The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1881-04-12

Sir Hubert Gly ndon took in his own
warm, strong grasp her two little cold
hands, and, drawing her TO him, stopped
an kissed her brow. M
She looked up into his face. 1t was,
not handsome face. He was not q
Young love. A tuil score Of years divl-l
ded him from his girl sweetheart; but It
was good face-a true face--and in it
one could read the love he bore her.
At the mute, questioning pitiful look
in her dark eyes, pang had shotinto
his heart, and it was the memory of this
look which led him to her mother, who
thus had ans swered him e9
"She has loved no one else p he said
Mrs Trevor smiled little scornfukl
at the question. -
"a moment since, / told YOU she was
bat a child L, is for you to waken her
sleeping heart"
Her words and his own great love
chased away the last doubt.
He was very tender during the shor,
space OF time that elapsed before the
wedding. Sometimes he would appear
q little grieved that Lillian would shrink
even from his slightest caress, but he
ch;ded himself for it. Perhaps when
she was his wife-his very own-she
would one day steal to his side,and hold
up her sweet rosebud mouth, of her oTr
seeking, for his kiss
Then be would tell her all that bis
long last had cost him-.then and ho
until then.
Their weddirg-day dawned clear ant
bright. and no ray Of sunshine was re-
6ected In the brides face.
II obey you. mother, she said wher
they fastened the veil Of tulle, With the
wreath Of orange blossoms on her heat
III obey you, mother, because yo,
have taught me that to you owe my
first duty, but would rather you wer'
dressing me for my coffin than for MI
bridsl!'
The sad word, struck with prophetic
knell on her mothers heart, but 1t wa
too late to draw back now.
She looked older than her bridegroom
as they stood together at the altar Hi
joy had made him young her grief hat
aged her.
/ His patience had never tired, his ten
derness never lessened, in the lon.
weeks. He strove in new scenes ans
amid new faces to bring little look 0
gladness into her own.
She never murmured. never complain
ed. She no longer shrank from him
That was something gained
Indeed, when they we're quite alon,
together, she seemed more contented
more restful than IN their wanderings.
"Next week we will 60 home, Lillian,
he said TO her
"Oh, shall be so glad, she answered
f"I am so tired
"Tired, little onel Yon. have Eaptes
to go beforeP Why have you moi spo
ken ?"
II waited for your wish," she replied
/ "But my wish is yours. Will you no
learn that lesson ?"
You are very good to me-" she an
swered wist ully, .too good l do no
deserve SO much"
He drew her to him and kissed be
many times.
"Too good" he echoed "Oh, m,
little pure snowflake, il ever you can low,
me for one little hour it would be worti
a lifetime!'
Always she shrank from meeting stran
gers. Each face she scanned with almos
painful inientness; then the old'look o
utter indifference would sweep acros
her own.
But here in the house where her bus
hand had brought her she would be sub
jected to less of this Its grand 81,
heau'y could not fail to delight he
senses Her own room. were fitted VI
like the bower Of some fairy princess
servants waited upon her every wish; al
day she might stroll alone through tn
shaded avenues OF superb old oaks, say
when her husband jninetl her.
But day by day he watched the swee
face grow paler and the slight fgnr
more fral One d.y he came to her wit
an open letter in his hand, happy ligh
in his face.
"Harold has written me, darling-th
friend whom ! have you love so we
-he is coming to visit me. He will b
here tomorrow"
! .Harold," she gasped, and her fac
grew ghastly pale.
j He threw his arm ahont her fearin
she would faint.
Il You know him ?" be asked In sur
prise
Il mo, no." she tremblingly answered
III was faint for moment. That is al
1 I am glad for you. 1 will be ready /
receive your friend"
2 sHarold,' she murmured to hersel
, when alone again Am ! so weak tn,
e the simple utterance of the old nam
thus moves me2 As though there wei
r not thousand Harolds in this gres
r world. Oh. heaven, thou wilt grant m
e prayer. Thou wilt never let me see b
d face again
: The next afternoon Lillian was alor
among the trees, when suddenly 81
g heard the sound of voices. 1t was d,
e husband speaking.
II You will think her beautiful, Harol,
I She shall be TO you sister. OF you
l will not be jealous
4 The next moment turn in the pa
bronght The two men to view. One i
d stant-her glance rested on them bott
then she sprang to her feet pressing DO
n hands to her heart, awaited their a
o preach in silence, her face coloring
d her dress, her figure swaying as the iii
e bell on its stem.
vi Harold. nv wifep said Sir Hubel
n then looked from one to the other
d amaze ss. %s@
The young man made no. motion
, ontsiretch bis hand. He bowed low.
o Lillian neither stirred nor spoke.
1t you have met beforel' Sir Hube
went on.
l. we have met before, replied Haro
Courtney.
u Lillian still spoke no word Once s
II passed her hand across her eyes, as
blinded, then turned and walked swif,
toward the house. The two men /
d alone, looked in each cther's eyes
Whist does 1t all mean ? asked
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