Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1880-06-23
How She Found Out.

:,
, unaccountable things ever heard of. Lima
Rivers had two lovers; and, for the life of
her, she couldn't tell which of them she
loved best, or if she loved either. But if
it were perplexing to Lima, it was doubly
so to the two candidates for her favor,
Harry Byrne and William Goodwin, who,
however willini; to give each other fair
play, were as much in earnest as men are
apt to be in such matters.
To do Lima justice, she distributed her
smiles very equally between them; she was
always willing to talk to both, and appar-
entity as happy with one as the other. But
when either urged her to give him de-
cided answer 20 his suit, ''She didn't know
She would think 1t over, and give him an
answer next week. But when next week
came, she was as undecided as ever
Thus matters went on for some time
but it couldn't last for ever
MY dear Lima, you promised that YOU
would tell me to-day" urged Harry, whose
stock of patience was well nigh ex-
hausted.
Lina's sunny face became instantly
over r-shadowed at those grave, earnest
words.
Show can l tell you, Harry, when Il don't
know myself 2"
''lOu would know if you loved me,
Lima And so, bitter as the knowledge is,
| am compelled to believe that you do not,
and never can"
but do love you Harry" retorted
Lima, almost ready TO cry at the tender re-
proach conveyed by these words. THAT
is to say, like you very much indeed
sARnf do lilo rNa tho host hot
what l want to know.
YES; like you best, now."
''Then why not promise to become my
wifel"
because, when am with William, and
he talks to me IN the same way, II think
like him the best.
In spite of his pain and perplexity, Harry
could not help smiling at this najre CON
fession.
'.But you cannot marry us both, dear
child"
''Of course not" said Lima, blushing
rosily at this practical application of her
words; ''but why can't things 20 on Just
as they have beenl That is what | should
like"
For a moment Harry stood in silent per-
plexity. AT last, quite despairing of max
ing her comprehend him, he said:-"I am
convinced that you will never entertain
warmer feeling for me than friendship; and
that the wisest thing for me to do is to seek
in absence the peace that forgetfulness can
alone give me. God bless you, dear Lima,
and make you very happy with the man
who Is so fortunate as to win you,'
''He won't go; he loves me too fondly,"
thought Lima And yet the sound of the
closing door fell heavily on her heart.
80 Alr. Byrne is fairly off at last" said
lady acquaintance to Lima, the next day.
Al just met him on his way to the station
to catch the two O'Clock train for ClifTdale.
Goodwin is-going to be the happy man, 1
see. Now always thought your choice
would fall on Harry"
Il don't know that I'm obliged to have
either, said Lima, laughing, but with an
indescribable sinking at the heart
How little do women show of their real
thoughts and feeling, Never did Lima
rattle away more carelessly and gaily than
after receiving this unexpected news.
Just before dinner, as Lima was sitting
alone with her mother, in burst her brother
James.
''There has been terrible accident,
mother, The two O'Clock train to Cliffdale
ran into a luggage train, and killed don't
know how manyl There's an extra train
going to their relief; and they want all the
linen bandages and cOrdials that can be
had
Away BUSTED kind-hearted Mrs. Rivers
to get whatever the house afforded, leaving
poor Lima with dumb horror in her set
eyes ant pallid face that no language could
express. Going to her room, she hurriediy
put on her things, but how she hardly
knew.
Killed" she mOaned, as she hurried
towards the station; and 1t is 1 whOsent
him to his death, OH, Harry, Harry! now
indeed | know; but all, too later'
As Lima turned the corner of the station,
in her blind haste, she ran directly into the
arms OF gentleman who was coming from
an opposite direction.
'.Lina,"
Lima gave wild cry of joy, as she
looked INTO the face of the speaker.
''Oh, Harry! can it be youl" she gasped.
Il thought you were in the train, and
killed."
81 was just five minutes too late for the
train, Lima"
As a matter of course. Harry went home
with Lima; and curiously enough, he chose
the longest and loneliest route he could
have taken.
so you really do care for me little,
LIna:' he said, looking down into her
flushed, tear-wet face.
Il like you a great deal, Harry" was
the low and Iremulous reply. "Please bend
your head, so that can whisper in your
ear
"Well, darling:"
81 think-yes, am sure that have
found out.
Found out what ~ exclaimed the young
man.
Found out who It is that is dearer to
me than all the world besides
''Tell me his name?"
Lima hid her flushed cheeks upon her
lovers shoulder.
''Oh, Harry. can't you guess?" she said.
IN a low, earnest tone. at is yOu-yOu,
And 10 think that | never knew it until |
thought had lost you for ever!"