The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1882-12-07
In Love Unitef.

WllIred Iandon and Alice Vane stood
side by side in what had been Jonathan
Somertons library at Somerton hall.
Had been, for he was dead, and his re-
mains were even now on their way to
burial. Whose library it would hence
forth be remained to be seen.
Wllfred had but this moment arrived,
too late for attendance at his old frind's
funeral; and yet he and this pale, swett
girl, Alice Vane, were the only two be-
ings for whom, number of years past,
the strange. cynical old man had shown
any interest or affection.
''He was my mothers suitor whole
lifetime ago." Alice was softly saying,
"and the disappointment of his affection
soured him. Yet he was kind of heart,
else how suould I, her orphaned child,
have found in him so true a friend?
Poor, dear Mr.. Somerton"
''My father was q friend of his in his
youth" Wilfred said in answer, land
from all 1 can learn, they quarreled
with each other necessarily. There
must have been q warm regard between
them, all the same, or whence his inter-
est in me? It is, thanks to him, l have
OCCA dOtC w uCtOUC NY oil W ali dS CNcsf
instinct of my nature prompted. If I
day, and become q famous artist, it will
to thank for it, and also Alice-you."
He took her hand as he spoke, and
drew her toward him.
She came, half yielding, half resisting,
the color coming and going fitfully upon
har oh al I~-k oil, 90
have told the most casual observer that
she loved him.
HE taught us both to expect moth
nestly. He gave us both the means of
earning bread-l as an artist, you as u
governess. A dreary, lonely, toilsome
of it for you. We are poor, it is true,
all to each other. love you so that I
aside, for your sake, and let a wealthier
not bear to let you toll, ex Josed to
slight and insult, and when did a gov
erness, young and beautiful, escape
these? You love me Alice" He drew
her to his embrace ''You have given
me cause to hope SO, my beloved Be my
wife, then, and let us both be happy,
You do love me-"
The young girl had not shrunk from
his embrace. She laid her face lightly
against his breast, weeping softly.
''Ah, yes." she sighed, 81 love you,
Wilfred; why should I not confess it?
Far, far too well and truly, dear, to
marry you"
''Too WE'LL" he said, starting back.
She drew herself from his arms, and
stood looking at him with q high and
pure expression of self-sacrificing love
upon her fair face
TOO WE'LL" she repeated, softly, yet
firmly TOO we'll to become burden
upon you at the very outset of your
career. Oh, am not selfish enough for
that! It is not" she went on, more
timidly, noticing the sudden cloud that
lowered upon his brown, "that 1 do not
love you; that 1 should not find a very
heaven of happiness in the union Of
which you speak, but-we are both so
poor"
Her voice ceased, her head dropped
suddenly before his glance of scorn; she
felt that he-this man whom she so
loved-wxs Misunderstanding her.
"You think the speculation would be
a losing one," he said with undisguised
contempt. "You might take your youth
and beauty to richer market and derive
better bargain for them. No doubt
you are right. Certainly no one can
question your worldly wisdom. have
nothing to offer you but love and LIES
devotion. Pardon my presumption-I
have been mistaken in you, that is ALL"
He was turning coldly and hanghtily
away when she caught his arm and de-
tanned him-less by that, however. than
by . little, almost unconscious, but
heartfelt cry Of love and pain and grief;
he paused, in spite Of himself, and his
heart thrilled ct hearing it.
ut was not OF myself thought" she
said. with soft reproach, but of you
Can let you add the burden Of my
poverty to your ownl Can bear TO see
your abilities hampered by the expenses
of . family Listen, Wilfrea You |
know / am An artists daughter-the |
child of . man whom the .,ares of |
family dragged down to death. My
fathers talents, his hopes, his possible
career, we're al blighted by marriage
and poverty. Is 1t for me, having wit
messed what he sudered-to condemn the
man who loves me to the same? Oh,
never. never! Ny very love for you-
the love you doubt--givea me strength
and courage to refuse you. But, Oh,
you wrong me when you douts nv love.
For your sake swear to remain single
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