,
and / arose with an apology for staying 50
late. Mrs. Loe invited mo to dine with
them informally the next day. She said
her friend preferred being quiet, 50 they
should be quite alone. You may be sure
that accepted the invitation, aud was
there promptly at the hour. The widow
was more charming than on the previous
evening. | longed to stop the hours from
rolling on. Having been in the habit Of
dropping in at Mrs. Lees at all hours, my
frequent--almost daily--visip were not
noticed as anything strange or unusual.
Mrs. Lee thanked me for coming to them
in their loneliness, and tho widow would
give M one Of her sweet smiles, aud was
thankful In my inmost heart that they