Northwest enterprise. [volume] (Anacortes, Wash. Ter.) 1882-1887, 1883-10-20

was only averted through the. good
Judgment of the professor in charge.
Oswin Chalmers had planned that
they meet on that day, and after be-
ing welded they would return to his
fathers house, where all would be
in readiness 10 receive them. The
letter containing such instructions
was intercepted and the elopement
was postponed.
This event caused complete
change in Fleta's manner. The
school room where she had been
reared, and which had thus far been
home to her, had lost its charms;
and the daily exercises, which had
heretofore proved fascinating, were
now bore. She who had been first
in class had lost the place. What was
formerly pleasure was now pain.
She confided in no one. Those daily
walks she was wont to take with a
companion were now taken alone, that
she might brood over what she
deemed misfortune. Thus had she
acted till sickness was brought on,
which necessitated her leaving the
seminary ere the term was closed.
1t required but short stay at home
to recuperate. Oswin Chalmers was
frequent visitor, Notwithstanding
mothers remonstrances.
1t could not be truthfully said that
Fleta Hollywood was badly inclined
girl; she had of late become way
ward, but is was only one of the many
instances where love being an incen
tive, girl is led away, to be governed
by no one, not even kind mother.
How many illustrations of a like
nature do we see; aye, are they not
unfortunately of daily occurrence,
and the victims, whom do they blame? ?
No one To blame would be to cen
sure themselves; and they silently
bear that sorrow brought on by their
own folly. They find out the rash
ness of the step they have taken, but,
alas, too late.
But to resume the story, Oswin
Chalmers visits became more fire.
quent. Fleta's infatuation was grow
ing stronger, and her mother determ-
ined on crushing the impending evil,
with what result you already know.
When Fleta left the room that day
little did that fond mother dream of
her resolve
Twas May morning, and the
lawn that skirted the plain cottage Of
Mrs. Hollywood had assumed that
verdant hue that nature bestows at
this season. Tho twittering birds
played at hide and seek through the
almost leaHess branches caused feel
ing of JOY and scene of animation
to pervade the very atmosphere.
Happiness seemed to have chosen
this very spot as a resting place. But,
oh, how deceptive. Had it taken
unto itself wings and flown away it
could not have caused a greater
change to come over this once happy
home. Fleta, had not returned since
she left her disconsolate mother.
A messenger had been sent notify
ing Mrs Hollywood that Fleta had
been welded to Oswin Chalmers. She
bore this information calmly and
awaited developments. One day
passed and the next brought Fleta
and her newly made husband. He
made great promises, and was appar-
emily so honest in his intentions that
it required but short time to in
gratiated himself into the good graces
of his mother-in-law. They had
come on a visit, and in a week were
to move to NJ, small town
where Oswin was to take charge OF
the books of a large manufacturing
concern. The time for their depart
ure arrived, and with a mothers
blessing they took their leave.
Three months have passed and fre-
quent letters told of Oswin's good
behavior. He had gained a promo
tion since his coming, and now held,
in conjunction with his former duties,
q position of more trust. Five months
more and there was perceptible de
crease in the number of letters.
Christmas came and passed, and the
new year, with its mantle CT snow,
was here. Mrs. Hollywood had not
for some time heard from Fleta, and
her forebodings were not good.
Judge Chalmers had been to see her
and told her in all candor that he was
afraid that Oswin had gone back to
his old tricks. II Mrs. Hollywood
was uneasy before, she was made
doubly so by this exposition. She
still hoped for the best, but alas! a
letter blasted her expectations, and
a newspaper detailing an account of
large embezzlement confirmed her
fears.
Oswin for three or four months had
led an exemplary career. He saw
prosperity within his grasp. A more
lucrative position was his reward. In
this short time ne had gsined the con-
fidence and esteem of not only his
employers, but of all his newly made
acquaintapces. The tempter came.
He yearned for his old vices. His
hours were less punctual. That reg
ularity which had characterized his
every movement had of late shown
signs of weakneing. His eyes once
full of expression, were losing their
brightness. He was gradually losing
that free, cheerful manner that com
mended him u his employers. Fleta
noticed all these changes, but stayed
her hand when wont to write to that
dear mother who foretold them. The
senior member of the firm had also
noted change in Oswin's demeanor
o,x5 5,novoeIoJ - okI,o~ ,,,o,,,1o~o %bo