The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1880-04-28


heart-a name which he had not been able to
forget.
/ His aunt was talking to q lady friend at the
4 other end of the room.
Eleanor Eliot is one Of the sweetest, no.
blest girls ever knew or heard off, Lady
Hargrave was saying, enthusiastically. Her
father was clergyman, and dying, left her
and young brother almost destitute there
was just enough money left after everything
was settled to finish the boys education, and
the dear brave girl would not let them tell the
young fellow how much il was, and has kept
him at school over since, and has been work.
ing hard, very hard, believe, though don't
know at what, and he docs not yet know how
badly off his poor sister is She is distantly
related to the Honorable Mrs. Audlcy, and
she asked me to look out for some position for
the dear girl"
81 think know of a position that might
suit herr" said the visitor : my sister is look
ing FOR governess for her two little girls,
and, of course, Miss Eliot being SO well rec
commended, she might SUIT her,
"I'll give you the address,"
Then Gilbert waited impatiently, while his
aunt rung the bell, and Parker was dispatched
to find Mrs. Audley's letter then there was
hunt for her ladyship's eyeglasses. At last
the welcome words fell on his ear
| Two days after, sadly against his aunt's
advice, Mr.. Falconcr started for London, GO
ing straigbt to a small shabby house in an
humble location.
miss Eliot?" he asked, eagerly, of the
misunderstanding female who opened the
door.
"She's left, sur" was the answer .sshe
left yesterday morning her money was done
an dunno where she's gone.'
Gilbert turned away with sick heart, and,
dismissing the cab, walked aimlessly along
By-and-bye he came to large dark, old
church, bearing traces of lingo Jones in It's
beautiful entrance. The doors were open
morning service was just over, Gilbert was
tired and weak a sudden impulse--for which
he thanked God all his life long--caused him
to enter.
In one OF the pews still knelt girl, the face
hidden in both hands. Until every one had
passed out, she knelt there, then rising, came
slowly down the aisle.
Pale, worn, with weary droop of the
proud little head that made Gilbert's heart
ache, came Miss Eliot.
Trembling with nervousness he waited un-
til she was opposite to him, then said, quick
ly:
"Miss Eliot I"
Startled, she looked up saw him, and color
ed to the roots of her hair, then glanced at the
door as IL medtating fight.
g Don't co. he cried, putties ous q stsn
hand. Don't go. Oh, listen to me. For
give me my brutal conduct that day. have
No answer her head was bent down.
g Nora, can't you forgive me?" he plead
ed. "You were angry with mo once for call
ing you by your name, but can't help 1t,
! dear If you could only look into my heart
and see the love / have for you, the utter
longing. For nearly a year have been try
ing to forget you, and to-day love you better
than ever. Nora, can't you love mea Won't
you be my wife 2"
At the last sentence, Nora looked up quick
ly.
care you in earnest? Do You realize who
! am ? . she said, with the old proud move
ment of her head s'An operator in your
mill--a beggar without home or friend,
save my brother, God bless him, in the world
while you are rich man /"
ooh, come to me, interrupted Gilbert,
stretching out his arms. If that is your
only objection, come to me quickly. My
pure, noble darling, l know all your self sac
rfice. am not half worthy Of you. Come
to me-make me better man, be good to my
people. know they will bless you when
they learn how much they owe to you" Then
in low, eager tones he told briefly ofthe fever,
and of the entire change in the sanitary ar
rangements at Brinsley, touching lightly on
his illness, and passing over his bravery
"And your prophecy haunted me /; all through
my illness it rung in my ears, and hungered
for a sight of your bonny face, for touch Of
pain in his voice, ''take back your bitter
words tell me you do not hate me. Even a
crumb of bare liking shall be thankful for,
and if you will bless me with your precious
love, shall thank God for It. You can make
me better man, better landlord, true
Christian. All these possibilities lie in your
hands,"
Nora's face was hidden in her hands--she
was sobbing.
Won't you answer me?" he pleaded,
bending over her. "Only one little word to
put me out of suspense My darling, am
weary for you. Come to the arms that are
waiting for you"
And she came with sudden, swift move
ment, laying her tired head on his shoulder,
while bis glad arms gathered her close to his
heart, and he laid his lips on her forehead
with asilent Thanksgiving for the blessed boon
of this " mill hands" love-