The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1882-10-12
FRED RAINOR'S PLEDGE.

"Only niue o'clock What long
evening it has been !" sighed sweet lit
tie Maze Cranston, as she sank into the
velvet cushions of the lounge in Judges
Rainor's family sitting-room.
She had been exceeding restless all the
evening. She tried to sew, but after
taking o stitch or two her work fell into
her lap, and she turned to vase on the
stand beside her, and examined the rare
flowers that it held.
81 DO wish you would come,
Charlie" she continued; "your flowers
worry me. Can wear them and accept
his wealth, his love and an enviable posi-
ton in society? Such an opportunity
comes but once to penniless orphan.
N8w every time attempt to fasten the
flowers in my hair Fred's imagine looms
up before me? 1 see, tbs to remind me
that you, dear Fred, have for years &C.
oupied the place in my heart that
Charlie now wishes to fill. Why can't
do something to help Fred lead better
life? Poor auntie's heart is breaking, and
uncle is no longer cheerful and happy,
as he used to be-. Oh, that l might be
the means of restoring Fred to his friends
and to q true life? But uncle and aunt
will be here soon. Imust rouse myself,
and not let them think they have
wearied me. will go to the library and
get book. Lounging in this lazy way
will surely accomplish no good"
Suiting her actions to her words, con.
science stricken little Maze left the room.
As she passed through the dimly-lighted
hall, she met Fred preparing to leave the
house. Laying her hand gently on his
ahouldar abe soid
"why. Fred, you here? thought !
was alone. You are not going out ct
this late hour?"
Eyes, 1 am, Maze. What difference
does il make whether go or stay? No
one cares for me now not even father and
mother; they never say word to me.
Not much wonder 60 from bad to
worse. Nor will I keep you standing
here either" and he 81 ook the tiny uand
frUIn of his shoulder, and started on.
"Dear Fred, stop one minute. Please
stay in tonight; am all slcne. Hang
MP your hat, and go to the sitting room
With me. You do not know how long
for your company, or how it grieves me
TO see you going astray. Don't You re-
member, Fred, what good times We used
70 have? / do, and have missed you 80
muchr'
ssDo you still like me. Maze?"
"Indeed I do. as dearly ~ could love
my own brother"
ssBut. Maze" said he, drawing her
closer to him. and gaxing earnestly IN
her clear, dark eyes, "thsre % but one
thing that can save mo. A sister's love
does not satisfy the drawings Of my heart.
Charlie Lanes devotion to you maddens
me. Do you belong to hins Are you
SPromise me, Fred, that you viii not
drink any more. and will give you
theee flowers that Charlie sent me TO.
night, a. . proof Of my preference for
you."
Az she spoke, she took them from her
hair. Fred eagerly held forth his hand
to receive them.
"Mase; DEAR" said he. ''in the pres.
ence Of God, I swear that, - long = ]
retain thsse flowers, will not touch =
drop o. liquor. II keep them and my
pledge sor one year. may claim you IN
sfou may. Be true 10 yoursslf. end
IvU b true 70 you." Al that momeat
thotbell rang. "0o tD the sitting.room,
Yred. and will Join you IN . monent,
I vish % 10 70 tie door myself. lis
Charlie; he We 70 call On his vsy hom..
r I veer HE Aowess. I am his; 4 noss
- !. = sn end between y. can jon
3 ; isv .e.sass Nan ioiasa rssa