The Douglas independent. [volume] (Roseburg, Or.) 187?-1885, 1880-12-18
AT THE GARDEN GATE.

| Janet Dudley stood at the garden gate
that lovely evening in September, gaz-
| ing up the road with anxious eyes. The
faint light OF the rising moon lay like o
blessing on the golden head, and the air,
filled with the fragrance of new -mown
hay, caressingly touched her fair young
face. Never prettier maid awaited lover.
And yet John Hallam's step was slow
and his face clouded as he emerged from
the shadow of the trees and came to-
| ward her. Janet opened the gate and
stepped out to meet him. 'tWell. John?r
! she said, and her voice trembled ever Sc
| little.
The young man took her tiny hands in
his. and looked down upon her-she was
wee thing-with almost a frown upon
his brow: Uncle Roger is as obstinate
as a mule" he said. ''I have just come
from most wearisome interview with
him. He insists that shall either tako
up my drudgery again at Mink & Otters
or some other equally agreeable estab-
llshment, and forfeit all claims upon
him, or give him the promise he asks"
'Well?" said Janet again, gazing
steadily up in his face, and this time her
voice did not tremble at all but her low
er's did, as with half-averted eyes he
made answer: II should hate to go
clerking it again after being my own
master so long, and, to own the truth.
patronlzing my old chums somewhat
when we met; and it seems too bad to let
the fortune go to strangers as Uncle
Roger declares it shall if I don't come to
terms. But then the promise he exacts
Is so absurd"
Absurd, F" repeated Janet, slowly.
Is it so absurd, when you think of it
calmly? Your uncle wants to make sure
of pleasant companion for five years,
and at the end of that time wishes to
choose pleasant companion for that
pleasant companion, and thereby secur-
ing for himself two pleasant companions
for the remainder of his life-which
sounds like something out of one of
Ollendorff's books for beginners. or
riddle, she continued, with laugh that
had no merriment in it, sand so he
offers you great inducements to become
that companion. And, John, you have |
always been diseontented because your
station in life was not high one, and |
more of the worlds gold had not fallen |
TO your share. And now that wealth and |
position are offered you, it would be
absurd indeed to refuse them for the !
sake of poor country school mistress"
Janet, you are cruel"
Perhaps | amin the way surgeons
are cruel; but really think, John, the |
cure for your hurts is to accede to your
uncles wishes.
sAnd part wiz YOU"
"And part with me, and it is only too
evident that that worthy gentleman con-
siders me totally unworthy the honor of
ever becoming the pleasant companion
OF his pleasant companion"
The young man dropped her hand and
caught her in his arms. ssYou do not
love me after all, he said reproachfully.
81 do love you" she replied, at the
same time turning her face away from
his kisses, 'fand have loved you ever
since We first met, but have become
that as poor man you would
not be success, John, and therefore /
say obey your uncle, live the life for
which You have longed, and get the for
tune"
By heavens, will not give you upi"
exclaimed Hallam, stung by her quiet
sarcasm. But, Jennie, dear, listen to
Promise to wait for me, and /
will agree to Uncle Roberts conditions.
Who knows what might happen in five
years? The old man may die"
The girl started from his arms with
startled eyes.
Shame on you John!D she cried.
What happiness could attend the union
Of two people who waited for death
md falsehood to bring them together.
fou have said enough. Our bonds are
broken. You are free"
"a faint voice from the cottage called.
Janet
81 viii never give You up," repeated
he lover vehemently, and snatching
her again in his arms he kissed her
oassionately and turned away.
Janet looked after his retreating form
Ior moment, and then raising her..clasp-
ng hands in mute appeal to heaven,
choking rising sob, and answered. her
mothers call.
John Hallam, then clerk in the whole
sale fur store of Mink & Otter, first saw
Janet Dudley at the country house of q
cousin, where he was visiting one sum-
ner holidassA She had graduated at the
Normal College . year or so before, and
being obliged to leave the city directly
sfterward on account OF her mothers
falling health, had sought and obtained
he position Of village school mis-
tress at Strawberry Centes.
They had fallen IN love{with each other
il first sight, he fascinated by her pretty
yirlish face, lie graceful II ys and quaint,
orecise speech, and 81 his handsome
brown yves, HIS hrs hne tene
voice, al his earring; and p +
lore Jofn,s over she had 4