The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1866-1891, 1880-04-22
LOVED AT LAST.

Z
face full of white pain, his grave, hand
some eyes showing eloquently the an
puish and desolation of his spirit.
For, moment earlier, Lola Bourne
had refused him-gently, tenderly, with
distress on her sweet, pure face, and keen
regret that she was forced to make him
suffer so, in her low, pitiful tones.
P't, for all her sweetness and tender
ness, and sympathy and distress, she had
been resolute.
Il do thank you for your regard for
me, Mr.. Fenton-I shall ever remember
it as one of the brightest spots in my
life. But" and her voice had lowered
70 an inexpressibly gentle tone, whose
very cay.fulness and pitifulness mad
dened him, 81 do not love you, and l
would not dare marry where I did not
love-"
She was so sweet and winsome to see,
so womanly and delicate for girl OF
nineteen, and so lovely in her beauty
slight, graceful; dignifed, always lit
tie more grave and thoughtful than other
girls of her age and position in society,
and even more grave and dignifed since
the troubles had come upon her that
left her to face the world without
parents or money.
Hugh had always worshiped her,
since the time year or 80 before when
her father had taken him home to din
ner one evening, and introduced him to
Mrs. Bourne and Lola, with an after
ardent recommendation to their notice
and friendship.
And now when. in one little half-year,
there had occurred the startling series
of pitiful calamities to the girl, her
oarents both taken from her, and the
magnificent home literally sold over her
head, it had been, as Lola said, one Of
the brightest memories of those mex
pressibly weary times that Hugh Fenton
had offered her his hand and love, his
name and fortune.
Only she could not accept because, as
she had gently, honestly told him, she
did not love him; and to such girl as
Lola Bourne, Hugh Fenton's fortune
and social position were no.temptations'
whatever.
Hugh stood looking at the sweet, pure,
pale face that his heart and soul so
longed to gather to his breast, and kiss
forever away the solemn shadows out of
the dusky eyes. ssS 1
"But I cannot have you 60 out in the
world and be bufeted about as a cruel
destiny arbitrarily chooses" he said.
lola, even if you don't love me, let me
take you and care for you! Lola, my
dear little girl, do you think 1 can en-.
dure the luxuries and elegancies of my
lonely home, knowing the woman
love, the woman I want, is working for
daily wages, perhaps hungry, perhaps
not suitably clothed, often weary and
lone,y. and certainly with no one to
cherish and protect? On, my darling,
be merciful! Come to me, and let me
teach you how to love me. / will try
to be content with what you can give
me-friendly trust and regard. Lola,
think again, pray you"
She shook her little dusky head, that
was so firmly and proudly poised on her
fair white throat.
"It cannot possibly be, dear Mr.. Fen
ton. 7 am not afraid to face the world,
but l am afraid to bestow my hand
where my heart cannot be given!"
And with her firm, gentle resolute-
ness lie had to be contert; and he went
away from the plain little lodging-house,
where, in exchange for music lessons to
two refractory girls, Lola was allowed
comfortable accommodations - went
away with his heart crushed to the very
eariil. md feeling as if never again
would the sun shine golden-bright for
him.