The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1881-03-02

for some time. The Leslies were
deligted with their border, and he
with his bording place. Paul spent
his time in talking literature and
politics with the elder Miss Leslie
sketehing or rambling with Flora,
and seading Tennyson to her. The
latter was very dangerous pass
time, for, although Paul well knew
he was treading opon treacherous
ground, he lacked moral courage to
resist the temptation. Already he
could see in Flora's trembling hand
when it chanced to rest in his, and
her down cast gaze, that she was
not Indifferent to him. When away
from her he called himself william,
and vowed he would henceforth
avoid her; but this was as far as it
went.
One beautiful day in June the
two lovers-for they could be called
nothing else-wandered down to the
river side and seated themselves on
rustic bench. They talked nom
sense awhile, then Paul read to Flo
ra as usual. All! that was a day
that lived long in the memory of
each, though in after years they
strove to forget it; the river running
broad and deep, with the trees and
shrubs mirrored upon its smooth
surface; the sky blue and smiling
above them, the air quivering with
the music of happy songsters, and
a subtle intoxicating sweetness in
the atmosphere. Paul was not
thinking of what he read, but of the
beautiful girl beside him. Could he
crush back and destroy his love-
the strongest, purest emotion he had
ever known? Could he throw aside
the true heart which he knew beat
stronger for him than any other
upon earth? Would the wealth tor
which he was scheming make up
for the loss of her love, which his
soul craved?
In that moment noble purpose
was struggling for life in his heart.
He would be man-ask her to
wait for him-then he would 90
forth into the world and labor with
the hope of winning little home
in the future where they would be
happy together. With these
thoughts, the most noble 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 blank with
out you?"
She was at first startled by his
vehement manner then asthe knowl-
edge that she was beloved by him
her idol-rushed, in one sweet, be-
wildering wave over her soul, she
bowed her head without one word
and rested it on his breast.
God bless you for this, darling. /
need no further answer"
For few moments they remain
ed in blissful silence. soul speaking
to soul. Why, oh, why /! into every
Eden does q 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 our lips ere
we have scarcely tasted the wine of
love? Perhaps that we might not
drink the bitter lees at the bottom.
God knows, and knoweth best.
Suddenly Flora sprang to her feet,
trembling with newborn happiness,
vet blushing at her lack of maidenly
reserve, as she styled her former
act.
"There is aunt calling me. l must
co. And she sped away with the
Heetness Of deer, gladly hailing
this excuse TO get away, that she
might collect her bewildered
thoughts.
Paul Ridgeway gazed after her
with a growing shadow in his face.
A regret was always creeping into
his heart and in five minutes more
he was berating himself soundly for
his folly.
"Now Paul Ridgeway, you have
made nice mess of it, You can
never marry a poor girl and you
know it. Why will you be so rash ? |
Well, thank goodness, | did not ask |
her to marry me, and Imust get out
OF it somewav She's a proud little |
thing, and never would say a word |
to her aunt. This world is hard on |
a fellow. Well, / must make the |
best of it now."
Paul studiously avoided Flora,
and devoted himself to the eldest
Miss Leslie, and she was very we'll
pleased with the attention of hand
some, fascinating young man.
There were no more walks and
.alks with Flora and when the poor
girl was forced to own the humiliat-
ing truth that for some reason un-
known to her Paul wished to avoid
her, she felt at first mystifed and
oewildered, then deeply hurt and
almost heart-broken. She could
believe that river scene
but sweet dream. Night
after night her pillow was wet with
.ears, and she went about her daily
luties unusually reserved and quiet.
Once her aunt would have quickly |
perceived the change in her; but
now she was so taken up with her
own happiness that she did not no
tice the difference.
Flora received a note at last from
Paul which ended forever her dream,
and caused her to cruelty stand face
to face with the reality. She was a |
sensible girl, and after she had read |
this letter half the battle of conquer
ing her leve for him was won. I'll
ran thus:
Floral know you must hc1rtiiy de- |
spisc me. and will despise me still more |
when You read these lines ] must ask you |
10 forget that ever word of love passed be- |
tween Us. have this day received prom |
se from your aunt that she will become |
nv wife in few weeks. Much as deserve |
It, still cannot bear to think that you will |
hate me- Fate has been unkind to me in /
giving me poverty, when others have SO |
much wealth. Consider the great tempta- |
lion placed before me- and pity my weak |