Morris tribune. [volume] (Morris, Minn.) 1880-2000, 1882-08-03
MY LOVE TEST.
From the Hartford Times.

was to me the greatest wealth the world
could hold, and for three weeks were as
happy as any foolish lovers can be.
Then the first shadow fell on my life
Itwas lovely evening in early autumn.
and Jack had taken me out with him on
the water. The red sunlight was tinging
the white sails, as the boats beneath,
lying at their anchors, rocked
to and fro with the heaving of
the pillows, and the fishermen calling
cheerily to each other the result of the
days labor. Jack alone was silent. He
gave some strong, hard pulls, that placed
us beyond reach of their voices which
rang far over the sea from the rocks that
lined the beach, then rested upon his
oars and turned his handsome, sunburnt
face to mine. He had such an easy gen
tlemanly way about him, 30 different in
every respect from the rough compan-
ions with whom I had lived since my
childhood, that / often wondered how
he cared to lead the life he did.
"Jennie," he said, "my mind is made
up. can't live this way any longer; so
I'm going away"
~ know" he added, with smile, at
the amazement in my face, "that you
think naetfoeEsh, and wH'd all in your
power to prevent me, but"
Il shall do no such thing" interrupt
ed, rather proudly. "of course it's moth
ing to me: When do you go?"
"Don't be angry, puss," he pleaded,
"and III tell you all about it. You see,
dear, though Ileye water like my life,
Pm too lazy here to, do enough to keep
you and me alive. It's no use to say
anything more about it, except, indeed y
with his pleasant laugh, "that I leave
for the city tomorrow"
My face fell sdismally.
'The cityl we may as we'll say good
bye forever, then, for you'll soon forget
me there" -,.e.-.s
shall remember all my life the look
he gave me, from his beautiful eyes, and
my own fell before his gaze with hot
flush -. .-..
sis that the way you trust me, Jen-
nie?" .,
| answered him never word, and we
rowed home in silence. There was a
sudden coldness between us when we
parted, which knew was all my fault
I would not let him kiss me good by, SO
he left me half angrily in the dusk, and
went out into the world. returned to my
simple duties with heavy heart. He
never wrote me letter to tell me how
he got on, but now and then I'd get a
line like-"Have courage, dear, little
longer" and how it made me hate
myself because | had doubted him
for l knew by the few simple
words that he was true to me. But the
shadows deepened around me; my faith
er died leaving me quite alone in the
world, and it was now, when l mos
needed his comfort and aid, that Jack
left off writing. O, the weary, weary
days. Then when 1 was about despair
ing, help, that l least expected, came t
me. A lady in the distant city, where
had been but once in my life, heard 9
me in some unaccountable way, anC
| offered me home, and liberal none.
allowance if would be a companion t
| and must be willing to submit to he
| been tried already, and still was not no,
out / went, and
How strange it all was. I arrive'
| there in the evening. 1t had storne'
all day, and the night was cold and darl
Was it a bad omen | wondered? Mrs
| Hathaway's carriage was waiting for me
and seemed to be in dream, as wa
driven to her beautiful house. l did nc
| see her until | had my tea in the room
| that was to be mine-perfect fairy land
with what had been accustomed-an
| fixed my hair anew, the wavy, golden
brown hair that Jack had praised so OF
ten. Then, with flushed cheeks and ral
idly beating heart, | was led by liver
led footman to the drawing room to NEE
| my mistress. She was a stately lady, wit
| proud, handsome face, which, althoug
not old, was surrounded by masses {
| soft. silky hair, white as snow, and Wor
heavy black silk, that rustled whe
she came towards me. Was this the in
valid that had come to care for?
Miss Harmon"
started as l heard my name pro
nounced, and felt the cold, light touch {
Mrs. Hathaway's lips upon my own.
| You are tired, my dear, and cold; 81
down and rest yourself" ..a
Her voice was very kind, and full G
| pity; for was shivering violently, al
though my cheeks burned, and l obey
ed her without word.
"Jackl''! She turned away from IN,
now to another part Of the room, anc
my eyes fell for the first time upon
| gentleman standing before cheerfu
fire with one hand in his pocket and tn
other outstretched to the blaze. Com
here, and let me introduce you. Mis-
Harmon, my son." He turned his heat
gave me careless nod, and did nc
move; but I had seen him, and my heal
seemed to stand still. / did not fain
though l could feel the color leave IN
face as. an icy chill ran over me: Then
was myself again; yet not myself.
| "Jack." his mother went on, lis Avl
in the library? wish you would brin
her in here, that she may meetmy youn
friend" mas as. ,ss
| Even though he stood in the shadow
| could see his face light up with his ole
rare smile, and then whistling merrill
he left the room. v 80. .....t.,.s..
"Avis is my NICE" Mrs. Hathaway il
formed me, and we waited his return
"She is an orphan and an heiress, so yo
must pardon her if she isa little peculia
She has been humored all her life."
"She says" Jack put in at this poin
with low, rich laugh, "that she can
come; she is busy reading, and woul
like Miss Harmon to come to her.
80 no, no." Il began easily. It wa
the first time I had spoken and my ow
voice sounded strange to me. II sha
not like to disturb her. Any other tim
shall do as we'll"
"You mad better come," Jack answe
ed coldly, with no sign of reconciIiatio
in his face. "since she has sent for you
Then with bitterness 1 remembered m
station, and meekly followed him.
Miss Avis Hathaway was like he
name, slight and fair, with q low, cooin
voice and merry red lips that parted Q
ten in soft laughter. She rose, half lal
guaidly, as we entered, and extended
me lherpretty white hand. After th'
the two. hardly, noticed me- and
sat apart and listened to Jacks tormen
ing voice, as he tried to prevent h
reading and make her talk to him.
the days went on, aud grew into week
the weeks into months, and yet n
words of explanation passed between
Though we were often thrown togetht
alone, he was the same utter stranger
me as at other times, and gradua
| l., l,co ,,,< nc ,,ror,d ond indiffnrpnt