Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1882-01-03
GaIts and Skstfbes.
For the Journal
For the 20
EDITH WALTON.


The last notes uf the retiring bell died
away in the halls OF Auburn Seminary and
Miss Walton was alone. A sigh of re-
lief escaped her lips and bowling her head
upon her hands she dreamed Of the past
Two hours after the distant strokes of
the clock telling the midnight hour.
aroused her from her revery and unlock
ing drawer in her desk. she takes from
il one If her souvenirs Of the past which
have long lain undi.turbed, a package Of
letters tied with faded ribbon an arbutus
blossom in folded paper. a bunch II AL
tump leaves. an unfinished sketch beneath
which is written. ..Maplewo4d, June 49,
Before her rose the stately forest, the
rugged peaks Of the mountains, the wind
ing river flowing toward the sea. the
golden radiance Of the summer sky, all
the glorious beauty Of that day when she
stood with Chase Mortimer beneath the
shade Of those forest trees and listened TO
those words which filed her soul with un-
expressible joy. She needs not the au-
iumn leaves 10 bring back another day
when they parted with vows VI consistency
and fidelity. From the sins Of the past
| am reaping the bitter truii," she muir
murs. "Oh my Father spare me these
memories"
Mr. Walton had been Mr.. Mortimer
old and dear friend. and dying in distant
State, his last wish was that Mr.. Walton
should guard and guide his orphan boy.
True to the memory Of his friend, Mr..
Walton accepted the trust, and Chase
Mortimer became'a member of the Wal
ton household. When the happy years of
l.. r..d nd hsl
course at the University was completed,
he went from home and friends to engage
in the practice Of his chosen profession in
Western city.
After long absence, weary and worn
with the cate and labor years had
brought, his thoughts turned instinctively
to those whose claim upon his love and
memory was dearest and best, and in the
flush Of spring:ime ne came back to the
Walton homestead. But the occupants
are not as he left them. The pure white
marble on the hillside tells of deep sOr-
row,-the wife and mother is no longer
numbered with the living. Edith, the
merry child of other years. is fair, grace
ful girl. her fathers idol.
Again he waHders in the old-time paths
and rests among familiar hills, yet he
cannot take up life where he left it-only
in dreams do we find the old life un-
changed. Gradually there crept into his
heart that sorrow which comes in the his
tory OF every human life. and when the
flowers and fragrance Of summer had de-
parted. and autumns crown of glory
rested upon the forest. he went to the
work he had left. fondly dreaming of the
day when he should come again. and re-
turn with Edith to be the life and light of
his Western home.
For time naught dimmed their hap
piness. but Edith was young and impul-
sive. Some trifling Misunderstanding oc-
CURED, and distance made explanation
difficult.
Conscious Of no wrong. and fully trust
ing her love Tor him. he calmly waited,
believing that in better moment she
would see her error. Impassioned by
what she believed Indifference, she broke
the engagement.
Two wears later. wears of suffering and
remorse, of which in her folly she never
Dreamed Mr.. Walton died Business
reverses shortened his life, and after the
adjustment OF his affairs. even the home
was Edth's no longer.
When all was over she accepted posi-
ton as a subordinate teacher in the Semi
nary where she had completed her school
life ere she learned LIES hardest lesson
to do and to bear.
Giving her earnest effort to the work
with that determination which necessity
teaches. we find her five years later, first
in position, successful beyond all she had
dared hope.
In the patient efforts of these years. she
believed she had expiated the wrong of
the past. but on this summer evening the
work of the present is forgotten.
In the Maplewood Journal which the
evening mail brought she found this
item. Chase Mortimer. after long alb
sence during which he has gained honor
and wealth. richly deserved. has returned
to Maplewood. and having purchased the
former residence of the Walton's intends
to dwell among us"
Years are snnihilated. Undmmed and
uniorgotten is all the wild love of her
girlhood for him whom in a moment of
anger she endeavored to believe false and
unloving. butte whom through all changes
she bad ever remained true.
Four weeks after this midnight struggle
with her own heart in the reception room
of the Seminary she stood face to face with
Chase Mortimer.
81 have come. Edith. to ask you to share
with me the home where we were once so
happy. May not alleviate the suffering
past years have brought. and share the
joys and sorrows of tine future o.
Amid tears which were illumined with
heart sunshine she gave her-an answer