The Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio) 1875-1903, 1880-05-20
) JUST in TIME.

JUST in TIME.
Golden beams of sunlight were pour
ing through the large windows Of
Colonel Orne's sitting-room, rejecting
bright shadows on the opposite wall,
and tracing fantastical figures on the
carpet; sweet odors, softly waited, stole
gently through the half-open door; but
Bessie Orne, the only child, nestled in
an easy chair, gazing out into the lovely
garden below with look of anxiety on
her pretty face, and-a delicate flush on
her lovely cheek, could only sigh.
Nature. had mo charm for her this
beautiful summer afternoon. Life was
beginning toiappear in altogether . new
light; and yet no artist could desire q
loyelier picture-dark, wayy tresses,
amid which the sunshine loved to linger,
shaded . brow of dazzling whiteness,
dark eyes that spar kled with animation,
and coral lips that were constantly
wreathed in smiles. Z z
A quick and rapid step sounding In
the hall caused the blushes on her cheek
to deepen; the door softly opened, and q
rich, musical voice whispered: SKI
BeesieI1
She started, with a cry of joy and
recognition, exelaiming: So
" Gilfordf'
Seating himself by her side, he said
Bessie, Pye come to say farewell" ("
He paused, as if waiting an answer.
She only glanced up, with look OF
startled apprehension, but remained
silent; and he continued:
" Before I go, dear Bessie, promise
that you will be faithful; that you will
remain true until my return. Perhaps
/ am doing wrong in asking this;' but,
oh. Bessie on youoI have layished all
my love.
Still no words came from her trembl.
Promise, he murmured, tenderly.
] will be faithful even unto death, .
she replied, tremulously.
He caught her fair hand, and, pressed
it'rapturopsly to his lips.
With this sweet assurance, I've
nothing to fear. One year will speed
away, and then shall return to begin q
new hfe.n
As he spoke, he rose; and Bessie, tear.
full, and yet withal smiling. bade him
good-by. and God-speed. Silently he
pressed kiss on her blushing cheek,
murmured 9 blessing on her young
head, and was gone.
Theirs mas q strange betrothal. Clifford
Grey she had known since childhood
Their plighted vows were first spoken
in the. misty stiffness of an autumnal
evening, and the stars, locking calmly
down, seemed to rejoice.
Three months later they parted-hs
going to Jamaica to transact some i'm
portant business, and she waited hope
fully. esss ? s-'e
Clifford Grey's parents were very
wealthy. OF q large family of children
only two suryiyed-Arthur and Clifford
Arthur was stern, naughty man oi
the world, with an austere face, upoI
which cold and repellant look Away
fingered, = dignifed mien, and stately
air. Clifford was gay, Joyous, an6
generous, winning respect from ever,
one, and universally beloved by all
This was the way we found them at th'
opening of our story. ~
The lovers parted, as we have said
each to take up the burden of life NOR
cheerfully !; each looking forward to tn
and.
Arthur Grey's visits to Colonel Orne'
hacame more f$eoI,ents IA wss receive,
I;ndlv Ths eoloneI 'bal;eyai him rtos 4
3 very superior man, and Bessie Was O
h;v 0 '- 1at ssa sstaemad him for III tba 80. 40 5
- S;Iford a. - --.. N,..lt..-'1 ~. ..-o o.'A
Arthur Grey, passionate and merciles
as he was, hated Clifford hated hin
with all the hatred thatan unrestraine
passion can hate, when they see love
object, almost within their grasp, plucke
by q more daring hand than theirs. Z
Arthur secretly loved Bessie, If th
cold, mercenary feelings which he feI
might be called such. HeA had neVe
breathed them-never by the slikhtel
look, or words, intimsted that they wel
more than the hoinage paid by men /
all beautiful women; but-when Gilfor
set for jamaica thew found outlet. an
wild hope shot through his soul. :.
found definite shape in the followir
thoughts:
al will win, this girls love. She ca
not be Indifferent. No, no-Pn not d
spair; and when she becomes my wifi
we shall be quits, Mr.. Clifford Grey,
He never thought once of the DOS.
bility of asfailure, although her Co
and distant manner toward him won
have convinced any man less sanguil
than he, of the probability of such &
undavhokiu0 pa y.avar fbouob& ,e ,