The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1880-03-18

see that one ought to select ones path,
to settle, to take up the more serious
part Of life All this | have learned
since [ have known you; since | have
loved you" he added, very low, look
ing earnestly in her face.
She took the confession quite calm
ly; not a tinge of additional color, not
the slightest shyness Or confusion ap-
peared in her. She kept her quiet,
sweet ease of manner undisturbed.
And what was Edmund to say more?
He felt somehow bafied, helpless, be-
fore this invulnerable calm.
wont you say anything to me?"
he cried; II don't know who you are,
or where you are living, but love
you, Maud. Do not be angry
"Oh, no! not angry, she said, in her
soft voice; only you cannot under
stand. | am not here to make friends,
though I have always wished that
some one might see me and speak.
And before you spoke | had noticed
you; I thought to myself, this one
surely-this one surely! There was
something about you; but there had
been so many, so many before, she
said, with an innocent, wistful look,
like the unconscious protest. against
neglect, yet acquiescence Of a child.
But you will give me an answer,
Maud? | love you, sweet. do not
know" said Edmund, with passion,
what has happened to you; what it is
that makes yon wander like this: but
| will not mind, whatever it is. | will
take care Of you; [ will watch over
you; it will make no difference to me-
Do you not understand me, dear?"
He put out his hand to take hers, to
secure her attention, to show her how
serious he was. And then Edmund
felt as if the whole misty heaven and
earth were going round about him.
He could not find the hand he sought.
It was as if some spell prevented him
from touching her. He felt again
more baffled, more confounded, and
hopelessly kept back, than words could
say:
You must not ask me questions"
she made answer, softly, after pause
''It is not permitted to answer ques-
tions. | am here-for time. | have
been here no one could tell how long.
We do not count as you do. If told
you more than this you would not un-
derstand."
Il will understand if it is about you.
But Maud, Maud, answer ME first.
Give me your hand. Won't you give
me your hand?"
A look OF trouble came into her
face; vet so soft, so shadOwy. that it
did not seem pain. The smile did not
go out of her eyes. She shook her
head gently, standing so near him, her
hands crossed, clasping each other
He had only to put out his arms and
take her into them, but he could not
She was close, close to him, and yet
what was it that stood between? Not
the mild refusal with which she shook
her head; something that chilled his
blood in its ardor, and made his heart
contract with awe. He put out his
hands beseeching, but seemed to come
no nearer; and yet she did not draw
back, nor move away from him. Ed
mund did not seem to himself to know
what he was saying, what was hap
pening, and yet he heard and meant
Sweet! | will understand anything; [
know there must be something strange.
Whatever it is | accept it, | accept it!
Say you will love me, Maud! Say you
will-marry mew
What happened? One of the Beres-
ford boys, as Edmund dimly perceived,
had been approaching, rushing along
towards the door; but somehow the
intruder had made no difference to
him, and had not stopped him in his
impassioned suit. At this moment,
however, the boy rushed headlong
past, dashing against her, touching
Edmund's coat as he plunged along
The lovely, gentle figure was straight
in his way. Edmund caught him by
the throat with a fury beyond words.
"The lady.m he stammered out; "you
brute, do you not see the lady?" and
flung him wildly to distance upon
the wet ground
Fred Beresford was altogether taken
by surprise. He was not a boy of a
patient temper, and he was in hurry;
but the wildness Of the other bewil-
dered him. He picked himself up,
and came forward wondering, to where
Edmund stood, pale as death, and gaz-
ing wildly about him. Fred's wrath
was entirely quailed at this sight.
What is it?' he asked, quite timidly
and softly, laying his hand on Ed
mund's arm.
The young man was trembling in
every limb; he did not seem able to
move. His eyes were staring wildly
here and there There was no soften
ing dusk as yet to conceal anything:
all was white daylight, cold and pale
and clear. When he felt Fred's touch
he turned upon him for one second,
furious, violently thrusting him away.
You have killed her!" he said; and
then clutching the boy again, Where
is she? where Is she? where is she?"
Edmund cried. Fred felt the whole
trembling weight of his companion
upon him. His boyish strength sway
ed under the burden.
Are you i'll, old fellow" he said
alarmed. What is the matter? |
thought you were saying poetry. |
don't know what you mean about
lady
You have killed her" he said, wild
ly clutching the boys throat; then, all
in moment, he softenod, and burst
into transport Of cries Where is
she? where is she? Maud! Maud!
come back to me-" cried the young
man, with a voice of despair. There
was nothing to be seen, Fred swore
afterwards, nothing, except the big
stone pedestal with the urn upon it,
and behind, the messy old wall
Il say-you are ILL.," said the boy,