Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1880-08-07

would be able to assure her | had
saved her dear old home for her
bonny sake" nfsA
Darlington listened, dazed, and
pale to his bearded lips.
1t was impossible to believe any
falsity or littleness of John Eustis,
and conceited and egotistical he
certainly was not. And it was
equally impossible to suspect CO.
quetry or perfidy OF sweet Jessie
Rivers.
Carr ngtou ventured a few sub
tie questions that were readily
and innocently answered, and
thus shrewd!y learned the truth.
There was not, nor had tn, re ever
been, any engagement between
John Eustis and Tessie Rivers.
only a lifelong. wordless under
standing of tenderest affection and
truest fidelity. He could under
stand now how the fair girl,
bound by no promises, doubtful
for her future, and solicitous for
her mother, had accepted what
ha d seemed wisest and best, while
her soul was haunted by an un-
asked and unacknowledged love
that might prove but shadow, q
fantasy, a delusion after all, and
with his whole noble heart he ex-
onerated and pardoned her.
81 should make any honorable
sacrifice to save you from the pain
and trouble of a single hour" he
had told her that morning, mean
ing it to the utmost, and time for
the sacrifice had come.
The business was speedily and
satisfactorily transacted and Tes-
sizes pleased young lover turned
to 60 when his friend stopped
him. .s
"I, too, wish to see Miss Riv-
ers," he said. ~ shall follow you
presently. DO not leave the house
till i shall have come. Promise
me you will not, John"
The young man promised and
hurried away, impatient to sur
prise Tessie with the proofs of his
loyal and generous devotion.
"Oh, John, you ought not to
have done this y she cried, in q
voice of regret and distress. "You
could not afford 1t, and beside
something has happened, John,
that made it unnecessary"
He gazed at her in mute won
der. The pain of her sweet eyes
startled him. NJ
"Why could I not afford 1t, my
pet" he asked gently, "when you
are to share all / have by-and-by,
when you will be nay own-my
"Oh. john" she gasped, ''you
never asked me to marry you and
now you are too late-oh, John,
too late!" is
And then she covered her face
and began to sob bitterly. The
poor child had never hidden a sor-
row from him in all his life. She
had always gone to him for COM
fort in all her griefs, and it did
not occur to her that it was not
quite proper and consistent for
him to console her for a grief like
this.
But in the midst OF her tears she
suddenly remembered, and she
flew away from his OBTAINING
hand to the farthest end of the
parlor, only to meet Darlington,
who had just come in.
"Tessie," he began, kindly, 81
have made my sacrifice, and i
have come to tell you. / know
the whole story, just as you would
tell me yourself did you not wish
to spare me pain. l am your
friend and his. Go to him and
comfort him. You will make him
as happy as you could have made
me had heaven meant me to be
your husband. / shall see your
mamma and save you from all un-
pleasant explanations"
His goodness touched her. In
her gratitude she could have knelt
at his feet and kissed the kindly
hands which now led her back to
her wondering lover.
The next moment he was gone,
and Johns arms were about her.
and Johns kisses were on her lips.
On Tessie's wedding morning
she found among her bridal gifts
q magnificent souvenir from Mon
reith Darlington, who retained for
her all the delicate and chivalrous
sentiment OF such q friendship as
only noble gentleman can give
| to an adorable IadY w.