The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1881-03-25
THE COLUMBIAN, VOL. XIV. NO. /.
COLUMBIA DEMOCRAT, VOL. XLvI, NO. Q

again. For hundred worlds woulc
not have him know. Send him away to
day, mother dear, and the proud cir
kissed her mother and Withdrew to he,
room-for tears all by herself.
The incest possible thing in the worlt
for girl in love is to have nice cry
Lillian experienced the benefit, and after
an hour or two, came out of her room
looking like a rose.
AS she joined her mother that patient
lady said; 81 have tried to send him
away, Lillian dear, but he is entitled to
months wages or notice, so | told him
he might remain till we went TO San
Francisco, and then | would pay him
off. | don't see how we can get along
without him, darling"
"Nor l.. said Lillian "Wel, dear
mother we shall leave in day or two,
and will suppress myself and endure
him for that time"
just how it was brought about is not
necessary to this narrative, but the same
evening Nick was driving Miss Lillian
through the olive grove in an open phm-
ton. Nick had reached the darkest spot
OF the grove when he sprang from the
carriage, tied the horse, and turned
tercely upon the now pale and trembling
Lillian.
''And so, Miss Mercer, you endeav-
ored to have your mother discharge me.
Have | not been good servant? Have
| not been faithful? Have | not been
respectful? And now-because ! told
you my love-you drive me away. DO
you know that am saving every dollar,
that | may yet win this lady-that !
dream of Il cottage home, and vines and
fruits, in this charming land, and that
you, and you alone, are the one to de
stroy this dream?"
"And why did you tell me of your
love? What is your dream of love TO
mc!' answered the now defiant girl.
What right had you to make me the con
iidant of your story?'
"Because love you And you charged
me with being a coward in not daring
to tell the proud beauty of my love.
Yes, | love you Lillian Mercer, and in
everything except wealth and birth |
am your equal. In love | am your slave.
l tell you this here and alone, where you
cannot fly from me; cannot turn in scorn
upon me. | tell you my love here. where
you are compelled to hear it; and now /
release you. | drive you home; to-mor
row / leave you. l shall never see you
again. And-and-oh, Lillian. may
say to you that | think am worthy of
you? | would make you proud of me
even among your own proud acquaint-
ances. You need not marry me now,
but in after years-when | have accom-
plished something. You shall advise and
help me. Love me, and then | shall sue
ceed"
Slowly Nick withdrew. Slowly he
united his horse. Humbly and silently
he took uphis reins and resumed his seat
Silently they turned homcward. The
horses went at a walk. In the narrowest
part of the lane, IN the darkest pait of
the grove-just as a cloud came over
the moor---the sweet and gracious Lillian
reached hcrarm around the nee. of Nick
Won Dam, and kissed him fairly and
on the lips. The horses stopp-
t'l' nbIStN always uO. IL IL nOrSt sense.
"Was it you that kissed me, Miss Mer.
cer?'
''Yes, Mr.. Won Dam" meekly answer.
ed Lillian
"And are you sure Lillian, that you
did not just spit on your finger, touch
my nose, and give a smack
Lillian turned her great round eyes
full upon Mr.. Won Dam; the great moon
turned on its full light; moons al
ways do.
"Are you sure?' said Nick, "quite sure?
l was fooled in that way once by q
girl"
"And you--?'
"Yes, thank you, Miss Mercer; ! am
Nicholas Won Damenberg, your neigh
Dor on the other side of the fence; upon
whose nose you put your wet finger;
kissing for a cat. l told you then
would get even; and now let me be sure
the kiss was genuine by your repeat
ing it"
They are married now.