The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1880-05-20
JUST in TIME.


Golden beams of sunlight were pour
ing through the large windows OF
Colonel Orne's sitting-room,s rejecting
bright shadows on the opposite wall,
and tracing fantastical figures on the
CARPET; sweet odors, softly waited, stole
gently through the half open door; but
Bessie Orne, the only child, nestled In
an easy chair, gazing out into the lovely
garden below with . look OF anxiety on
her pretty face, and delicate flush on
her lovely cheek, could only sigh.
Nature had no charm for her this
beautiful summer afternoon. Life was
beginning to appear In altogether o new
light; and yet no artist could desire q
lovelier picture-dark, wavy tresees,
aDid which the sunshine loved to linger,
shaded brow Of dazzling whiteness,
dark eyes that sparkled with animation,
and coral lips that were constantly
wreatned in smiles.
4 quick and rapid step sounding in
the hall caused the blushes on her cheek
TO deepen; the door softly opened, and q
rich. musical voice whispered:
"Bessiep'
She started, with cry Of Joy and
recognition, exclaiming: -
Gilfordp'
Seating himself by her side, he said:
Bessie, I've come to cay farewell"
He paused, as IL waiting an answer.
She only glanced up, with look of
startled apprehension, but remained
silent; and he continued:
Before l 60, dear Bessie, promise
that you will be faithful; that you will
remain true until my return. Perhaps
am doing wrong in asking this; but,
oh, Bessie! on you have lavished ali
my love-"
Still no words came from her trembl-
ing lips.
Promise" he murmured, tenderly.
."I will be faithful even unto DEATH"
she replied, tremulously.
He caught her fair hand, and presned
1t rspturously to his lips.
"With this sweet assurance, I've
nothing to fear. One year will speed
away, and then shall return to begin
new life" ~ f
As he spoke, he rose; and Bessie, tear.
full, and yet withal smiling. bade him
good-by and God-speed. Silently he
pressed kiss on her blushing cheek,
murmured a blessing on her young
head, and was gone.
Theirs was strange betrothal. Clifford
Grey she had known since childhood.
Their plighted vows were frs. spoken
In the misty stiffness of an autumnal
evening, and the stars, looking calmly
down, seemed to rejoice.
Three months later they parted-he
going to Jamaica to transact some i'm
Portant business, and she waited hope
fully.
Clifford Grey's parents were very
wealthy. OF large family of children.
only two urvived-Arthur and Clifford.
Arthur was n stern, hanghty man of
the world, with an austere face, upon
which cold and repellant look always
fingered, q dignifed mien, and stately
air. Clifford was gay, Joyous, and
generous, winning respect from every
one, and universally beloved by ali.
This was the way we found them at the
opening OF our story.
The lovers parted; as we have said.
each to take up the burden of life more
cheerfully; each looking forward to the
end.
Arthur Grey's visits to Colonel Orne's
became more frequent. He was received
kindly. The colonel believed him to be
a very superior man, and Bessie was of
the same option Although not liking
him, yet she esteemed him for the sake
of Clifford. :
Arthur Grey, passionate and merciless
q: he was, hated Clifford hated him
with all the hatred that an unrestrained
passion can hate, when they see loved
OBJECT, almost within their grasp, plucked
py more daring hand than theirs.
Arthur secretly loved Bessie, il the
cold, mercenary feelings which he felt
might be called such. He had never
1reathed them-never by the slightest
look, or words, intimated that they wers
more than the homage paid BY men 70
AL beautiful women !; but whom Clifford
set Tor Jamaica they found outlet. and
wild hope shot through his soul. It
found definite shape in the following
thoughts: - =
g! will win this girls love. She can
not be Indifferent. No, no-Tn not de-
spsir; and when she becomes nv wife.
We shall be quits, Mr.. Clifford Grey
He never thought once Of the possi-
bility Of failure, although her cold
and distant manner toward bin would
have convinced any man les saneuine
than he, of the probability Of guch -
undertaking. He newer thouRft " ~
9eiving naughty and indignant refusal.
NO. ne never thought thik
One year passed away, swiftly born
on the wings of time, and another -
ushered into existence. Clifford qrev
came not; but, instead, news came q, :
dreadful shipwreck-of many lives iost M
OF many happy homes made desolate'
and then all was shrouded in the deepest
mys'ery. Nothing further could be
learned. No news of the absent one
could be CLEANED from the many hiehiv-
exaggerated accounts given Of tke
disaster by the Newspapers. Oh. hov
uncertain is lifei -
Arthur Grey, at the seaside, listened
with almost suspended breath to the
many surmises respecting his broth er's
late. He accepted the verdict of de ath.
given BY public opinion, with com poe,,
ure, with cheerfulness, and why notY
his brothers wealth fell into his DOS
session, and now he must win the love
OF Bessie Orne. II WV
de had accomplished his mission. and
ne turned bis steps homeward. The next
day he caliei &C Colonel Orne's. and
ptood In the presence Of Bessie,