Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1880-05-07

received letter last night that vel
oblige me to return to the city in three
days"
$50 soonP"
Yes, sweet one; must l go alonep'
Lois hesitated, and even while she
listened to this lovers pleadings the
honest eyes of Paul Haynes seemed to
be looking into hers with pitiful plead
ing and warning. But Drayton went
on to paint pictures of life in the city
with all its delights, and to utter pas.
sionate protestations of devotion. And
bewildered by the suddenness of the
attack, dazzled and intoxicated, before
they parted Lois had consented to elope
~with her new lover.
OF course, no thought of evil crossed
her mind. Somewhat more gently nur-
tured than the people about her, the
picture of city home possessed great
attractions for her; and this man of the
world, with his graceful manners and
easy batteries, had thrown about her a
scrt of fascination that for the time
seemed to render her obedient to his
will.
She walked home as in dream, and
was so absorbed in thought that she
never needed Aunt Mary's seedlings,
but went about her evening duties
mechanically. Only as she was wash
ing the dishes after supper, she kept
thinking how pleasant it would be to be
rid of such drudgery II the future.
Yet her slumbers that night were be-
ing troubled; Drayton had, of course,
proposed AN enlopement, though she
could not see why, if he wanted TO
marry her, why did he not come and
ask her uucle for her and have the we'd
ding take place in the village sothat he
might enjoy the innocent pie asure :of
showing her city conquest to her friendsp ?
And, somehow, she could not get Paul
out of her head She had always
thought she should marry him; she
knew he had loved her so long and so
well, she had teased him with her f1irta-
tions, of course, but, then, she had al
ways intended to marry him in the end.
Drayton took good are that Lois
| should have as little time for reflection
1t was early September, the weather
Lois to spend a large portion of each
day in rambling through the woods
with him; and when she was by his
oIuC lCnCCIlOu ~ 5tS
He made passionate love to her all the
time, half-trightening her with the
tierceness of his protestations, yet rem
dering her quite powerless of resistance
and molding her every day more abso-
lutely to his will until she felt as if
mysterious bonds were riveted about
her.
She went home on the last evening
through gloomy twilight that threat
ened rain, with his last entreaties ling
eriDg in her ears, with no thought of
trying to escape her destiny, and yet
with a heart that was as heavy as lead
in her bosom. At her own gate she met
Paul Haynes.
ooh, here you are, L0is" he cried
with a joyful voice; your aunt was just
beginning to be terribly worried about
you!"
"Was she?" said Lois, looking up at
eyes. 80 won't trouble her any more"
Something in her look and tone smote
Paul with sudden alarm.
"What is the matter, LoisP" he cried
out.
Nothing, nothing she said, hastily;
"let me go in,'' and before he could stop
her, she hurried past him into the
house.
Paul looked after her for moment,
and then walked thoughtfully down the
street.
The next morning q dull, drizzling
rain was falling, when, at very early
hour, Lois rose and looked with forlorn
face out Of her window. She dressed
herself as in dream, and then, with a
little sachel; in her hand, and closely
wrapped in waterproof and vail stole
from the house. Her limbs trembled so
that she could scarcely walk, her face
was pale, and tears stood in her eyes,
and yet she moved on as if obedient to
some imperious power.
| 1t had been arranged that she was to
wait near the little station till the train
approached, when she was to Jump on
the cars as quickly as possible, when
Drayton would join her with the
tickets.
OF course Lois was early at the ap-
pointed place, and as she stood under
the tree, hiding herself as well as she
could with an umbrella, she was very
miserable little creature. 1t all hap
pened, however, as had been arranged.
Lois hurried on to the train, and after
it had whirled on for short distance,
she was joined by Drayton.
Once by his side again, her fears and
her reluctance seemed in a great meas
ure to vanish, and while he painted
again to her in glowing colors the life
they would lead in the city, or under
her wraps clasped her hand in his, she
forgot everything but the fascination he
exerted over her.
When they reached New York, Dray-
ton hurried Lois from the cars, and,
finding her seat in the waiting-ro
left her there. He must go away to
make some arrangements for their CON-
fort, but would return soon, he said.
Left to herself in the dreary quiet of
the room, which was nearly empty after
the rush OF passengers had departed,
Lois fell again into utter wretchedness.
The rain fell in torrents outside, the air
was damp and chill; she shivered, and
after while dropped her head and be-
gan to weep under her vail. The tears
which at first dropped silently, grew
thicker, and an irrepressible sob parted
her lips.
At this moment hand was laid
gently on her shoulder, and a kind voice
said:
What is the matter, Loisp"
She looked up, and beside her stood
Paul Haynes, gazing at her with eyes
full of pity and tenderness. Lois hall
drew back and gasped out:
Paul, what brought you herep"
came on your account, Lois" he
said; then, noticing little repellant
gesture, he added quickly, "No, Lois
not to trouble you or interfere with your
happiness, simply to protect you if you
need protection. You believe that
am a true friend, do you notP"
g Yes. Panl. / am sure of that y