Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1880-08-06

what the world would say | would not
hesitate; but know only too well what
the popular verdict is in such cases-I
have heard too often"
"What is it you have heard too oft
en-, Elmer asked low voice just be-
hind him, the tones of which were as
soft and sweet ~ those of an Kolan
harp
He started and turned hastily toward
the fair girl who had just stepped
from the cottage door out upon the
porch.
"Oh it is you, ma belle Nina, | had
fallen into train Of thought, alone
here in this romantic twilight, and
suppose must have unconsciouly been
conversing with myself. Deuced poor
company, thought, | assure you. And
beside, you have doubtless heard the
old provcrb which says, He who talks
to himself talks with the devil IF such
be the case, his satanic majesty and
myself were in close communication
moment ago"
The cold, hard look had vanished
from his face; and was replaced by
the reckless, dcvil-me.carc expression
which he usually wore.
'And what may have been the sub
ject of your meditations? Building air
castles, | SUPPOSE"
pardon me but you are wrong. My
castles were all completed and demolish-
ed long ago was thinking of the vani-
tas vanitatum of the world in general
my life in particular
"And suppose YOU prefer your own
cynical thoughts to my company. If
So"
And if 50 sou will vanish like u
beautiful dream ] suppose" he said,
with that old air of gallantry which was
characteristic Of him in years gone by"
"Gcs.of course I'll not stay where my
company is neither wanted nor APP
preciatcd, she replied with pretty
little pout
But / do appreciate and want your
company, particularly ut the present
time; for ] am suffering from one Of
those dcprcssions of spirits commonly
known as the blues and ] know of
nothing that will so soon dispel my
present attack ns an hour Of your COM
pany. The fact is Nina if there is any
good in me it always seems to come
nearer the surface when am with you.
Wicked though am with every sin in
the calendar on my soul, | always seem
better from having been with you. All,
Nina, if all women were us true to
their better natures ms You are, there
would he fewer men with lives wrecked
by womans inconsistency He will in
deed be happy man who can some
day win your heart "
The gathering shades Of night were
too deel, for him to note the glad flush
| that spread over her face nj the words
of praise and she only said inreply
81 ann glad you think we'll Of me,
Elmer. But pardon me, if you think
me bold or prcsuming. Why. is it that
you, with your advantages and talents,
live the life YOU do? And why is il that
III your conversation you always speak
Of women with bitterness and distrust?
Is there not some woman in this wide
world to make you happy, some one
for whose sake YOU would give up your
evil ways, turn from the paths of sin
and lead u purcr life? Is there no one,
Elmer
He was too deeply absorbed with his
own bitter thoughts to notice with
what cngcrncss She asked the question.
II was several moments before he spoke
and when he did the words came slow
~ and mechanically ms though they
were forced upon him against his will.
Nina, years ago loved loved, did
| say ?-l worshipcd woman fair AS
poets dream, and believed her rs
truthful, in word and deed, rs the
white-robcd angels that cluster around
the glittcring throne above. Every en-
eourngcmcnt that woman could pos
sibly give to man she gave 10 me, and
for II time was in Il blsslul drcam-a
FOOLS paradise. But Nina, God docs
not allow His creatures to make Him
subordinate in their worship, and my
love for Shclah Fortcscue was greater
than my love or fear Of God At length
told her of my devotion, and asked
her to he my wife Nina. that woman
whom loved moro than life, rcputa-
ton or honor laughed ut my passion
ate pcndings, and forbid me speaking
to her again From that hour | have
been changed man. My life has been
passed in one mad whirl of excitement.
IN the attempt 10 drown the memory Of
that girl
Nina had been standing near him
and looking directly in his face. As he
ceased speaking she advanced stop
toward him, and asked:
and you have succeeded III forget
ting her, Elmcr2'
No; think fully understand what
rennvson meant when he wrote those
limos in 'LockSley Hall
knowledge comes but wisdom fingers and ling
rr on the sharr,
And the individual withers, and the world j.
more and more;
knowledge comes but wisdom fingers aud he
hears laden breast
Full Vt sad experience, moving toward the still
uess ~ his rest
"a do not love her as once did, hut
forget her never cam
but, Elmer. why will you not marry
some woman who can Ivy her loving
kindness help you TO forget her.
He pointed far of iii the western sky
whnrn nnn stnr ulonp Spnt ont IFS RAYS