Little Falls transcript. [volume] (Little Falls, Morrison County, Minn.) 1876-1894, 1883-09-21

tQlSI'
s:Never!'' she cried. impulsively. *:But let
done at once! lit must be without delay,
0f---oEs-----a ,s74ST fs@ez
She did not finish the sentence. but with q
sharp, convulsive kiss upon his brown check
kiss which sounded almost like a gasp-she
was gone. In the cleaning upon his porch
that D. g t, sat Mr. Thomas GIatders, a very
happy man. Behind him lay all the gloom, ami
sorrow and pain could never come to him now.
In the future-what? He could not answer,
thought seemed very bright
y Q
1t was quickly and quietly ACCOMPLISHED. Al
most before the staid citizens were out in the
streets, Mr. Chambers and his bride had walked
to the little chapel down the raviue
was very pale that morning, and that there
were long, deep lines 10 her face. Clearly She
had not slept; but MI. Chambers attributed the
fact to weakness of the sex, aud imagined
that z little Familiarity with the new relations
would soon wear it away. Robert did not come
homo during the night--a habit which, am
obliged to coufess, is not uncommon among
the compatriots Of his years. Mr.. Chambers
had wished to defer the quiet ceremony until
his arrival, but Lucy had refused with fever-s
lsh haste, which her companion set down to-
the score Of difidence It was some hours
after the marriage that DIR. Chambers. failing to
stir up any enthusiasm in Lucys breast re-
garding the various topics Of conversation.
kissed her tenderiy and strolled out for walk
among the trees
'sshe's better slone for time,' he muttered,
alphabetically, to himself. ''WAsr como back
IN half an hour she'll be as bright .ud CHEEKY
as ever"
For long time after he went awry Lucy sat
looking blankly at the wall Then rae arose
and walked out upon the porch, :na stood
looking down the hill, where she had as. seen
Robert pass away: In a few moments she be-
came conscious that some one was near her.
1t was Robert. white as ghost, and trembling
nervously. She looked Into his face, but could
not speak. There was s. deep, pathetic inquiry
in her eyes, which spoke more plainly than
words.
eyes, know" he said, in a strained and
worried fashion. II heard it az l came up the
street. shall not reproach you, Lucy, for, ii
ne asked you to marry him, it was the only re-
fatherly Kindness"
There was a footstep not far away, but it was
not noted by the two young people.
Il have come, Lucy continued Robert, in
the same hurried and unnatural fashion, ''to
say good-bye.''
'*Robert!'' she gasped, 'sdo not, do not 60
away"
II must" he said, in strange tone, regain
ing part OF his own force as he saw q touch
OF weakness in the woman he loved. 'sThere
40 AZ o'!tSA SouiSo IL Woulu DI9ak NY nGarE
to stay here and see you the wife of another
Ii would wear out M honor, my gratitude, my
manhood. Day by day all that is good about
me would fade and fade away, until I died of
shame and mental agony, or became q re-
proach to all the world. It must be, Lucy. We
love each other too dearly to have it other
wise"
She was silent
'"Good~bye, Lucy" he said, more quietly,
taking her hand.
.Good-bye," she whispered in choking
For moment he held her hand in his. At
the same Instant shadow that had been
thrown by the sun across the ground almost at
their feet, began slowly and stealthi]y to steal
away.
cry" said Robert, struggling hard
me. You can only find happiness in
that oblivion. Or, If you think of me some
times remember me only as the brother who
grew up with you and loved you with-with
only Ga brothers love. Goodbye. God bless
you, little sister,"
He turned on his heel and took step for
ward. The sharp report Of pistol from the
rear Of the house arrested his attention.
What was that?" asked Lucy. turning if
possible shade winter.
In moment they were both under the great
pine tree which stood 8 few PAGES up the side
of the hill What they saw a, that moment
will never be forgotten by either of them
stretched upon the soft carpet Of pine-needes,
with look of ineffable gentleness in his fast
glazing eyes, a smile on his lips, and her
portrait on his heart, lay the rigid figure of the
husband Of the Strangers child
August, 1888. LEANDER RICHARDSON