Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1883-05-10
FOUNDN AFLOWER.

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Young Graham's unfortunate affaiI
with his employers daughter
oh, yes-very sad; but the woman, ,as
usual, gets more than her share o.
blame
'Ah! But you know her, I believe
Then she was not as heartless as tht
world calls her?'
L think not. He was presunptuous
she proud-very proud, and he was ia
tally mistaken in the character of bel
regard. She was his friend; but his fol
ly made even that impossible longer
Love and friendship, Miss Van Deck.
en-how many judge between them?'
His quick glance and flushing face
were not seen, for her eyes were cast
down. How could she know that in
this way the reserved Russell Dayton
put his fate to the test? The tone was
calm enough, and lest she should betray
her own heart, the reply was given care
lessly, indifferently:
1ntuitively, of course, Mr.. Dayton
but it is always best to remain on the
safe side.
just little pause between them,
which he was the first to break.
am sorry to make my adieux so
early in the evening, Miss Van Decken
l must say good-by, also, for it will be
many months before see you again, if
ever: l am going home
Home, Mr.. DaytonY
TO my mother. Her health is failing
rapidly, but | have only lately decided
in which direction my duty lay
'Ah, had forgotten! You have been
among US so long that it seems strange
to locate your home so far away. We
shall miss you, Mr.. Dayton, and many
besides myself will hope for your return
to New York
Thank you! The year L have spent
in the city has been pleasant one. The
extended to me by your
father and yourself will ever be CRATE
fully rememb bered.'
And how will he supply your place in
the effice?'
Easily, l have no doubt
And you go
AS seon as l can complete my ar
Will you give me this in
token of your good wishesP take them
for granted, you see.'
He touched. as he spoke, half-blown
rosebud which, with others, caught up
the lace drape1y of her rich dress. She
detached and gave it to him, saying:
My very best wishes for one Of my
best friends
Commonplace words, quiet, even tones
of voice, courteous hand-shake, an or
binary parting, marked by the polish |
and ease of perfect good breeding that
was all and yet Louisa Van Decken |
learned in those few moments, past all
doubling, that the man to whom she so |
quietly said good-by was taking her |
life's hopes and happiness. He went, |
with her words ringing through his |
brain, set to the mad music from the |
adjoining ballroom, The safe side-the |
safe side and to them he added a SEN
.ence of his Own-'She has saved me |
from myself God bless her foreverp
So two lives touched. If they could |
nave known! And separated to meet
again.
Colonel Oliphant waited impatiently
,or the lady; but his impatieuce was
modified as, standing on one side, he
,aught the words of the conversation,
Ind discovered that the young man he
10 cordially and unreasonably disliked
vas not likely to cross his path again.
Miss Van Decken, escorted by the
colonel, moved through the elegant
ooms.
Il wonder if she cares for him p ques-
Toned one of the guests, soto voee.
The colonel also, who had puzzled
'ver the matter for much longer time,
lad resolved to have the answer that
Tery night, and so it came about that
Hiss Van Decken was reused from her
'ainful abstraction by the tones of her
overs voice, as, alone with her at last,
10 uttered the words which had SO long
rembled on his lips.
Il have no love 10 give you, Colonel
)liphant.'
The voice would have told him that
Without words.
Then l will ask fer nothing but your
cceptance of mine
She shook her head. Il
1t is your fathers wish,' he urged; j.