Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-09-19
Gales and Sketfbes.
THE OLD LOVE.
Continued from yesterday.

course of true love was indeed fated to
run smooth. They were engaged, and
everybody was delighted and no shadow
was in the future but the shadow of brief
parting. Ernest was an engineer. and
he had just obtained an appointment I'M
der the Russian Government. 1t was de-
cided that he should go out and prepare
| his home. and that Eleanor should 90 to
| him. The future appeared IS sure as the
past. when, by a freak of fortune. EleaDor's
uncle became the lord OF the manor.
| Eleanor was his heiress: and she and her
mother LETT their little cottage for the
Manor House. and a new life began for
the heiress. Alas, love was not proof
against the new temptations. and there
were those around her ever willing to
lure her to neglect her old friends Her
lover was too proud to try to win her back
the heart which pride was stealing from
him; and, before he started tor Russia.
their engagement was broken and Eleanor
was set free.
| Eight years have passed since then,
and she is still tree-the thought sends a
strange thrill through her heart-free.
and he is coming home-her old love.
her only love! Pride cannot stand in the
way, for he is fitting mate in rank and
wealth now for the heiress, and the world
would smile on their union.
She puts the picture back, and with a
smile locks the little desk. There is a
mirror in the room, and Eleanor looks in
it for moment as she passes out Those
eight years have only ripened her beauty !;
and, looking into her rich dark eyes, she
thinks of Milliceng.L eighton's simple face,
and smiles again.
Mile is in the fragrant garden, but
not alone. One would no, recognize the
face of the bearded man beside her for
the original portrait in Miss Ingleston's
desk; but the eyes are the same still,
| though his smile has grown more thought
| full. His arm is around his companion.
and he is looking down at her blushing,
happy face AS he talks and tells her of the
home that is ready for her in Russia.
'Only for time Mile: then we will
come home, and settle down in some
pleasant English house.
And you will love me always, Err
nest ?''
always, darlington ever and ever
am going to dine at the rectory," he con-
tinues. alter a pause. ANY message,
Millie?''
She shakes her head. and laughs and
bushes at his gay whisper. He goes
away presently and Mile watches him
across the meadows and along the lane
to the red brick parsonage. The rector
comes to meet his guest across the lawn.
Miss Ingleston is here, Ernest" he
says. do you care to meet her ?'
A painful flush crosses Ernest's face,
but he answers carelessly-
my old wound has left no scar be-
hind''
The rector takes him into the house
Eleanor is talking to the hostess when the
gentlemen enter. and Ernest has a good
look at her before he is introduced. He
would have known her instantly, though
she is much altered-for the better as re-
CARDS beauty of color and outline-and
her dress is exquisite; but Ernest misses
the fresh glow of youth and the bright
pure expression that had charmed him so
in the years gone by. Rather desultory
conversation follows, and soon Miss In
gleston goes away: but Ernest firds him
self thinking of her brief words very Of
ten during the quiet dinner. He has be-
lieved in the healing of his old wounds.
but the enchantment of her glance has
power to touch him yet.
They meet again next day. Ernest is
walking from the village to the farm, they
come face to face in the green lane. He
takes off his hat; but she stops, holding
out her hand with a bewltching smile.
Friendship is love without wings. We
have both forgotten and forgiven. Let us
begin afresh, and be friends again"
Who could resist such greeting?
Ernest's reserve soon melts away, and he
turns back with her to the park. She
does the most of the talking, and few
know better what words to say. Before
they have strolled long under the stately
trees, Ernest, in the glamour that she casts
over his better judgment, begins to think
that. after all. their terrible parting had
been only a foolish misunderstanding and
that he was in the wrong. He goes with
her to the manor, and parts with her on
the steps of the terrace.
And so YOU are going to be married ~
she says, as they shake hands. and her
little fingers lie trembling in his clasp.
The witchery OF her eyes is upon him,
and his face fiushes. and his voice trembles
like boys.
'Oh, that we had hever been parted,
Eleanor ~ he says hastily; then dropping
her hand. he leaves her.
The farm house and Mille-bright little
Millie-seem tame enough that afternoon.
month passes. and Miles wedding
day draws near. But the girls sweet face
is growing white with trouble which no
one guesses. Ernest is kind and attentive
still, but love has keen sense. and Mile
feels that he is changed. All the soul has
gone out of his tender words. 1t is very
hard to bear
There is concert to be given in the
next town by some London artists Mile
is passionately fond of music, and her lit
tie face brightens up when Ernest tells
her one morning that he is going to take
her.
Look your best, little one,'' he says.
I'VE will so with the Rectory party. and
you must wear your prettiest dress"
| She slips her hand into his arm, looking
wistfully into his face.
do You really care how look. En-
est?"
| But | have though sometimes lately
| that-that- Ernest dear. would gladly
suffer anything in order that you should
be happy. Even if you didn't love nue.,
and never married you. could bear it If
you were happy"
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