The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1883-07-07

bilious dreams some OF fame. some OF
riches--and have often thought th,r is
more enjoyment in anticipating the iul
/ lillment of them than in their actual
consummation. When l was errand hey
it seemed as if would reach the YER,
| pima Gle of success cuull but obtain
clerks position and so Ola through each
grade. My ambition is still aspiring and
| happiness is--oh, so much-further of
than it was fifteen years ago This deuf
old hons is tie only spot where can
fad peace, if not forsetfulluess. he con
ciulei, MS we stopped before the low.
vine covered porch, where his mother, a
sweet-faced old lady was waiting to greet
us. 1 say US, for her welcome of me was
very cordial.
Matte was not visible, and did not
see her until she came to announce sup.
per- She impressed me as being lJw-
voiced, shy y-looking, girl, not pretty, ac-
cording to the general acceptation of the
term. Yet, sooI found myself admir-
ins the pure sweet face and earnest blue
eyes.
The next morning Mr.. Allync told me
his man could not possibly spare the
horses that day, rs they would be re-
q1ired to bring in the hay, and proposed
we should set out On a hunting expe-
dition, which we did Immediately after
breakfast.
TLis was the beginning of an unchang
ing frien ship between Hector Allyne
aud myself AS time passed our friend
ship strengthened, and although gave
him my entire history, felt instructive
ly that there were events in his life which
he kept concealed. When his vacation
days were over he returned to his duties,
but came back every Saturday, and /
can safely assert that no mem. er OF tire
household looked forward to his coming
with more gladness than l did.
l hardly know when l first learned TO
love Matte, for its growth was SO subtle
that it burst upon me full fledged almost
before l was aware of its existence, and
strange MS it may seem, it was into Hec-
tors ears first poured the story Of my
love for his sister, He did not appear
surpri,ed-only glad, very glad-when
he wruug my hand, saying:
"If you lave won her heart, RALPH,
you have jewel beyond price"
1 had won her heart-the purest, best
heart that ever throbbed in womans
breast, and shortly after she became my
betrothed wife.
Summer waned, and October came,
, changing the bright green foliage into
rich crimson and gold. Every week
determined to return to my studio, yet
, stayed on day after day, because once
, mere destiny willed it so. While was
: planning my own future, fate was block
ing out an enterly different path for me.
One night lit cigar and started for
stroll l usually took while Matte was
engaged il some household duties.
! There was frosty crispnoss in the air,
: which tempted me to rrolong my stay
beyond the customary hour, and it was
, nearly nine O'Clock when stepped upon
the porch where / saw a woman crouch
ing in front of one of my sitting room
windows evidently so absorbed in gazing
at the scene within as not to be consciou,
of my approach.
e "Are you ill, NIadanl?' l asked.
/ She staggered to her feet, ard stoot
e for moment like a stag at bay, ant
I shading her eyes with her hands, ques
toned in low, frightened tone;
rs it you, Hector?" then swayed from
side to side. and fell with heavy thuc
upon the porch before could reach GU
my arms to save her.
Mlttie. hearing the fall, opened til,
door hastily.
"a strange woman has tainted, dear,
l explniued; 60 quickly and bring som
I rtstoratives, while l carry her into th
- hall.
She returned with some brandy an,
water. Catching glimpse of the dead
I white face she uttered "A cry of aneuisl
that echoed though the old house, Mrs
!, Allyne came forward, but Matte spran
II before her
You shall not see her. mother" SD
said, cxcitedly.
. "Ifycu can bear the sight surely car
% dear. Bring her to tie sitting room
n Ralph"
:, LOBBY ed. and after placing her on th
lounge, we applied restoratives. Pres
!, emily the women opened her eyes an
y. looked around in Il dazed sort of way.
20 She VAS blooduess creature, Wit
Ia pathetic dark eyes, and face aged wi
nc sufi, ring.
Il wanted to see my little Ida.
. Hector here? Tell him am dying, As
:, him, oh, for Gods sake, ask him to fc
a give me-"
40 The appeal was addressed to me, fl
Matte aud her mother had stepped asie
:, al she was not conscious OF their Pre-
ar enoA.
"Be quiet now" answered gentl
"you shall see him tomorrow, Ie
htPs."
en TOO late; there will bo no to-morr
~ for me" she murmured wedrily,
sd She appeared to be completely e
hausted, aud from her iuccLerent MI
terings We learned that she had BET
90 walking many days, but could not d
-. cover where she came from. When S
~ was comfortably placed in the bed. vii
~ was brought iuto the sitting room,
ou went for the doctor. aud sent the folio
ing dispatch to Hectoi'
l'h Sylvia is here. Come"
- asked no questions concerning h'
but readily corjsctured she was Hecto
Ne truant wife. The physician pronoune