The Douglas independent. [volume] (Roseburg, Or.) 187?-1885, 1882-09-30
FRED RAINOR'S PLEDGE.


evening it has been p sighed sweet lit
velvet cushions of the lounge in Judges
SENIORS family sitting room.
She had been exceeding restless all the
evening. She tried to sew, but after
taking stitch or two her work fell into
her lap, and she turned to a vase on the
stand beside her, and examined the rare
flowers that it held.
ST do wish you would come,
Charlie" she continued; "Your flowers
worry me. Can I wear them and accept
his wealth, his love and an enviable posi-
ton in society? Such an opportunity
comes but once to penniless orphan.
Now every time attempt to fasten the
flowers in my hair Fred's imagine looms
up before me? see, tbs to remind me
that You, dear Fred, have for years oc-
cupied the place in my heart that
Charlie'now wishes to fill. Why can't /
do something.to help Fred lead better
life? Poor auntie's heart is breaking, and
uncle rs no longer cheerful and happy,
as he used to be. Oh, that I might be
the means of restoring Fred to his friends
and to true life? But uncle and aunt
will be here soon. Imust rouse myself,
and not let them think they have
wearied me. I will go to the library and
get book. Lounging in this lazy way
will surely accomplish no good"
Suiting her actions to her words, con-
science stricken little Maze left the room.
AS she passed through the dimly- lighted
hall, she met Fred preparing to leave the
house. Laying her hand gently on his
shoulder, she sold:
"Why. Fred, you here? I thought I
was alone. You are not going out at
this late hour?'
"Yes, am, Maze. What difference
does it make whether / go or stay? No
5ne cares for me now not even father and
mother; they never say word to me.
Not much wonder go from bad to
worse. Nor will I keep you standing
here either" and he 81 ook the tiny and
from off his shoulder, and started on.
'tDear Fred, stop one minute. Please
stay IN tonight; am all alcne. Hang
mp your hat, and go to the sitting room
with me. You>do not know how long
for your company, or how II grieves me
to see you going astray. Don you re-
member, Fred, what good times we used
to have? do, and have missed you so
muchp'
DO you StlAl ike me- naAS!
'Indeed do, as dearly as ] could love
my owr brother"
''But, Maze" said he, drawing her
closer to him, and gazing earnestly in
her clear, dark eyes, there is but one
thing that can save me. A sisters love
does not satisfy the cravings OF my heart.
Charlie Lanes devotion to you maddens
me. Do you belong to him? Are you
engaged?"
"Promise me, Fred, that you will not
drink any more, and 1 will give you
these flowers that Charlie sent me to
night, as. proof of my preference for
you"
AS she spoke, she took them from her
hair. Fred eagerly held forth his hand
to receive them.
s'Maze; dear said he, in the pres
ence of God, swear that, as long as I
retain these flowers, will not touch u
drop of liquor. If keep them and my
pledge for one year, may I claim you in
one year?"
You may. Be true to yourself, and
/ will be true to you" At that moment
the bell rang. "Go to the sitting-room,
Fred, and 1 will join you in moment,
1 wish to go to the door myself. 'Tis
Charlie; he was to call on his way homs.
If I wear his flowers, am his; if not.
all is at an end between us. Can you
trust me?"
In few moments Maze joined Fred
in the sitting-room, where we will leave
them for time.that Maze may tell him
of the battle she had fought eoriy in the
evening.
Though Maze called the Judge and
Mrs Rainor uncle and aunt, there wa,
in reality no relationship existing be
tween them. When she was scarcely siI
years old her parents died, and, by
some mismanagement, during the las
year of his life her father lost his fur
tune. Judge Rainor had always beer
his firm friend, and when, upon. his
death bed, he asked him to take her ant
care for her as his own, for the sake o.
the friendship that had always existed
between them, he readily consented.
"God will reward you," said tn
dying man. :.
~ ask no reward, Cranston. 1 vii
do it for the love bear you. I will b.
a father to her.
81 cannot speak my thanks, but mari
my words, God will reward you."
That was fifteen years ago. He ha'
often thought of the dying mans proph
ecy, aud considered it fulfilled, for MAJ
had always been faithful and given then
daughters love, aud frequently he wa
heard to say that if Fred, his only son
were half so dutiful or loving, his cup c
ioy would be full to overfowlng. Bu
of late Fred had been leading so wild
life that they feared he would not onl
bring disgrace upon them. but woul
soon oe lost to them forever. III
mother grew thin and pale with grie
and there was cloud of gloom hove
ing over them that only Fred coul
dispel.
When Maze heard her uncle and aur
coming. she babe Fred go to his roo
for the night without seeing them, bl
10 be sure to meet them the next morl
ing at breakfast After kissing her
obeyed with a joyful heart. A fe
pleasant words Having passed betwee
Mrs. Rainor and Maze in regard to Il
evening that each had spent, the latt
prepared to go to her room.
Don't hurry, my daughter, sa