The home journal. (Winchester, Tenn.) 1858-188?, 1884-02-13

length youth ana gOOu constitution
brought back health to the heart broken
girl But alas the blooming young
lIebe of seventeen summers was no
more. IN her place tall, pale girl mp
peared, but with beauty that even the
most iastidious admired. The golden
brown curls that clustered around her
temples lay in ripping waves upon n
brow as pure as snow, ana tine sort, ltis-
trous hazel eyes wore an expression OF
sadness that told of the heart grief that
would he hers forever.
Mr.. Meredith travelled with his daugh-
ter through all the most attractive parts
of Europe for year. Then, at her re-
quest, he took her home. Mary had be-
come woman, bright, intelligent,
glorious woman, and crowds Of admirers
worshiped at her feet; but the image of
Felix was still as fresh as ever in her
heart, and the vows she had exchanged
with him were never for moment for
gotten. Therefore, all offers of marriage
were Mt once declined.
Time rolled on. Mary had now reached
her twenty-eighth year, and still re-
maned a maiden beneath the paternal
roof.
One cold winter evening Mary sat by
the glowing fire in her fathers drawing
room. Her small white hands were
clasped upon her bosom, and her eyes
were cast downward until the long lashes
lay like golden penciling upon her check.
Near her, in his great-arm chair, sat Mr..
Meredith, with the SHOWS of many win.
ters on his head and his face deeply
iunowed by the hand of time. There
was IN expression of care upon his coun-
tenancc. He looked troubled and I'M
happy.
MARY" said he, continuing conver-
sation that had been going on between
them, "all my life | have made your
happiness my constant study and have
given You luxurious home. Now You
are advancing in years and | shall ere
long be separated from you by death.
How can leave you alone in this cold
world? A home is now open to you and
you must accept it. 1t is not because |
owe this man very large sum that | in
sist upon this marriage, although if you
refuse him we will be sunk into the most
aLcct poverty, for would rather endure
all the misery of the situation than risk
your well-beinS; but l know you will he
happy with Mr.. Ambrose for husband
He is good and kind as well ms very
rich.
erich in what, father"
The old man started Mt these words
but at length answered.
an honor and manhood" Mary said
no more. "The crisis is now upon me, "
continued Mr.. Meredith. an few
short days | shall be overwhelmed with
misery if you do not rescue me. Mr..
Ambrose has asked me for your hand
He has seen you many times and loves
YOU"
"And Mr.. Ambrose makes my han,
the price of your safety p
"No, he has not said so; but he il
aware of my situation, and, knowing it
asks the hand Of my child. 1t seems t,
me as if God had kept you free to say,
your old father from ruin. What an
swer am I toreturn to Mr.. Ambrose? ?"
"My heart was broken long ago,
Mary answered, looking into her fathers
face. 81 will marry this man for YOU
sake, but he must not expect affection,
for have none to give. Tell him this
that he may not be deceived"
81 will bring him here tomorrow
evening, tor he is anxious that the inter
view shall be over.
, Mr.. Meredith was relieved, the fear o.
disgrace was removed from him, and he
3 rejoiced in the prospect of prosperous
marriage for his daughter.
+. On the following evening Mary Ngai
sat 10y the drNwing-room fire. She wa
:. alone now and calm, but her face was 9
r pale as Parian marble. The outer doc
It opened, and she heard the sound {
heavy footsteps in the hall. Once mol
ir the image of Felix arose before her;
n cold shiver passed over her and unbi
IT den tears trembled in her eyes, but by
great effort she subdued her agitatic
is before her father, and the man about
n. buy her with his gold entered the dra'
d. ing.room. Mary arose and extended h
h. hand ; it was as cold rs ice, but did II
~ tremble. She glanced at Mr.. Ambro
nj and saw man of medium height vii
x. brilliant dark eyes; n nently'trimmt
NJ beard concealed the lower part OF b
yisage. He greeted her politely, an
o. took n seat. A short time was spent
converservation, but gradually silen'
II, fell upon them which was becomin
is oppressive when the visitor broke Il
w spell.
I'll "Miss Meredith, he said, in sol
is low tone, "you are of course aware
lg the object of my visit hereP Pardt
me if ] speak plainly.
e. Mary looked up but made no repl
ng Mr.. Ambrose's voice was so kind NJ
us gentle that she thought he deserved
ed wife who could love him.
'as "Your father has told me You have
ix love to give me but that you will mar
no me. 1, too, once thought shou
m. never love again, but the sight OF y
has dispelled the illusion. Let me t.
at you my story. Long years ago l lov