The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1880-02-05
>. IOnly, a Filtration

Night had settled on the quiet village
of s.. The sun had sunk behind the
surrounding hills, and the town clock on
the church had struck the hour of 10.
Only here and there pedestrian was
seen on his homeward way, or strolling
idly along enjoying the cool breezes Of
an Autumn hight.
Somewhat secluded from the more in
habited part of the village stood one Of
those vinecolored cottages that poets
rave about, and the care-worn business
man dreams Of. The garden which
surrounded it was filed with fragrant
flowers while Summer lasted ; hut now
only few Fall roses graced the deserted
beds. The moon shown brightly on a
couple who were standing at the gate Of
this rustic garden. They were appar
emily lovers vet the set teeth and de-
termined air Of the man, the pale face
and shrinking attitude of the maiden,
denoted that something more than usual
was taking place. Was it lovers
quarrel The moon stopped to listen
to what they said. The man spoke first.
You must forget me- L am not
worth remembering, nor the foolish
words l may have spoken. 1t was
only a little Irritation, you know-very
pleasant while it lasted, but then all
such things must come to an end" And
he waited, little impatiently, for her
to answer, never once thinking how the
true heart of the maid beside him was
wounded by those cruel words "a little
Irritation"
The moon rose higher in the starry
heavens, and again looked down on tie
two at the gate. Lo the timid maid
had been transformed into woman,
cold and naughty Drawing herself up
to her full height, she replied
"Certainly; l would no. consider it
in any other light than Irritation,
and, as you say, all such things must
have an end, pleasant though they
may be.
But, Helen,7 said tie man, glancing
at his watch, you must not think me
heartless or tickle, for thought you
really loved me
Enough p she Interrupted. 81 know
what YOU would say, but it is better I'M
said, and | think it would be best to
part at once.
perhaps it would lie said, some
what relieved by her reply. But he
continued. 'if we should meet again,
will il be as friends or strangers p
Gas friends, Of course and why
should we not For We have been only
friends, and slight bitterness mingled
with the calmly spoken words of the
girl. So she added, u will bid you
good bye, AS it is growing late.
And thus they parted. He did not
take her hand, but only bowed and hur-
ried away, and was soon lost in the
darkness. Then, he was gone, al her
calmness, all her forced fortitude, gave
way, and, sink ing on a rustic bench near
the gate, she gave way to paroXysm Of
tears which came from wounded pride
and love.
After while she turned her gaze to
the moon, and, as she gazed, her features
expressed thought SO deep that not
even the moon could penetrate it. A
change seemed to have taken place in
the character of this village maiden, no
longer timid and shy, but a strong
woman, with purpose to live for
How often little accident, happen
ing in the outset of life, changes the
whole tenor of ones future
The clock was striking eleven as the
figure of girl crept YEARLY up the gar
den path and disappeared within the
cottage. The moon continued on its
course through the silence of the night;
carrying this scene with it.
The history Of these two people is
short and simple. Helen Kingsley was
the only child Of her widowed mother,
who resided in the cottage before men
toned Her father died when she was
little more than an infant, leaving a
small income by which, with a little
economy, they managed to live tolerably
well. Helen was the beauty of the vii
lage in which she lived, and no wonder
Horace Beauchamp, while resting after
his college labors at $, found it very
pleasant to amuse himself by winning
the heart of the village maiden.
And she, never dreaming that he was
but triding, gave him all her simple
trusting heart To be sure he had not
i I i