The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1882-09-20

before. And / explained that ] was an
artist, with more aspirations than tai
ent, living in a state Of chronic dis
couraRement, and dreaming dreams
that would never become realities
''The life of an artist and one devoted
to mercantile pursuits are so widely di-
verRent that it would be difficult for
me to fully sympathize with you," he
said, thoughtfully; "yet we all have
our ambitious dreams--some of fame,
some of riches-and 1 have often
thought there is more enjoyment in an
ticipatinR the fulfillment of them than
in their actual contamination. When
was errand boy it seemed as if would
reach the very pinnacle of success
could but obtain q clerks position
and so on through each grade. My
ambition is still aspiring, and happi.
ness is oh. so much further off than
IL was fifteen years ago. This dear old
home is the only spot where can find
peace. il not forgetfulness, he con-
cluded, as we stopped before the low,
uncovered porch, where his mother, q
sweet faced old lady was waiting to
greet us say us. for her welcome of
Iue WIS very COTuldl.
Matte was not visible, and did not
see her until she came to announce
supper. She impressed me as being a
low.voiced, shy looking girl, not pretty,
according to the general acceptation of
the term. Yet, soon found myself ad-
miring the pure sweet face and earnest
blue eyes.
The next morning Mr.. Allyne told
me his man could not possibly spare
the horses that day, as they would be
required to bring in the hay, and pro
posed we should set ont on hunting
expedition, which we did Immediately
after breakfast.
This was the beginning OF an un-
changing friendship between Hector
Allyne and myself. As time passed our
friendship STRENGTHENED; and although
{ gave him my entire history, felt in
stinctivelS that there we're events in his
ife which he kept concealed. When
his vacation days were over he returned
his duties, but came back every Sat
nrday. and | can safely assert that Nc
lember of the household looked for
ward to his coming with more gladness
hll did.
hardly know when first learned to
owe Matte, for its growth was so sub
'la that it burst upon me full fedged
llmost before ! was aware of its exist
nee, and, strange as it may seem, il
vas into Hector's ears [ first poured
he story of my love for his sister. He
Hid not appear surprised only glad
very Rlad-when he wrung my hand,
saying:
"If you have won her heart, Ralph,
you have jewel beyond price"
l had won her heart-the purest,
best heart that ever throbbed in
woman's breast, and shortly after she
became my betrothed wife.
Summer waned, and October came,
changing the bright green foliage into
rich crimson and gold. Every week ]
determined to return to my studio, yet
stayed on day after day, because ones
more destiny willed it so. While wac
planning my own future, fate was
blocking out an entirely different path
for me.
One night lit a cigar and started
for stroll usually took while Matte
was engaged in some household duties.
There was frosty crispness in the air,
which tempted me to prolong my stay
beyond the customary hour, and it was
nearly nine o'clock when 1 stepped
upon the porch, where l saw woman
crouching in front of one of my sitting
room windows, evidently go absorbed in
gazing at the scene within as not to be
conscious of my approach.
care you i'll, MADAME" l asked,
She staggered to her feet, and stood
for moment like stag at bay, and
shading her eyes with her hands, ques-
toned in a low, frightened tone:
SIS it you, HectorP" then swayed
from side to side, and fell with a heavy
thud upon the porch before 1 could
reach out my arms to save her.
Matte, hearing the fall, opened the
door hastily.
"A strange woman has faiRted, DEAR"
1 explained; Ego quickly and bring some
restorativts, while 1 carry her into the
hall"
She returned with some brandy and
water. Catching a glimpse of the
dead, white face she uttered cry of
anguish that echoed through the old
house. Mrs. Allyne came forward, but
Matte sprang before her.
"You shall not see her, mother" she
said, excitedly.
eff you can bear the sight surely l
can, dear. Bring her TO the sitting
room, Ralph"
obeyed, and after placing her on the
lounge, we applied restoratives. Pres.
emily the woman opened her eyes aud
looked around in dazed sort of way.
She was a bloodless creature, With
pathetic dark eyes, and face aged
with suffering.
Il wanted to see my little Lida, Is
Hector here? Tell him 1 am dying.
Aek him, oh, for Gods sake, ask him to
/ forPiye me-"
The appeal was addressed to me, for
Matte and her mother had stepped
I l. II.