The Weston Democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1875-current, 1880-02-28
THE DEMOCRAT
S.AT'URD.4 r.. FEB. rs
4 .LEG.4CYOF LOFE.

one dull November day, Two nen-
the doctor himself and the son Of
his dearest fricnd-sat facing each
other. The Younger man was
deadly pale, but his eyes were
steady and his voice firm as he
said:
81 thank you, Doctor. You have
been very kind"
Tho doctors Csce, = kind one al
ways, was very grave rs lie an
swcred:
You have forced me to be un-
professionally candid, Frank. and
this interview has been as painful
to ne as to you. For" and his
voice grew husky, "Since your faith
er's death you have filled the first
place in my heart"
II know that. | am rich, and
have many so-called friends. but
no ono else to lOro me- y was the sad
reply.
you forget Alma"
"Alma has promised to he My
wife, but she does not love me"
Frank! You are surely mis-
taken
IT spoke too strongly; Alma
gives me sisters love. We have
been as brother and sister ever
since We were chiIdrSn."
But she has promised to marry
you"
Because she tlloughtit her duty
TO obey my father. Ynu were not
present at our betrotlal?'
~ did not know there was any
formal betrothal."
Since this Interview has been SO
painfully candid aIlca,Iy," said
Frank Chapman, with a sad smile,
"let me tell You what lies very near
my heart to-day. | love Alma! 1t
may have been because my father
SO often spoke Of his wish that |
should marry my cousin that !
never thought Of any 0thar woman
rs possible sweetheart or wife, but
it was 80. When | was summoned
home from Paris on account Of my
fathers illness, | found Alma fill
ing Il daughters place at his bed
side, tender, loving, and dutitul rs
she had always been. The day be-
fore he died my father called us
both to him and asked us to prom
ise to remain true to each other
to marry as soon rs a suitable time
Of mourning had expired. saw
that Alma grew pale, and her hand
was cold as ice in mine, but !
thought il was grief for the loss Of
the only fathers she had ever known
that ngitatcd her"
"Are you sure it was not?"
81 am sure now that she does
not love me. Shs shrinis from my
caress, and is glad to avoid me.
DR.. Hartley, you were my fathers
confidential friend, we're constantly
near him while ! was in Europe.
Can you tell me who has won Al
mas hcart?'
you think, then, you have a
rival?"
Il think she would love me as |
love her if it were not So
"There was Il moment Of silence
before the doctor replied:
you remember Leonard Wal
TONI"
Frank Chapman started as if he
had bean stung.
"My fathers Office boy-a beg
gar lie reared out Of eharity-a pau
peri"
But not the less = man Of talent
and worth. Under your fathers
care he studied law, and promised
to become a leading man in his
profession. But two years ago he
left Wentworth abruptly, and |
never suspected the cause Of his
absence until now"
"You think Alma refused him?'
Il think your father told him his
love was Il vain one. ! remember
now some wordS.of his to which |
wanted the clcw. From the time
Leonard left lie became anxious for
your return, although he neve
spoke of it as.likely To he fastened,
until he was ill.,
Leonard WaltonI Where is he
now?'
''ln Boston, teaching in public
schooI."
"Not following his profcssion?'
ale has not one dollar upon
which To live until clients come"
"Ah! Well" with Il heavy sigh,
Il must 90. God grant | may do
what is right
There il no fear about that, ="
said the doctor, with sudden mist
over hs eyes. "Inu will send for
me If you need MOI
II will sec You of:cn," was the
reply; and then, viii . tenderness
like Il womaus. tie yoNI. man
added: Il will ask Volt 10 help ne
az much zig YOU tam, knowing it
will Ina u lnlnr uf Inv. IN va, "