Delaware state journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1870-1883, 1880-07-29

broke. But he became suddenly like q
child In his terror, and it was only with
the greatest difficulty got him within its
shelter.
"As peal after peal of thunder crashed
above us, Alfred seemed to lose all control
of himself, Shd, seriously offended, left
him, nearly sobbing, in corner, and went
and stood by myself in the open door. In
the very hight of the storm 1 saw my
father, DIR. Orman, and three of our work |
men coming through the wood. They !
evidently suspected our sheltering place,
for they came directly toward it.
"'Alfred = shouted DIR. 0rman, in the
tone of an angry master, where are you,
sir? Come here instantly
MY pettedness instantly vanished, and
I said: Doctor, you have no right to
speak to Alfred in that way. He is going
to be my husband, and shall not permit
it any more
"'Miss Wakefield, he answered, this is
sheer folly. Look there!'
II turned, aud saw Alfred crouching in
a corner, completely paralyzed with terror;
and yet, when Dr. Orman spoke to him,
he rose mechanically, as dog might fol-
low his masters cali.
"'I am sorry, Miss Wakefield, to destroy
your line romance. MIR. Alfred Compton
is as you perceive, not fit to marry any
lady. In fact, l AN his Keeper"
"Oh, Aunt Phoebe Surely he was not
lunatic !"
so they said, Julia. His frantic terror
was the only sgn saw of it; but DIR.
Ormsn told my father that he was at times
really dangerous, and that he was annually
paid large sum to take charge of him, as
he became uncomfortable in an asylum"
"Did you see him again ?"
mo. | found little note in the rose
bush, saying that he was not mad that he
remembered my promise to be his wife,
and would surely come some day and
claim me. But they left in three days,
and Melissa, whose wedding outfit was
curtailed in consequence, twitted me very
unkindly about my fine crazy lover. 1t
was a little hard on me, for he was the
| only lover ever had. Melissa and Jane
both married and went west with their
husbands; lived on at highlands, a faded
| little old maid, until my uncle Joshua sent
| for me to come to New York and keep his
fine house for him. You know that he
left me all be Ind when he died, nearly
two years ago. remembered my own
lonely youth, ana thought would give you
fairer chance, dear"
"Did you ever hear of him again, aunt? ~
"Of him, never. His elder brother died
more than year ago. | suppose Alfred
died many years since he was very frail
and delicate. / thought it was refinement
and beauty then; l know now it was i'll
health
Poor Aunt !"
may, child, was very happy while
my dream lasted; and never will believe
but that Alfred in his love for me was
quite sane, and perhaps more sincere thar
many wiser men,"
After this confidence Miss Phoebe
seemed to take great pleasure in speak
ing of the little romance of her youth
Often the old end the young maidens sa
in the twilight discussing the probabilities
of poor Alfred Compton's life and dealt
and every discussion left them more an(
more positive that he had been the victim
of some cruel plot. The subject neve
tired Miss Phoebe, and Julia. in III,
absence of a lover of her own, found in il
a charm quite in keeping with her owl
, youthful dreams.
One cold night in the middle of Janu
airy they had talked over the old subjee
, until both felt it to be exhausted-at leas
for that night. Julia drew aside til
heavy satin curtains and looking out, said
, 1T is showing heavily, aunt tomorrow
! we can have a sleigh-ride. "Why, ther
! is sleigh at our door Who can it be
: A gentleman, aunt, and he is comm
: here"
"Close the curtains. child. 1t is m
I lawyer, Mr. Howard He promised to ca
/ tonight"
) sob dear was hoping it was som
/ nice strange person."
Miss Phoebe did not answer: he
e thoughts were far away. In fact. she ha
4 talked about her old lover until there la
4 sprung up anew in her heart very strou
A sentimental affection for his memory
and when the servant announced vistt
II on business, she arose with a sigh fro
"a her reflections, and went into the rece
a ton room.
4 In few minutes Julia heard her voic
n in rapid, excited tones, and ere she cou
decide whether to go to her or not, Au
k Phgbe entered the room, holding by Il
r hand gentleman whom she announced
,e Mr.. Alfred Compton. Julia was disa
ID pointed, to say the least, but she met hi
ri with enthusiasm. Perhaps Aunt Pho,
VS. had quite uncOnsciously magnifed L
ID beauty Of the youthful Alfred certain
rs this one was not handsome. He was six
H. at Least, his fair curling locks had va
r. ished, and his fine figure was slight
bent. But the clear sensitive face
u NAMED, and he was still dressed wi
ed scrupulous care.
ed The two women made much of hi
7 In half an hour Delmonico had furnish
an delicious little banquet, and Afr
ia drank his first glass of wine with an OIL
.ly fashioned grace 'to his promised wi
hi Miss Phube Wakefield. best and lowell
ed of women"
Miss Phoebe laughed, but she dea
liked it; and hand in hand the two
1st lovers sat, while Alfred told his sad Iii
m. story Of life long wrong and suffering ;
80 an intensely nervous, self-consious nat,
Nv driven 10 extremity by cruel usage
,ut many wrongs. At the mention of
in Orman Miss Pl6.5e expressed horsel
IN little bitterly.
TO May, Phm5e, said Alfred; whate
nd be WAS when my brother put me in
yer care, he became my true friend. To
to skill and patience owe my restoration
ort perfect health and to his firm advoc
of my right and ability to manage my G
re- estate | owe the position / now hold,
ION my ability to come and ask Phcebi
I'VE redeem her never forgotten promise
elf Perhaps Julia got little tired of til
.es' old-fashioned lovers, but they never ii
ese of each other. Miss phrpe was not
in. least gbRshed by any contrast between
,ye Ideal and her real Alfred, and Alfred
- | never weary NJ asgnrinu ler TINT ha fc-