The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1880-04-26

at was after their final return home
that their uncle told them of his wish
that they should marry, and inherit his
fortune and home together. Ella asked
for no greater happiness than to become
James's wife, and for a time believed
that he loved her, but as she grew older
became convinced that she did not hold
James's heart as he held hers. She was
jealous of the daughter of an old friend
who came often to visit them.
GAS we are confning our names to
those near at hand, we will call her after
you, Maud. She was very beautiful
not as tall as Ella was. not quite as
foud of music and books, but fairy
like blonde, winsome and tender-the
very woman to win q mans heart and
hold it in silken bonds stronger than iron.
James loved ner."
"And Ella loved him." sighed Maud.
"Oh, dearP'
"Before the uncle knew of a cross to
his plans he died. But in his will he left
his property to his nephew and ward
only upon condition of their marriage.
If either refused the marriage, the
money went to a public charity, the
house to be sold and the proceeds added
to the sum. But if either died the other
inherited all. 1t was a cruel will, for
every day it became more evident to
Ella that her heart was given to one
who found the gift heavy burden.
The soul of chivalry, James tried to con-
ceal his aversion to the woman he must
marry, unless they both became beggars.
She loved him so we'll that his grief he.
came hers, and she tried to imagine
some way to free him. Only her death
could release him, 50 she resolved to
die"
"Ohp gasped Jennie.
"She wrote letter bidding him fare
well, and left the house. There was a
small boat in which she often rowed
upon the river alone. This was found
turned upside down, and her hat float
ing near it. James advertised for the
body, for any news of her, but none
came, and after year the law gave him
full control of his uncle's property. 1t
ought to be his, for Ella was not related
to the old man, although she called him
uncle and loved him dearly"
"Did he marry Maudw
"Oh, yes, they were married."
"But poor Ellaw sighed Maud.
'She did not die," said Miss Jones.
"She shrank from the crime of suicide.
So while they were hunting for her
body, she was in large town, earning a
comfortable living. She conquered her
love years ago, and her life is tranquil,
happy and useful eue."
The sisters went to their own apart
ment, while their governess went into
the drawing-room to get book she had
left there. As she lighted the gas. tall
figure rose from seat near the window,
and came forward. He spoke one word
only:
"Ellaw
And she staggered back, and would
have fallen if his strong arm had not
caught her.
"Ella," he said again, "I heard your
story, hidden here, to see my children
unseen, before they knew of my return
home. Oh, you were wrong; always
loved you, but your own doubts made
you SO cold that I thought you would
marry me only in obedience to my un-
cle's will"
"You did not love Maud" she asked.
81 loved you--you only. But when I
believed you dead, her sweet consolation
won what was left of my sore heart"
There was rapturous greeting for
"papa" the next morning; but the de-
light Of the girls was increased when he
said to them, very gravely:
II will finish the story your governess
began last evening. James wife died,
but he found Ella and loved her. She
is here, and you must give her a place
in your hearts as my wife and your
mother"