Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1882-06-15
HIS WORD OF HONOk.

| The Green Dragon, at Orplngton, as
sumed to be an inn, was really little
more than wayside stopping place.
Mr.. Hunter, landlord and proprietor, was
therefore not little surprised and fur
ried when, upon Il raw October after
noon, young man presented himself at
the bar of the ''Green Dragon, and ask
ed languidly if he could be aocommoda-
ed with bed and sitting-room.
"a bed. sir ?" replied Mr.. Hunter. a
big man with red face and gray hair
''yes think we can manage to give you
bed"
"And sitting echoed the land
lord, in tone of one who Is considering
some great undertaking; lone minnie if
you please sir.
And Mr.. Hunter disappeared into the
little room adjoining the bar, there to
hold counsel with some second persons,
the upshot being that, in few minutes,
Mrs. Hunter and few Hunters just out
of the crawling state, issued forth, bear
ing respectively working materials, socks
i'll process of being mended, in whistles
and decapitated dolls.
"You can have this room all to your
self sir" said Mr.. Hunter, triumphantly
"You really must not let me disturb
you, " replied the traveller.
Don't you mention it." replied the
landlord, in tone which was at once
genial and confidential; ''we would not
turn - customer away from doors.
You see we do not have much parlor
company"
land this is the only room yon have
that is disengaged?"
"Well, yes, sir; this is the only room
at present Susan! Goals for the gentle
mans fire."
The traveller was glad enough to enter
the apartment and to draw close to the
fire the one dilapidated armchair.
Arthur Seton, barrister by profession,
and writer from choice, was not really
more than thirty, though he looked con-
siderably older; for the dark hair and
beard were streaked with gray, and the
face. with its regular handsome features
wore look of intense mental weari-
ness.
For some time he leaned indolently
back, his hands clasped behind his head; !;
at last he rose and took from his bag a
locket. and diary, which he opened. and
availing himself of pen and ink which
stood upon the table, made the following
entry;
October II, 1S74.-Got up late.
Called on the Brainstones; George was
out. Had pleasant chat with Annie +;
went like a fool to Richmond, and like a
fool, haunted the well-house. 1t looked
Just the same as in the old, dear days;
but heard children playing in the gar
den. The house L believe Is let to city
people Came back to London; dined
at the Pail Mall; went to the club. Got
back to chambers late; wrote a column
Review. A weary, weary day. Shall
I never know a moments forgetful-
ness?"
He drew then from the leaves of the
diary letter written in o delicate hand
and addressed, "Arthur Seton, ESQ.,, IL
Gray's Inn." This letter he regarded
with long, sad, loving look; then, rest
ing his head ON his hand, he read it
through very slowly. 1t ran as follows
"MY DEAR ARTHUR:-If yon will be
so suspicious, SO jealous and exciting, |
cannot see how we are ever to be happy.
Faith without works is dead, and love
without faith is no blessing, bnt weary
burden. lam tired of cross words and
looks. Some women, believe, like the
feverish excitement of quarrels, but /
only wish for peace. This miserable
jealousy is quite unworthy of you. Do
try and put it from you; and remember
that love, once wounded, is sometimes
hurt past hope of recovery. received
your article quite safely, but [ cannot
speak about it now. You have made me
too sad, too weary, and even little in
dignant. Yours affectionately,
ALICE CLAREFIELD.
He replaced the letter, closed the di.
ary, took up his pipe and began smok-
ing. The early part of this day had
been fine and mild, but toward the after
noon the sky grew leaden and the wind
shifted to the northeast. Now the vino
was rising and the rain was falling-e
cold, penetrating, impetuous, determined
rain.
For want of something better to do
Seton began to write a letter; but ht
made slow work of it. For minutes to
gether he sat holding the pen listlessly
leaning his arm YEARLY upon the table
listening, as we all listen when alone, tx
what sounds may be going on near us
from feeling that is not curiosity, bu
more overpowering
| Suddenly what mnst have been yer,
light vehicle dashed swiftly down tn
road and drew up at the door of tn
"Green Dragon" while the voice of tn
l. opJ:hIa &a@os1 horu