The Morristown gazette. [volume] (Morristown, Tenn.) 1867-1920, 1880-04-28

Perhaps his trip to Europe and the cul- /
tivatfon of a beard had altered him |
somewhat.
Arthur promised to give the matter !
careful consideration, and instructed
them to call again in few days to swear !
and sign a few preliminary papers,
which they promised to do. Taxing the
old gentleman's hand, the daughter Led
him to the carriage that was in waiting
at the door, and they quickly drove
away.
After they had gone, Arthur fell into
a deep reverie, and it was some time be-
fore he could recover himself. He grad
ually forgot the incident and resumed
his study.
A few days afterward, the rumbling
Of carriage wheels was heard rolling
along the village road, and carriage
halted in front of his door. He recOg-
nized at once the occupant, who was
fortunately alone, and prepared to re-
ceive her.
You are punctual to your promise,
Mrs. Thompson" said Arthur as he
arose from his seat at his desk and offered
his hand to greet her. #s.
She answered pleasantly, and seated
herself. After explaining the law of
| a few legal documents, Arthur's CONVEX
sation gradually drifted off to other sub
| iects, and finally reached the village of
lrvingtOn.
" Pardon me, but have you recol-
| lection, Mrs. Thompson, of g bright
moonlight evening about eight or nine
years ago, when you said farewell to a
young man who had been paying atten-
ton to your
"Why do you ask that question, Mr..
| Stanley?" she said, inquisitively. "My
| recollection scarcely extends so tar back,
and since nv marriage, l have scarcely
had time to think of anything but my
unhappiness."
Opening a small drawer in his desk,
Arthur drew forth delicate little note,
which had been preserved with the
greatest care, and handed it to her, and
| at the same time asked her If she recOg-
nized the writing.
In a moment her face flushed, and,
taking q more careful look at Arthur,
she recognized in him her discarded
lover. .H
Ahl Mrs. Thompson, I see itrecalIs
to your memory an incident which Il me
and passing events had almost obiit-
Grated you still rememl er your answer
tony request for your h' nd and heart, the
result of which was d0ot,iiig me to r2e
solitary abodes of study, in order to shut
your image out of my heart"
Yes, Mr.. Stanley, l see my
now" she said, wiping away the tears
that were fast filling her large blue
eyes my pride and girlish ickleness
would not allow me to see it then; but
their reward has come; married man
who was very weaithy, and against my
fathers wish his wealth led him to dis
sipation, and instead Of making my
home happy, he made it very unhappy"
"Since that memorable night- Ralla.
| ] have not forgotten you; you were the
! means of my ever remaining q single
man, though many have crossed my
| pathway, some perhaps more beautiful
| than YOU. in others judgment, yet L
could see no worth nor happiness in
them; your eyes haunted me wherever
I went"
"Forgive me.' she said. az did not
| think your love for me was so strong"
She covered her face with her hands,
and wept as though her heart would
break. ..
"Then YOU acknowledge, Belle-par-
don me for calling you Belle-that you
| discarded me because | was a poor
student, and that you thought no happi-
! ness abided in pOvertY?'
Il did," she said; "but l regret my
action"
Further conversation was Interrupted
by the entrance of the office boy, an
! nOuucing gentleman on very important
business. Arthur bade her goOd-by, and
she entered her carriage.
Months passed; winters chilly air ap-
peared, and sent to slumber the bios
somcd flowers. The next term of the
county court was to be convened on
Monday, and Mrs. Thompson's case was
second on the calendar for trial. In the
meantime, Arthur engaged himself by
collecting the evidence and securing the
necessary witnesses.
The day for the trial arrived, and
Arthur gained his case.
The following day, Mrs. Thompson
called upon Arthur to thank and repay
him for his services.
"No, Mrs Thompson" said Arthur
emphaticalIy, u should be only TOO
pleased to render you any service in my
power and that gratuitoEsly and will
ingly; there is but one thing that re-
gret in reference TO you, and that is that
you were not as wise once as you are
now"
Mrs. Thompson now resides with her
aged father, whose life is fast declining,
in the quiet village of Irvington, a wiser
and a better woman. Arthur remains