The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1881-02-24

! III DcrNl y eyes III WOtllu not nave seem
cd so strange. But TO hear her talk OF
his being IA splendid CATCH" and that
the girls ut school had told her she must
set her cap for him, or ''for his estab-
lishmcnt, which was the same thing, rs
it went with him." Jared upon her lis
tener's sensitive nature:
..Do you mean,n said Beryl, gravely,
''that you would marry Mr.. Drummond
because he is rich?'
s'.Most certainly, if / ever get the
chance" laughed Glare: though, as
to that, he's the handSomest man L
know, with that sad face, and those
elegant dark eyes. L suppose you are
enough in the confidence of the family
to have been told why MIR. Drummond
is a bachelor?- You know his betrothed
wife died on the very day appointed for
their wedding, and that he has been
faithful to her memory ever since"
Clare did not wait for an answer, but
danced away. humming a merry tune,
leaving Beryl's heart full of tender,
plying sadness at the thought of the
sorrow which had shadowed the early
life of her benefactor.
From this time a new interest center
| ed around Mr.. Drummond. Almost
unconsciously Beryl grew to study that
handsome. high-bred face. Once he
turned, attracted by the magnetism
which tells one of steady gaze, and
met Beryrs eyes. She lowered them,
| blushing and confused, as though de-
tected in misdemeanor.
She was conscious of a new and
strange pain when Glare, in her child
ish, petting way would lay her rosy
| check against her guardians, and ask
| his mother and herself to admire the
| contrast.
! Glare was fond of riding upon horse
back, and it was Mr.. Drummond's fav-
orite amusement. So it came about that
Beryl Staunton would school herself to
stand with smiling lips to see them
mount and start off together. One day
Mr.. Drummond said jestingly:
Il am growing to be n boy again,
Miss Staunten, under Clare's leader
Ship
As Beryl answered, she looked very
fair and calm, standing framed in the
massive doorway, but her thoughts ran
on bitterly.
Next he will tell me that he has ask
ed her to be his wife. All, if she were
only more worthy of him!'
But--when next she saw him, he was
(to all appearance lifeless) brought in
to the house by careful hands, and laid
upon couch, which had been hurried
ly improvised, in the library, until the
extent of his injuries could be ascer-
tanned.
Beryrs pale face was the only sign of
agony she suffered, ut seeing her bene-
factor thus stricken down, from eXI-
bcrant life to-sts she thonght-death.
Clare gave way To groans and sighs;
but Berry,, true to her helpful nature,
saw that everything was done for his
comfort, and gave orders to the terror
stricken servants to keep all knowledge
of the sad accident from the aged
mother, until the doctors arrival, when
they could know the extent of the sons
injuries.
..Bcryl, will you think it heartIess in
me, if | 90 TO my room and leave you
alone?" said poor, shivering Glare. II
am sure | shall faint if | stay here, look
ing at that ghastly face"
Mo- said Beryl. touching her cold
lips pityingly To tire frightened girls
blanched cheek. ''Go and lie down. l
will tell YOU what the doctor says as
soon rs possible after he comes"
Clare crept subduedly away. and
Beiyi was alone with the motionless
form of him she loved-yes. loved She
knew it now, though knowing at the
same time what Il hopeless love it must
be.
She went and stood by him, and
gazed long upon his face. Then yield
ing to an uncomfortable impulse, she
bent and pressed Il lingering kiss upon
the white lips, murmuring:
'.Oh. my master! Ii it could have
been my worthless life instead of one so
preciousr
She started back in dismay. He
moved-opened his eyes and looked
confusedly around.
"Where am I?'' he said faintly.-
.'What has happened?''
Then he saw Beryl, who stood-her
face dyed with crimson blusheS-shrink-
ing away from his glance; conscious
only that he was alive, and that she
had kissed himi
But his next words-rambling and
disconnected, reassured her. He was
not fully conscious.
As she listened her heart beat thick
and fast.
He murmured name, and-it was
her own.
Little Beryl!' he whispered. "Lit-
tie. pale, pure Berylr'
Then with start he came to himself,
fully sensible.
..Beryl-Miss Staunton-is that YOU?
What has happened? All, remember;
I was thrown. Am I hurt badly?" He
tried to raise himself, but fell back
with groan.
With an effort Beryl said calmly, try
ing to keep her voice from shaking:
II hope not We have seIt for the
doctor, aud he will soon be here"
For q few moments Edgar Drummond
remained in deep thought. Then he
said:
''NIiss Staunton-Beryl! l must speak
now while | have the opportunity. You
have grown very dear to me! SO dear
that the thought of your future fills me
with pain. Don't be startled-it is no
new thought 10 me, although it may
seem so strange 10 you. l can leave
you my name, and my fortune when l
am laid away out of sight"
Beryl interrupted him by convulsive
burst of sobbing. Even her self-re-
strained nature could bear no more.
..Do not de- she cried. ''Liye-live
for me! Life without your presence
would be a worthless gift to me"
A look of intense Joy came into his
eyes as he listened to her passionate
outburst.
$50 little Beryl loves me, lie muir
INJURED. II will try"
a ghastly white spread again over
brow. check and chin, and he went off
into unconsciorsncss again just rs the
doctor drove up TO the door.
lie did not die. Hope, and good
constitution. added to the doctors eXer-
tions, conquered. and, in Il few weeks,
he WAS again as we'll rs ever.
Then the fashionable world was
thrown into a ilutter by Il gay wedding;
and as the assembled guests SAW the look
of intense happiness upon Beryrs face
all said:
1t was for love, not for wealth that
she married him. He should be a hap
py man"
And he was happy; for he loved, and
was beloved. And what richer gift for
mortals does fate hold within her grasp.