Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1882-08-24

being; and now she feels that without
him this world would be n dreary void
and she stray waif. Then the day,
this very day it was, Philip had asked
his father to give a blessing to their
betrothal, but Mr.. Randolph had de-
clared: 1T must never be; they must
forget one another, and live happy
apart" He refused all explanations
until Philip vowed not to obey him in
this case. and not until then did he
tell his son why he must not love Net
tie.
Long ago a duel had teen fought
between Nettie's father and Philips;
the former was instantly killed; the
latter, struck by remorse, had endeav-
ored to atone by educating the daughter
of his enemy, never dreaming OF so
disastrous o consequence as the two
young people falling in love. But it is
the old, old story repeating itself once
again. Worldly eyes are wise; they are
far seeing and vigilant and worldly
hands would endeavor to draw asunder
two lives that should mingle as one;
but, in spite of all the worldly eyes and
hands, the current of true love that for
time had been turned out of its course,
flows back into its original channel with
greater force than before, and thus
flowing on reaches the eternal sea, and
there abideth forever.
Nettie's pale features told the emotion
of her heart, and Philips face quivered
with anguish as he noted her sorrow.
Why should these two, who loved so fer
vently-why should they be separated
for the crime of another? Nettie had
never seen her fathers face-had never
experienced her fathers care. Should
her young life be darkened with sorrow
to atone for his sin? The little boat
was drifting with the tide; SO was her
soul drifting on the tide of dreams-a
silver tide with diamond ripples flashing
in and out. All was fair and glowing;
and the pure soul of the maiden, seeing
the lovely picture, smiled, and smiled
so deeply that it became visible on her
features, lighting up cheeks, lips and
brow with O wondrous light.
Again Philip looked up, and seeing
the change on the fair face, took her
hand within his own and gently smooth
ed and caressed it. "Nettie, dear Net =
tie, there is so little real love and truth
in this world, do not cast mine aside,
but accept it as the guardian OF your
life." That beautiful smile and blush
irradiated the sweet face; that smile
and blush more eloquent than sweet
words; and the setting sun, as he sank
behind the mountains, carried with him
the remembrance of lovers kiss i'm
printed on the rosy mouth of the gentle
Nettie Ray.
The boat drifted to the moorings;
and springing lightly from it, the two
turned to tender fond farewell to the
river; but peacefully it still slumbered
on, all unconscious that the fate of two
lives had been decided upon its smooth
surface. Nettie and Philip walked up
the graveled path and into the library
where sat Mr.. Randolph, idly gazing
out upon the lawn. He turned as the
sound of approaching footsteps fell upon
his ear, and groan escaped him as he
saw who were the cause of these foot
falls. Nettie slipped softly to his chair,
and, with her hand clasped on his knee,
looked up lovingly into his face. He
stroked back the brown ringlets, and
softly patting the plump cheeks, "Dear
child" he whispered, 'I am bowed
with sorrow when I look upon yeu, for
I have loved you as my own, and now
you will despise me-"
"Never, oh, neverp murmured Net
tie, throwing her arms about his neck;
81 love You, dear father, for my father
you will be now."
And Philip, kneeling at his fathers
feet, asked again for his blessing in tho
future. which was not denied him.
It was happy family that night, and
no one ever regretted the summer even
ing when the little boat was drifting
with the tide, for two lives now made
by God as one drifted along on the line
Of years, meeting their joys and SORROWS,
bearing their pains and trials with q
firm trust in one another's love and
devotion.