Fayette County herald. [volume] (Washington [Washington Court House], Fayette County, O. [Ohio]) 1860-1???, 1879-12-18
A GIRLS TRIAL.

IA UAA1A y AASAhAo
"My darling, this makes me realize
thai in only two weeks time you will be
married, and l shall be without my
grand daughter.
Yes, but you will have gained. a
noble grandson" -" softly whispered Flea
nor's sweet voice.
Mrs. Hamilton bent her gray head
fondly and kissed the speakers soft
cheek.
The old lady and her grandchild
stood before a lounge upon whose Grim
son cushions lay Eleanor's wedding
dress, which had just arrived, deli
cate marvel of satin and lace.
OF course it must be tried on, and
with the assistance of Margaret, Flea
nor's maids deft fingers, the young girl
soon stood before the mirror blushing
at her own loveliness.
Just then a knock came upon the
door. Itwas servant with a letter.
Eleanor glanced atthe superscription
without recognizing the writing.
cit is not from Ralph" she said, in
reply to her grandmother s questioning
look.
After the bridal costume had been
pronounced a perfect fit and entrusted
to Margaret to be replaced in the cedar
chest, Eleanor took up the letter and
broke the seal.
She read the first few lines carelessly,
then into the brown eyes look of un-
qopakahla horror SDranp
"What is it, EleanorP" exclaimed
Mrs. Hamilton, as she saw her agita-
ton, but without speaking, the young
girl rapidly read on to the end. Then,
with a sobbing, long-drawn breath, she
threw herself into her grandmother s
arms.
.'Read!' she cried, els this true
what is written here, or is it the plot OF
some enemy to crush out my happi-
ness?"
As Mrs. Hamilton perused the letter
q pallor settled over her features. What
she had always dreaded had come at
last! 0, if it might have been only two
weeks later. One glance at Eleanor's
imploring face, and she saw that the
truth could be withheld no longer.
"Grandma, speak! And I-Ralph's
promised bride-the child Of o! for
pity's sake, tell me l am dreaming?
Then Mrs. Hamilton spoke.
"Eleanor, try and be calm, and l
will tell you the truth. You know that
you. mother, my only child, died atthe
early age of twenty; but you have not
heard that she died of broken heart!
When the man whom she married
against her parents wishes, abused her,
she bore it without complaint, never
letting us dream of her unhappiness;
but when, after being his wife only
three years, she discovered that her
husband was criminal, living upon
his ill-gotten gains, then she left him,
fleeing with her babe to our protection.
Not long after, your father was arrested
for a bank robbery, and imprisoned.
The shock was too much for your moth
ers frail strength, and after lingering
short time she passed away. After
her death your grandpa saw your father
and obtained from him promise never
to disclose himself to you. But, alas!
he has broken it. Do not blame us,
Eleanor, for thus keeping you in igno-
rance of what would have always
,clouded your life. We thought we did
it for the best"
The young girl listened with bent
head and tightly clasped hands. AS
her grandmother paused she looked up.
A Woeful change had come into the
round, blooming face.
Grandma" +" she said, and her voice
was low and strained, "does any one
know of thisp"
"Only one-your friend, Mr.. Stearns,
your grandfather lawyer.
"And Ralph-does he not knowP"
al do not think he does"
80! (the young voice was very
piteous) it was cruel kindness to keep
It from me. Now l shall never be
Ralph Ogden's wife. "
"Elea6or, expostulated her grand
mother, winding her arms around the
dropping figure, "he need never know.
You can 90 and see your father. de
saws it will be the last time he will ever
send for you"
Drawing herself away, Eleanor looked
firmly into the fearful face near her
own.
Grandma, will not bring tainted
name to him love. 1 can never marry
Ralph Ogden" !"
That evening Mrs. Hamilton sent fol
Mr.. Stearns, and the. two old friends
had a long consultation together. The
kind lawyers eyes moistened as he
heard of Eleanor's grief.
"Tbe scoundreIP' he calculated
after running one life, could he moi
have held his peace and refrained from
blighting anotherP But stay" he said,
taking up the letter again and reading
4 have fought against the longing tc