Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1880-04-30

The gliitering myriads Of Decamber's
stars were shining IN the dark blue
above. The keen ir0slly air was calm,
with not even enough breeze in IL to lift
the little ilussy rings OF dark hair that
lay no careleshIy on Mablo Vawn's fore
head. Her lips were slightly parted,
her pretty little Bcarlet-shawled head
bent slIphtly IN IN attitude OF eager Mt
tention---attention to what John How
land was saying TO her the lust night Of
her stay at home. II was In keeping
with his reserve Of nature, his unselish-
ness, that now, nj The very last, he did
not seek TO fetter the girl with prom
lsos--that be was satisfied simply to MS
Aure her of his love for her. Mabel,
listening with vague delight md pirlish
pride, wondered whether it WIS simply
satisfaction she experienced to realize
that her dear old friend loved her or
whether the sweet, strange, curious
feeling was love.
or his love for there could he no
possible, doubt. Every syllable Of his
declaration, no intence, yet quiet, 30
thoroughly unsel6sh, yet eager and
true, bore its own impress OF truth and
tenderness. But don't want You to
promise yourself to me, my darling,
much as love you, much NJ ! want
You for my own. IL would he happi-
ness to mo to know that you went forth
into the world M my betrothed vile
tho next sweetest JOY to knowing you
really were my wife; but for your sake,
Mabol darling. ! will ask no promise
from you until you have seen other
men who will no doubt oiler you much
more, except love, than | cau--me
and their lives between whom and me
and the life offer you, you will be
called upon to choose. Ii did, not love
you SO well, could not withstand the
temptation to seek to bind you; but
1 love you so much that will be fair
with you, and wait for my NJ Bwer until
you are sure that you love me alone, be-
You'd all"
She listened, awod by his grave, yet
impassldnte words.
Yes, il was hest that they should
wait, until Abe had tasted the fascinating
world that would open on the morrow
only, standing alone with him under
the solemn, silent stars, Mabel felt sure
That the coming years would make no
difference.
His low, rapid tones went on, and he
suddenly took her in his arms and kiss
edher. "My darling, com ebaok to mo rs
you leave me- come back to put your
hand in mine and look in my eyes and
say, in answer to the undying love you
see there, come when or how you will
say to me, Yours, yours always and
ever, rather than all the world else :"
And holding her one instant 40 near
his throbbing heart that its pulsations
almost startled her. Mabel took and
gave her farewell kisa under the bril-
liant December stars that tomorrow
night would Shine on him, lonely, wait
ing--on her, troading tho rose.strew
path that would open to her.
II Wan like fairy-hand to the enrap.
tured girl TINT enhancing succession OF
designations and delights called $50.
Getty" An her beauty exhanded into n
dangerously glorious attractiveness OF
captivating charms that set society wild
--masculne society. Her Aunt Helen,
tho nrstocratio Mrs, Philip Florestan,
was hewldered by the girls exquisite
tact. grace, and beauty. Wherever
Mabel had learned her elegance, ease
careless emprtsstme1,t that had made her
country friends II little afraid of her,
that made strangers regard her M proud
and reserved, that perfectly delighted
Mrs. Florestan-thHt August lady could
not imagine. She only Va v for herself
that her brothers. child, brought up TO
assist in tho manifold and mental duties
Of u large household, where tho fullest
Of plenty did no reign, was a lady of
culture and elegance. True, IL needed
several lessons to teach Mabel n better
style in which 10 sing her songs, III
which to improve her touch ON the
piano, before she could manage her
train, and toy with her fan and bow
precisely the angle a Ia mode. And only
several lessons, and then, after month
Of strict privacy, during
which time Mrs. FIorestan had
made for Mable wardrobe
regardless Of expense and gave ont
mysterious hints of the beauty for
whose sake she was sending. out her
cards for grand entertainment 1then,
on the momcnlous night Of Mrs. Philip
Floresian's ball, the gates opened wide
for Mabel's eacorfeat, and she arose ii