The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1884-01-25
CHAPTER III.

A fortnight passed gloomily enough.
We dared not laugh or sing loudly, fol
the poor invalid could bear no noise
she visited on poor Ada the whole OF
her displeasure if she heard any. She
tolerated my society for half an hour
every day, and allowed me to read her
to sleep. Visits TO the sick room did
me an immense good. l always left
it with my content and thankfulness
much increased, for l must confess
was sometimes too willing to murmur
against my destiny.
George Tranceford still fingered with
his friend Walter, and remained with
my friend Ada. But the time had
come for me to 60. Aunt Gussy had
written, saying she had a slight attack
of rheumatism 10 the head. "But,'
said the letter, understand me, Flor
ence, do not want you at home
Your presence would do me no good
so do not hasten your return for my
sake"
Just like Aunt Gussy,' murmured
$50 proud and cold" But l thought Of
Ada's poor mother, and felt thankful
for so true friend and protector as
Aunt Gussy.
81 shall start tomorrow by the train
that leaves Mostyn at 8, Ada" l said
at tea that evening. "Aunt Gussy has
an attack of rheumatism, aud l cannot
be happy away from her.
For the first time George gave me
an anxious look, and Ada burst out
| with
ooh, Florence, must you 60 80 soon,
just when mamma is getting better and
enjoys your society and reading SC
much ?"
"You must remember that Aunt Gus
sy is the best friend l have in the
world" I replied, sand it would be
cruel of me to keep away from hel
when she is suffering
50 it was arranged after much dis
putation and attempted persuasion
that should leave them the next day
/ was alone in the library, and
thought, as gazed abstractedly into
the garden. "This is my last evening
my last. evening" repeated, "and
shall never see George again"
heaved deep sigh, and turned
full round, and found myself face tC
face with George,
"Oh!" | exclaimed, for he surprised
me very much, and | passed him ant
was leaving the room.
"Sit here and talk to me a little il
memory of old days, Florence, said h'
OBTAINING me.
"The old days are not so pleasant tC
me that | wish to recall them," | re
piled ; but | sat down near him all thu
same.
care these days more pleasant p h'
asked
[ "No," | replied, abstractedly ant
| then ladded, almost Immediately" Yes
at least | suppose so.
Then there was silence, which Georg
was the first to break.
"Florence," said he, 'let me call yo
Florence tonight, Florence tell me, di
you ever regret thai you sent me ava
from you p
sit is too late t. talk of that now,
l replied. "Five years have taught m
many things have changed me much
do not recognize in my staid self tn
Florence Liscom of five years back
the girl with the ripping curls, and tn
unfailing merry laugh; the girl tha
gave a saucy answer to George Trance
ford, and scorned Aunt Gussy's teach
ngs. | have learned since then t
lean upon One above, and to trust M
weak self less. | have grown wonder
fully old in these five years since l say
you last. Perhaps you see differenc
in me, You are not changed. / Sc
you just the same George as of old,
little more manly, little more browne
perhaps, but still the same old George
| can afford to talk like this" risin
from my seat, "because your love
such thing of the past-you asked m
to be your wife 50 many years ag,
You must forgive me if seem unwC
manly to speak to you thus. Perhal
it is wrong for it can do neither of /
good to call up these old memorie
and | must leave you nov, for it is m
last evening, and Ada will like me
be with her. Good bye"
/ held out my hand to George an
looked him frankly in the face.
"Florence, Florence he cried, ''wi
| do Won TOLL Df ,nu lnxra NJ, 4, ,h,oo.
the past : Oh, Florence, love yc
: now a thousand times better than
, ever did. | can thank God for keepl
you from me these five years to wo
, this change in you, Florence, deare
, Florence, tell me, can you love me
! How proud and harsh | was to you, II
, darling how lightly | let you 60 b
you must forg i've me, Florence; ha
!. never forgotten you, Though all the
weary years of travel | have look
= back longingly to England, known
that the only face | loved was the,
>. Oh, Florence, tell me-do you 10
q me p
II He paused but at last, with l
hand in his, replied; "George, | ha
l. always loved you. loved you, I
$ known to myself, when you asked
It to be your wife Love has grown W
t the memory it fed on, and many tim
e in secret | have wept bitter tears tina
threw away heart sso strong and II
y as yours
d "Thank heaven for this !" he sa
e and he came to my side, and put
arm around me and kissed me-
"That is for our betrothal love-
q whispered, and he led me on his a
o into the drawing room,
miss Leigh he said smilingly, 1t
n young lady has kindly promised to