Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1880-03-17

saw what it would come 10. And Nellie
grew older and graver day by day. But as
yet she kept her own secret, and she hoped
more and more that Edward had forgotten
her foolish, thoughtless words on certain
moonlight night, now some seven or eight
weeks ago.
At last the engs cement was announced.
Oracle Basset had no friends to interfere
with her, and flattered with Edwards at
tentions, and really believing that she low
ed him ''quite enough for happiness she
had agreed that the marriage should take
place as soon as all needful arrangements
could be made.
The wedding was over The honeymoon
was over also, and Mrs. Melville, richly
dressed, and looking very lovely. with Ed
ward as an attentive and devoted husband
beside her, was receiving her guests.
Nellie was among them. She was paler
than usual, and her free. happy, girlish
langh was gone for ever. Yet she, too,
looked lovely this afternoon, in her pretty
blue silk dress and cottage bonnet, and
there was beauty in the expression of her
gentle young face that went far beyond
any mere beauty of feature.
Only few weeks passed. Nellie was
invited to dine with them. After dinner
they were moving about the drawing room,
and Oracle was exhibiting to Nellie some
choice bouquets OF flowers which had been
sent to her that morning. They had all
been arranged on one table, in accordance
with whim of the young wife, who de-
clared that the the effect of their richness
and color was lost when they were scatter
ed.
But Edward had not heard her say this.
'sLet me put this blue vase here, Oracle, "
he unwii;ingly began, removing it, as he
spoke, to another table. There; it shows
to advantage now,n
Oracle, with heightened color, deliber-
/ ately walked to the table, and put the vase
in its former position.
! 1T is quite out OF the way there - she
said s,ifiiy, and this is where wish it to
be Edward"
( slow great matter little fire kind
/ leth." Edwards color also rose, yet he
did not look angry.
And wish that it should stand here,
/ he returned. once more taking up the vase;
and then he added, half reproachfully, half
playfully. "You promised TO obey ne.
Oracle"
( This proved to be only the beginning OF
small discomforts and disagreements-
Many months passed. Oracle grew more
I imperious than ever; Edwards face lost all
/ its brightness and he seemed day hy day TO
grow old. silent and sad.
/ And when Nellie went to ste them now
she found except Oracle expected visitors
she took very little pains with herself, re-
marking sometimes 10 Nellie as they went
Downstairs for the evening.
! Il have Not dressed, Nellie. OF course.
you don't mind, ard there's nobody else but
Edward
{ Nobody but Edward,
Love would have made him all the world
to Nellie
II would wear my prettiest dresses for
my husband, Gracie,' she said. ''As for
other people, they might go. What should
/ | care for them?'
But Oracle, only frowned Tor reply.
Oracle had little daughter, but instead
of rejoicing in Fdwa7ds's house, there was
bitter sorrow. and as the Young husband
knelt by the bedside of his unconscious wife
he felt all the old love for her filing his
heart once more.
But what will even the tenderest love
avail in hours like these Gracie's last mo-
inenls's were numbered, and she passed
away. leaving her little one TO Nellie.
And Edward, when the first benumbing
influence of his grief was over, sold his
/ p-actice-he had no need of it now--and
went abroad.
Eighteen months passed away. A man
ironzed and bearded stood at The gate Of
the old farmhouse. 4 little toddling crea-
ture ran down the path, her fair curls flying
in the wind. The stranger took her in his
arms.
''What is your name, little onei'
! And in baby-voice she told him, ''Gra-
cle MELVILLE and he covered her little face
and hair with kisses. But who is this
coming out to look for her:
aunt Nellie" she said and slid down
from her fathers arms.
Cousin Edward exclaimed Nellie,
gladly, the color rising very rapidly to her
usually quiet pale face
And he shook hands with her; then keep
ing the hand he had taken, he led her into
the house.
And will you tell me now, once more,
E,ellie dearest, that you love me better than
any one else in the world-l"
Nellie swiftly covered his mouth with
her hand, while burning bushes dyed her
cheeks.
''Oh, Edward, do please forget that
ever said sol'
.sNot likely" he returned, sinilingly,
"Ah, Nellie and he was serious now, 81
have learned my lesson since that evening.
have learnt to value love, not as il deser.
yes, but at least to set it above everything
earthly. My Nellie do not tell me thai
your love for me is dead -
Never mind Neliie's reply. Two months
from that day she became Edwards wife,
and he never had the smallest need TO re
, mind her that she had promised to obey
him, simply because she loved him, and tC
do as he wished was pleasure.
And having at great risk and cost learn
ed his lesson, Edward strove to teach it ic
others. and TO more than one young maj
he gave in confidence the advice: eff yot
wish to be happy, mary only a woman
that loves you. Neither money, nor posi-
ton, nor anything else, can bear the leas
comnarison with love which will outliyl