West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1880-01-24

crcpt gradually into her manner. Still the
love was there
Once, in moment OF confidence. she
came 10 me, and asked, DO YOU believe
Mr. Hewberry likes anyone better than met
Fred says he dOcs-that he remained by
her all the time at the party las, night. /
wish was old enough 10 20 10 parties
And wish--indeed do
Iatei
- 1 wish Cora Gushing didn't live in this
world-indeed l dor noddiug her head
decidedly, while striving TO forco back the
tears.
"Oh. Hettic this is dreadful | said.
drawing her within my arms.
well then, | wish Mr. Hewberry and
lived somewhere else. where Cora Cush-
ing wouldn't come, she sobbed.
~ assured her that Joe did not love Cora
Gushing; that Fred WAS only teasing her.
Nv hen she was ten years old, Joe was
called suddenly away 10y the severe illness
OF his nearest relative, an uncle.
There was only time for hasty Good
bye, my little love Make haste TO grow
fast, and be tall girl when come back.
he said, kissing her.
His going was So sudden, she did not
seem 10 realize IT, | was glad that il was
50. But how piticd the little thing when.
day after day. rs she had done for years.
she sat and watched
Time passed on; the pretty child grew
TO be beautiful maiden Youths gather
eu about her. and friends ceased 20 talked
OF Joe. Other names were mentioned AS
DIS had been; yet none could win an ans
werlng smile or blush. / knew for whom
her love was kept.
The waiting, yearning look in her ewes
gave way at last, and Joyous ligh, broke
forth. Joe was coming back. A letter TO
her brother Fred brought the glad udinps
He wrote:
I've Il secret TO tell YOU. dear bov, But
no, III. keep it for surprise, in which YOU
Will rejoice for my sake, am sure I'm a
few days shall bS with YOU JoE.'
Again, as in her baby DAYS, Hattie be-
gan her watching. Oh, | knew her heart
was singing Joyous song, though the
sweet iips gave forth no sound
''She stood in the porch, waiting his com
ing, clothed in teecy white, roses in her
hair and bright smile playing on her
face.
" 'Hatticn
Fred came towards her. The bows
Taco had lost its usual look of mcrrinlent.
his voice its careless tone.
'Hettic, Joe came by the train awhile
ago'-hc paused, darting anxious, search
my glance at his sisters facc-and lac was
not alone. I'll not let him surprise you, lit
Tie sis. I've hurried home TO tell Won his
wife is with him
'Ihe light went out of eve and heart
The blush faded quickly on the young face
and, whter than the dress she wore, was
the hand put forth TO grasp the balustradc.
Fred sprang forward To catch hcr faint
ing form. Like a broken lily he bore her
IN. And when Joe came she knew IL not.
'For many days her gentle spirit hover
ed between life and dcah. Sometimes
since, I've almost regretted that it passed
not away.
''She has never seen Joe Hewbcrry since
his marriage. Three years after, She sent
to his httlc girl, who bears her name, the
chain and lockct she used to wear.
Where is lie now p" Mrs Wallace in
qured.
rye not heard Of him for years know
not if he lives"
Thanks for your story, Georgio. But
wish Its ending had not been so sad"
Then its lessons would have been less
powerful
true must prOht by IL without delay.
Will send Bessie home with mother to
morrow Tho change will do her good, and
break the spell
few days after this, George Clark
came to see Bcssie's mother and said, with
bright smile;
"Iye come to change the ending Of my
story OF the other day In fact, the end
had not then come Here are Hattie's we'd
ding cards; her Joe has been a widower
over two years. Hear what she writes to
me:
Forgive me for keeping my happiness
from you, my dear friend, but / have not
been able TO realize sufficiently that this
great JOY was for me to speak TO others.
Now That it is 50 near, and he is with me.
surely mus. it be. You who have known
50 much, must know all now. lie loved
and was pledged 10 her before he knew me.
You will be glad to know this; / was.
Had ! known II. it would have soothed
greatly the agony Of bygouc days
I'VE were at lauic's wedding Yesterday.
happier, lovelier bride / never saw"