Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1882-11-30


much shocked" she went on, ner-
vously; "but am afraid she Is mar.
Read this note; IL will explain ALL"
She trembled like an aspen as she
watched him reading the note, his face
growing pale and flushed alternately.
I" am so grieved, Mr.. Wetherill."
"You need not be, Miss Clare. /
admire Bettina's courage and honesty
in refusing to give her hand where she
could not bestow her heart. She has
saved us both from lifelong unhappi-
ness"
Clare gazed at him, too much amazed
to speak.
Miss Clare, will you listen to
story that has been trembling on my
lips since first met you here?"
without waiting for a reply he con-
tinued:
Many years ago there was a young
man--a mere lad-whom we will call
Jack. He was farmers son, and
poor. Near his fathers place lived a
widow and her only child, Mary Jack
loved this little girl from her baby
hood, and when she was fourteen and
he nineteen the two promised TO be
true TO each other as long as life lasted.
Shortly aftcrward Jack went out into
the world to try to make a home for
the child who had promised to be his
wife, Several letters were exchanged
until Mary's mother discovered what
was going on, and forbid her TO write
any more About year after their
separation her mother died. and she
went to distant city to reside with
relatives. Jack did not hear Of these
events until he returned 20 his old
home, two years later. Then he made
inquiries for his little love, but could
gain no further tidings Of her. Several
years passed, and he was successful
beyond even his boyish expectations.
During this period he met many bcauti.
full women, but little Marys image
refused 10 leave IFS shrine in his heart.
One day he saw a notice Of her mar
riage. Then hope died, but memory
remained. As time passed he be-
came weary Of his bachelors life. and
concluded to marry. Chance threw
him in the society of a young girl
whose unconventional manners proved
a strong attraction, and in a short time
he asked her to be his wife. He thought
the reluctant air with which she con-
scnted was due To- bashfHlncss. but
later on discovered that her heart be.
longed 10 some one else. Then he de.
termincd 70 question her closely re.
garding the matter. and II his conjcc.
lures were true 10 give her back hei
promise. Meantime helmet a woman
like his lost love. Yet she
was not called Mary. nor did she bear
the name Of the man whom she had
and, while bound TO the young
girl, he could not ask her for an cxpla-
nation. At last he found himself fee,
lnd-Miss Glare. it rests with you to
decide how the story of Jacks love
shall end"
4 profound silence reigned for a few
then Clare explained in a
low. trcmulous voice:
After the death Of Mary's mother
she went to live with her fathers
brother. whose daughter was also
named Mary Lamson. In order to
avoid confusion Jacks Mary was called
by her second name. Clare. It was
Mary's cousin who married, but the
orphan girl remained true to her early
love"
And her constancy is at ast re
said Mr.. Wetherill, drawing
her To his breast.
She laid her head in a restful way on
his shoulder. and thus Aunt Winnie
found them when she returned in a
great state of excitement. having re-
ceived a telegram from Bettina an
nouncing her marriage.
"Well," she calculated, when the
situation was explained, 81 am glad
we are going to keep you in the
family. But must say Bettina would
have made You brilliant wife"
"Clare will make loving wife. and
am satisfied with the exchange. Mrs.
Chalmers" he answered. fervently.
A Phenomenal City.
FffN 4 sre