The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1881-12-28
IN LOVE UNITED.

Jonathan Somerton's library at Somer-
ton Hall.
Had been. for he was dead, and his
mortal remains were even now upon
their way to burial. Whose library
it would be henceforth remained yet to
be seen.
Wilfred had but this moment arrived,
too late for attendance at his old
friends funeral; and yet he, and this
pale, sweet. black-robed girl, Alice
Vane, were the only two beings for
whom, for many years past, the strange,
cynical old man had shown any inter-
est or affection.
HE was my mothers sutton, whole
lifetime ago." Alice was saying softly,
''and the disappointment of his affec-
ton soured him. Yet he was kind of
heart; else, should I, her orphaned
child, have found in him so true q
friendp Poor, dear, Mr.. Somerton!"
'.My father was a friend of his. in
YOUTH" MILFORD said in answer, land
from all l can learn, they quarrelled
with each other necessarily. There
must have been a warm regard between
them, oil the same, or, whence his in
terest in me? 1t is, thanks to him,
have been able to devote myself to art,
as every instinct of my nature prompt
ed. If attain to the height of my
hopes some day, and become a famous
artist, it will be old Jonathan Somerton
/ shall have to thank for it, and also,
Alice-you."
He took her hand as he spoke, and
drew her toward him.
She came. half yielding, half resist
ing, the color coming and going fltfully
upon her checks. 1t needed but q
glance to have told the most casual OBJ
server that she loved him.
HE taught us both to expect moth
ing from his DEATH" Wilfred said ear
nestly. 'He gave us both the means of
earning bread rs an artist, you as
governess. A dreary, lonely, toilsome
life. dear Alice. / cannot bear to think
of it for you. We are poor, it is true,
but so much the more can we be all in
all to each other. l love you SO that [
believe / could be content to stand
aside. for your sake, and let weather.
lover win You to life of ease; but l
cannot bear to let you toll, exposed 10
slight and insult, and when did gov
erness, young and beautiful, escape
theseP You love me, Alice" He drew
her to his embrace. ''You- have given
me cause to hope so, my beloved. Be
my wife then, and let us both be happy!
You do love me?"
The young girl had not shrunk from
his embrace. She laid her face against
his breast, weeping softly.
'.Ah yesr' she sighed, 81 love you;
Wilfred-why should l not confess itP
Far, far too well and truly, dear, to
marry you"
ssToo wellr' he said, starting back.
She drew herself from his arms, and
stood looking at him, with high and
pure expression of self-sacrifcing love
upon her fair young face.
Too WE'LL" she repeated, softly yet
firmly. .tToo well to become burden
upon you at the very outset of your
career Oh, / am not selfish enough
for thati 1t is not''-she went on, more
timidly, noticing the sudden cloud that
lowered upon his brow-'tit is not that
/ do not love you; that should not find
O very heaven of happiness in the union
of which you speak, but-we are both
so poor"
Her voice ceased, her head dropped
suddenly before his glance of scorn;
she felt that he-this man whom she so
loved-was misunderstanding her.
You think the speculation would be
O losing one,n he said, with undisguised
contempt s'You might take your
youth and beauty to richer market,
and drive a better bargain for them.
No doubt you are right. Certainly no
one can question your worldly wisdom:
l have nothing to offer you but love and
LIES devotion. Pardon my presump-
toni have been mistaken in you, that
is air.
He was turning coldly an, aughtily
away, when she caught his arm and de-
tanned him-less by that. however, than
by little, almost unconscious, but
heartfelt cry of love and pain and
grief he paused. in spite of himself,
and his heart thrilled at hearing it.
ssIt was not of myself I thought. -
she said, with soft reproach, 'but OF
you'll Can let you add the burden of
my poverty to your ownP Can bear
to see your abilities hampered by the
expenses of family? Listen. Wilfred.
You know / am an artists daughter
the child of man whom the cares of
family dragged down to death: My
fathers talents. his hopes, his possible
career, were all blighted by marriage
and poverty. = Is il for me--haying Wit
messed what he st1ffered-to condemn
the man who loves me to the same?
oh, never, never! My very love for
you--the love you doubt gives me
strength and courage to refuse you!
But oh, you wrong me when you doubt
nv love! For your sake / swear to re-
main single until you claim me; and, If
YOU never claim me, dear, then will
go single to my gravel
The warmth, the ardor. the tender
passion of her words and tone, dis
PEELED all his proud and jealous thoughts
and fears. He caught her in his arms
once more. and strained her to his
breast
my noble, generous love- he cried,
..nay own true girl forgive mel How
could doubt your heart? accept your
offer, dearest. Wait for me. Alice; we
both are young. and shall claim you
vet Meantimes
The sudden opening OF the door
caused them to start apart, and stand,
somewhat embarrassed and guihy-iook-
ING. 1t was only a servant, however,
who had been sent to inform them that
the funeral party had returned. and to
summon them TO the drawing
to hear the reading of Mr.. Somefton's
will
n,,;o+1x, ond rnverently they entered.