The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1881-08-31
-.nor ever will be It was only the

might ilstft btth.
He was not the man, she knew
full well, to plunge desperately into
Irritation, or associate his name at
once with another woman's or to re-
tire later or rise earlier or liz any
wav disturb the even tenor of his
way. The difference between them
was only this-his heart was heal
ing, perhaps already healed, but he
would bear its scar to the grave,
hers was fostering sore, which hurt
the more that she had let the physl-
elan who might work its cure, pass
her by.
The Summer waned to a close.
Nature had lent autumn its won
drous paint box and magic brush,
and mountain and hillside were con-
verted thereby into glorious beauty.
Then came King Frost, first to
heighten by his touch, then to kill,
followed by Winters tagging foot
steps, mercifully bearing the exquis-
white shroud of snow TO cover up
all signs of devastation and decay.
The season in the gay world was
at its height. Occasionally, MUIR
murs among the debutantes for its
honors arose at the fact that, though
it was Miss Allison's fourth winter,
her former success paled in its most
effulgent light.
She and Bayard Hunter constant
lv met. She almost wished he
might avoid her, but at their first
chance encounter he had approach
ed with outstretched hand.
"How charming you are looking,
Miss Allison" he said.
And all in vain she had watched
for tremor in his tone, or shadow
of embarrassment in his manner.
"Only week between him and
shipwreckm she thought, bitterly.
"Ah. he has sailed so far from the
fatal rock, that doubtless he would
now laugh at its supposed danger; ;
and Twas weak and vain enough
to think he stood upon the preci-
piceis brink"
The new year had come, and one
evening Sydney stood alone in her
fathers drawing room, looking out
at the fast gathering darkness, when
through its sombre shade she saw
figure pass and mount the steps.
"A visitor" she uttered wearily
then waited the inevitable announce
ment she knew must follow.
But spite Of her every effort, she
started when the servant throwing
open the door, uttered Mr.. Hunters
name. Oh, how glad she was that
the rooms were not lighted as she
went forward to receive him
"May welcomeyou in darkness"
she questioned.
"As you will" he answered. Il
have but few moments to stay. |
am come to bid you goodbye, and
10 ask YOU to wish me bon voyage"
"Bon voyage! You are going
abroad ?"
"Yes: | sail on Saturday. hes
itated about calling, but my desire
to see you led me to believe you
would pardon my audacity in sup
posing my going a question of
enough moment to make it worthy
a special call"
"My friends are always welcome,
Mr.. Hunter. / did not suppose it
necessary you should hear that re-
peated now"
"Nor is it. 1t was only morbid
fancy on my part whichinduced me
to question it. shall come back |
trust. with my mind clearer. At
least | shall be some years Older.
When l return / presume | shall
look for Miss Allison in vain, until
| find her in some matron, equally
charming. Il cannot imagine her
quite staid and portly."
So he could speak thus lightly OF
her becoming the wife of another
man? And he was going away; she
might never again hear his voice or
see his face. 1t was too cruel
He and fate were too strong for
her. The tears gathered in the gray
ewes but the darkness hid them.
He ratified on-she had no need
to speak. Then he rose to 60.
Goodbye, Miss Allison "-he
took her hand in both his-"good-
bye? God bless your'
Was it her fancy that just at the
last, his voice trembled?
He crossed the room; he had
gained the door. Another instant,
he would be gone-another instant,
it might too late.
"Bayard!" she said, softly.
Two strides it seemed, brought
him back to her.
"You called me? For what? To
make my going harder?"
"Oh, is it hard? In mercy tell me,
for my own heart is breaking"
Your heart breaking. Sidney,
SIDNEY what does this mean?"
But the sound of her sobs was
the only answer.
"Chiid he continued, 'can it be
that have judged you wrongly
Look up, my darlingl Is it your
wish that l should stay"
Then she found her voice.
Il thought you did not love me
enough" she murmured. But
stay, ana / will try to make you
love me more: or if you must go,
take me with you"
June had given place to January,
and warmth to cold, but where was
GOODNESS now was warmth, and the
Winter moon was happier than the
early June crescent-for in Sydney
Allison's heart was the song of birds
and the fragrance of flowers, ming
ling with the words which stole soft
ly into her ear while nesting in her
lovers arm-the words, My love
nv wife.