The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1880-03-04


a deep reverie, and it was some time be-
lore he could recover himself. he grad
ually forgot the incident and resumed
his study.
A few days afterward, the rumbling
of carriage wheels was heard rolling
along the village road, and a carriage
nized at once the occupant, who was
fortunately alone, and prepared to re-
ceive her.
You are punctual to your promise,
Mrs. Thompson" said Arthur, as he
arose from his seat at his desk and offered
his hand to greet her.
She answered pleasantly, and seated
herself. After explaining the law of
a few legal documents, Arthur's conver-
jects, and finally reached the village of
Irvington.
Pardon me, but have you recol-
lection, Mrs. Thompson, of a bright
moonlight evening about eight or nine
years ago, when you said farewell to a
young man who had been paying atten-
ton to your
Why do you ask that question, Mr..
Stanley p she said, inquisitively. "My
recollection scarcely extends 30 far back,
and since my marriage, i have scarcely
had time to think of anything but my
unhappipess.
Opening a small drawer in his desk,
Arthur drew forth delicate little note,
which had been preserved with the
greatest care, and handed it to her, and
at the same time asked her if she recog-
nized the writing.
| In a moment her face flushed, and,
taking a more careful look at Arthur,
she recognized in him her discarded
lover.
"Ahl Mrs. Thompson, I see it recalls
to your memory an incident which time
ard passing events had almost oblit-
Grated; you still remember your answer
tony request for your hand and heart, the
result of which was booming me to the
solitary abodes of study, in order to sh nj
your image out of my heart"
Yes, Mr.. Stanley, see my folly
now" she said, wipiDg away the tears
that were fast filling her large blue
eyes. my pride and girlish fckleness
would not allow me to see it then; but
their reward has come; l married man
who was very wealthy, and against my
fathers wish; his wealth led him to dis
sipation, and instead of making my
home happy, he made it very unhappy
"Since that memorable night, Belle
have not forgotten you; you were the
means of my ever remaining a single
man, though many have crossed my
pathway, some perhaps more beautiful
than you, in others Judgment, yet
could see no worth nor happiness il
them; your eyes haunted me wherever
l went"
"Forgive mew she said. az did moi
think your love for me was so strong"
she covered her face with her hands
and wept as though her heart would
break. s-.lI
"Then you acknowledge, Belle-par
don me for calling you Belle-that yor
discarded me because / was pool
student, and that you thought no happi
ness abided in poverty9D ~
j al did," she said; 'but l regret m,
action" s.-l..l... ..f.-.
/ Further conversation was interrupted
by the entrance of the Office boy, an
nouncing gentleman on very importan
business. Arthur bade her good-by, ant
she entered her carriage.
n n
Months passed; winters chilly air ap
peared, and sent to slumber the bios
somed flowers. The next term of tn
county court was to be convened OF
Monday, end Mrs. Thompson's case wa
second on the calendar for trial. In th,
meantime, Arthur engaged himself b,
collecting the evidence and securing tn
; necessary witnesses.
= The day for the trial arrived, an'
: Arthur gained his case.
, The following day, Mrs. Thompson
called upon Arthur to thank and repa
him for his services.
} "No, Mrs. Thompson, said Arthu
, emphatically, az should be only 10
| pleased to render you any service in m
power and that gratuitously and will
s ingly; there is but one thing that re
gret in reference to you, and that is tha
l you were not as wise once as you ar
D now."
4
7 Mrs. Thompson now resides with he
e aged father, whose life is fast declinin,
: in the quiet village of Irvington, wise
y and q better woman. Arthur remain
bachelor, welded alone to his profe
" sion, through the falsity of this woman
n and although he receives an occasions
t friendly visit from ber, he never in COZ
;. versation refers to the past, bravely SUI
n mitting to his fate of loved and lost