Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1882-11-23
FAME VERSUS LOVE.

strong's lips she arose from her seat, an
old overturned boat, and moved slowly
toward the waters edge.
For o moment her companion, man
of perhaps twenty-five, hesitated; then
he joined her, repeating:
ut cannot be, Helen? Surely you are
not in earnest. You love me, have you
not said it? Aud yet you refuse 70 be-
come my wife!'
"E1win, /"
"You did not mean it, quickly in
terrupted Edwin Bennett, adding;
Come, darling, why should not we be
happy?" And he drew her hand within
his arm.
For an instant she let it rest there,
then slowly but firmly she loosened his
clasp, as she said:
"For two years you and have been
friends. In that time did you ever
know me to change after had once
decided upon anythlng?"
"No, but" answered her companion
quickly while she, unheedlng, goes on
with:
"You know the one great desire of
my life is to win fame as an artist.
Could do this as your wife?'
"Why not, Helen? Would L not do
anything in the world to help your"
came the proud answer, as Edwin Ben
nett bent his eyes fondly upon the fair
face beside him.
"No, Edwin; as a wife could never
hope to obtain fame. Marriage brings
to women so many cares that there Is
very little time left oyer for other work.
1 should not make you happy. Ishould
be constantly longing for my old, free
life."
''H that is all I am not afraid to risk
my happiness, Helen," answered her
lover, more hopeful look lighting up
his handsome face.
''Think how for five years." continued
Helen, II have worked with the one
end in view. My home. you are aware,
has lot been particularly agreeable.
Uncle and aunt are kind in their way,
and have always let me have my own
will about painting. providing 1t d1d
not cost them anything. AS for love or
sympathy, you have seen how much
they have yielded to me-.
Seen and felt for you, Helen, God
knows. And now that I will make your
life, if love can do it, one happy dream,
you Will not; and yet you do not deny
your love for me-"
For a second Helen's eyes rested
longingly upon the face of the man
who loved her so dearly; then into their
dusky depths crept an intense, passion
ate longing, as they swept the horizon
and noted the glorious splendor of the
setting sun, while she exclaimed:
"Oh, EdwlnI II I only could repro
duce that sunset just as it is! If only
couldl"
With an impatient sigh he turned
away.
"Always her art, never me; perhaps
she is right after all. 1t would always
stand between us.
She, not noticing, went on with
elf it could only stay long enough
for me to catch those colors, but, no, 1t
Is fading now."
Turning, Helen found that her COM
panion had left her side, and stood a
few yards away.
edwin" she called.
In an instant he was beside her, every
thing forgotten except that she was the
woman he loved.
81 wanted to tell you how good Mr..
Hovey is. It seems that he was ac-
quainted with poor papa years ago, when
I was baby, and therefore feels quite
interested in me. You have heard how
he praises my work, and last night he
proposed"
"Proposed!'' exclaimed Edwin Ben
nett hotly. "Why, you don't mean to
say that old man actually lad the au-
dac1ty to AJAX you to marry him?''
''How ridiculous! How could you
think of such thing?" answered Helen,
ripple OF laughter escaping from be-
tween her pretty teeth, as she con-
tinued
"No; he proposed, if were willing,
to send me to italy for two years, he,
of course, defraying the greater part of
the expenses. He said when I became
famous I could refund him the little
amount if I wished. Was it not gene
rous of himI Just think, two years at
work among the old masters. What