Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1880-11-03

rustic bench. They talked nonsense
awhile, then Paul read to Flora as
usual. All! that was day that lived
long IN the memory OF each. though IN
afte- years they strove to forget it the
river running broad and deep, with The
trees aud shrubs mirrored qpol its
smooth surface; the sky blue aud smil-
ing above them, the air qnivering with
the music of happy songslcrs, and a
subtle, Intoxicating sweetness in the
atmosphere.
Paul was not thinking Of what he
read, but OF tho beautiful girl beside
him: Could he crush back and destroy
this loye-thc strongest, purest emotion
he had eyer known? Could he throw
aside the true heart which he knew
beat stronger fer him than any other up
on earth? Would the wealth for which
he was scheming make up for the loss
Of her love, which his soul crayed?
In that moment, a noble purpose
was struggling for life in his heart
lie would be a mau-Ask her to wait
for him-then lie would 90 forth into
the world aud labor with the hope of
winning a little home IN the future,
where they would be so happy togeth-
er. With these thoughts, the most no.
bic his narrow mind had ever held, he
flung aside the book.
Flora, have you guessed how dear
you are to me-that life in the future
would only be dreary blank without
you?'
She was at lirs. startled 5y lis yehe-
ment manner, then. as the knowledge
that she was beloved BY him her IDOL
rushed in one sweet, bewldering
wave over her soul, she bowed her head
without one word, and rested it upon
his breast.
God bless you Tor this, darling. /
need no further answer
For few moments they remained in
blissiul silence, soul speaking to soul.
Why, oh, why! into every Eden does
serpent creep: Why into every blue
sky Of happiness does there steal the
black cloud Of woe? Why is it that the
cup of bliss is rudely dashed from cur
lips ere we have scarcely tasted the
VINE Of love Perhaps that we might
not drink The bitter lees at the bottom.
God knows. and knoweth best.
Suddenly Flora spraug to her feet,
trembling with newborn happiness,
yet blushins at her lack OF maidcnly
reserve, as she severely styled her
former act.
There is aunt calling me. l must
co. And she sped away with the
deelness Of a deer, gladly haillng this
excuse to get away, that she might
collect her bewildered thoughts.
Paul Ridgeway gazed after her with
growing shadow in his face. 4 re-
gret was already creeping into his
heart and in five minutes more lie was
berating himself soundy for his folly.
Now, Pau. Ridgeway, you have made
a nice mess Of It! You can never marry
poor girl, and you know it. Why
will you be so rash: Well, thank good
ness. l did not ak her TO marry me,
and must get out gift some way. She's
a proud little thing, and never would
say word to her aunt. But | should
hate TO have her deSpise me. This world
IS harl upon a fellow. Well, must
make the best OF It now
Paul sludiously avoided Flora, and
devoted himself to the elder Miss Les.
lie, and she was vesy we'll pleased
with the attentions of a handsome, fasci-
mating young man?
There was no more walks and talks
with Flora; and when the poor girl was
forced TO own the humliaung truth that
for some reason unknown to her Pau
wished to avoid her. she felt at first
mystilied and bewidcred, then deeply
hur. and almost heart broken. She
could scarcely believe that river scene
anything but a sweet dream. Night
after night her pillow was wet with
tears, and she went about her daily
duties unusually reserved and quiet -
Cnce her aunt would have quickly per-
ceiycd the change in her; but now she
was so taken up with her own happiness
that she did not uolce the difference.
FlOia received a note at last from
Paul which ended forever her dream,
and caused her 10 cruelty stand face to
face with the reality. She was sensi-
BILE girl, and after she had read this
letter halt the battle Of conquering her
love for him vas won. IL ran thus:
FLORA Il know you must heartily
desplse me, and will despise me still
more when you read these lines.
must ask you to forget that ever word
of love passed between US. l have this
day received a promise from your aunt
that she will beeOme my wife in few
weeks. Much as L deserve it, still l
cannot bear to think you Will hate me.
Fate has been unkind to me in giving
me poverty when others have so much
wealth. Consider the great temptation
placed before me, and pity my weak
ness. PAUL.
Flora shed a few tears over this note,
then calmly sat down 10 think 1t all
over, and came to the sensible con-
clusion that although she had loved
Paul Ridgeway as probably she would
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