The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1880-03-04
LOVED AND LOST.
ny ALPRED JEFFERSON.

"And do you reject my proposalg'
asked a young man who sat on a sofa in
an elaborately furnished apartment,
eagerly gazing into the face of beauti-
full young girl, whose eyes were pen
siveiy fixed on some object before
her.
For some minutes there was a silence !;
only the faint ticking of a French clock
on the mantel disturbed the perfect
stillness which Arthur Stanley did not
care to break, and which Belle Parker
could not, for she was painfully agi-
tated.
"Mr. Stanley" she said, at last, turn
ing tn him with a flushed face, al re-
spect you as a friend, and have always
enjoyed your society if have by words
or manner assured you of regard other
than friendly, attribute it to my girlish
folly; as to reciprocating your affections,
fear / cannot"
For a moment he did not speak, only
pressed more passionately the soft, white
hand he held in his.
But you will tell me, dearest Belle,
what has so suddenly altered your az
fection for me? or have been cherish
ing a false hope? When / received
your reply TO my letter last week, re-
questing your hand in marriage, / could
not believe that my devoted attentions
for the past three years had been in
vain. Were those assurances that you
gave me but a few evenings ago but
the impulse of momentary passionT
"Do not, Mr.. Stanley" she said,
impose upon me the necessity of
reviving the past; let it be forgot
ten"
"No, Belle, dearest, the past is too
dear to me to be forgotten" -.
Arthur arose impatiently and turned
from her. Belle watched him silently
as he paced up and down the room as
il in deep meditation.
Belle, have you no pity for me T
Arthur said more gently, coming to her
side again. eve have had misunderstand-
ings enough; do not mar my future any
longer. Oh, Belle, think how have
loved you all these months and years
Think how | mnst suffer in the future,
II you Danish me from you! You are
not wise TO play with me thus" he
added. "You make me reckless
make me-"
"Hushr' she said, suddenly. "It is
not Arthur who speaks"
ct is truth" he Interrupted. You
are cruel to give me your love and then
take Il from me. Do you not know that
/ love you as my life, Belle, dear
What Is there before me? Only life
spent in mad, vain endeavor to for
get the past, to shut you out of my
heart"
Arthur ceased pleading, for he saw
Ia c1,,lI e - - -
her cold heart, and walking to the ha
rack in the hall, prepared for departure
Belle followed him to the door, and il
the glow Of the bright moons rays saw
him sadly depart.
with bowed head retraced his footstep
homeward along the lonely villag
road, until distance hid him from
view.
"Will he ever return, and am no
cruel in sending him away% she solilo
quized, as che stood in the door look
ing in the direction whence he ha
gone.
Years passed by, and numerou
changes befell the quiet village of Irving
ton on the banks Of the Hudson Rivel
Arthur, by the death OF his father, el
Judge Stanley, had fallen heir to cor
siderable property, situated in Hastingl
neighboriDg village, and had taken u
his abode there, and was now engage
in the extensive practice of the la
which his father had left him.
Twas one day while quietly seated j
his Office, preparing lengthy argumer
involving question of ownership to q
extensive estate, that his office-boy al
nounced a gentleman and daughte
Parker by name.
"Show him in, Teddy" which was tt
familiar title of the Office boy. And i
= walked a gray-haired old gentleman
His troubled expression and downca
look make it apparent that somethir
was destroying his happiness.
Arthur arose to greet him, and baC
him be seated.
In tremulous voice the old man a
quainted him with his grievanc,
he said he had come in behalf of h
daughter, who had, a few years az
married a man whose wealth led him
dissipation and intemperate habits, al
who made her home misery to her, al
she now sought a separation from him.
"Perhapa you had better hear Il
story from her own lips" interrupt,
the old man; and calling in his daug
ter, who had been seated in the out
office, he introduced her as Mrs. Thorn
son, me Belle Parker.
Arthur bade her be seated, and 8
began to relate her story, which W
simply marriage without love. Aft
she had finished, slight color was D,
ceptible in Arthur's cheeks; the reft
ence she had made to her once peacef
home in Irvington, and the many pc
young men of the village who had soug
her hand and heart, caused the swt
memories of eight years ago to rush
his brain, and almost persuaded him
reveal his identity.
. "Does she not recognize me-"
thought. How could she fail to recall
MIN her old lover, whom she had
cruelty discarded just eight years ag
Perhaps his trip to Europe and the c
tivation Of a beard had altered h
somewhat.
Arthur promised to give the mat
careful consideration, and instruct
them to call again in few days to sw,
and sign few preliminary pape
which they promised to do. Taking
old gentleman's hand, the daughter
him 10 the carriage that was in watt
at the. door, and they quickly drc
away.