The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1884-02-28
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We were Il Cham when our delayed
mail was received. There was a month
old letter from my nephew, Reginald
Travers, containing sad news. MY dear
old friend Oswald Hamilton was dead
his affairs left in bad way. The ar
fangement Of his papers, Strengthening
accounts and settling up Of the estate
were left in my hands, A second was
to the effect that Josepha (the only and
motherless daughter of my old
friend. about "a years of age) had fin
ally refused him. That he had secured
change into the Tenth, which was soon
to be ordered away to fight Zulus, and
closed by saying that the best thing
could wish him was bullet through the
head in the first enlargement.
My poor Reg! It was his first taste of
life's bitter, and it was going down hard.
Ilonged to grasp his hand in sympathy.
cursed the stupidity of mail carriers and
stormed at the hundred and one annoy
ing delays that kept me so long on my
homeward way. However, in two days
was we'll on my Journey.
Soldiers are rough of speech Ibe-
gan to fashion some soft phrases of
sympathy for my old friends daughter,
but gave up in despair, trusting that,
as in battle, when the opportunity comes,
I should be ready to equal it. And,
after all, to such self-reliant natures as
Josepha's sympathy held tone of pity
which gave it a distasteful flavor.
A word of myself here. An old SOL
der, nearing so. but hale and hearty, I
inherited at my brothers death the pile
Of stone he called home, and his large
business interests. A misanthrope, he
had shown little taste for the society Of
his kind. My visits to him were few
and brief. had taken little notice of
Josepha until / came to Deerwood as it's
master. Her name describes her. Divine
ly tall, she had none of the awkwardness
peculiar in women of her stature, but
her motion was at all times free, sug-
costing the fight of seabird. Better
than beauty, her face expressed dignity
and character. Her mouth was shapely
and red, although asquare jaw and long
chin proved somewhat detractive to it.
But her eyes-glorious. Clearest
gray with pupils of velvet, set under a
mans forehead. She had frank. bon
comarade way which played sad havoc
with mems hearts, whatever their armor.
Many Of the wisest and wariest knelt at
her shrine, but each and all vainly.
Between her and my dear lad there had
been an understanding based on child
ish attachment. Merely silken link.
cared little for society Though, thank
God! never unfriendly or cold to my
kind, like my brother). The surround
ing country families who would have
lionized me on account of few scars
and decorations met with small en-
encouragement, and but for the flying
visits of my young lieutenant and an
evening cigar on one! of the wide YER
andas OF Hamilton place, my time was
passed in riding and walking and shoot
ing.
Now l will let you into the secret.
I was surprised when found it out my
self. I had fallen in love with Josepha.
Preposterous! So I said. At any rate,
give me some credit I never dreamed
of telling her, and went away i'm
misunderstanding with party OF
friends.
My old friend I mourned sincerely.
Though ten years my senior, we had
been friends years and years. He knew
stood ready to lend helping hand
whenever it needed; but he was proud
to fault, and though had begged him
to allow my assistance (for knew he
was in sad straits) he would never take
penny.
His reverses were quick and sudden.
His indomitable will upheld him in his
struggle for time, when that broke
beneath the burden of troubles, which
grew heavier day by day.
Dear old friend! ''Here lies a man
whom pride brought low" n1urmured
as stood over his grave.
1 had arrived at Deerwood late in the
afternoon, and had stopped in thu
ehurchyard on my way to Josepha.
The grass waved to and fro. fan.
cied the one below stirred uneasily.
Peace" I whispered. Your name
shall be cleared; your daughter guard
ed WELL"
Josepha, let me in. She stayed t
Hasten the door, and as she came W
with me in the corridor she slipped he
cold hand into mine and l. held i
strongly. My eyes fell on Oswald
picture as we entered the drawing
room. Together we stood looking at it
Then I looked at Joseha in her long
black gown, ner neck rising like a lii,
stem from its sombreness, as stood b.
her side. Bereavement and harassi NJ
cares had set their mark on brow ant
lips though she still held her heat
proudly, and her eyes looked into mine
unmisted.
If I had loved her in the midst of he
happiness and ightheartedness, how
much more loved her now, penniless
with o faint shadow of dishonor on ne
name, f6fsaken by the crowd of sum
;mer-day friends.
She looks into my face, for my tongu
was tied, end then bent her head ant
kissed my hand.
my dear" said, my dear"
The only safe thing for me to do wa
to 60 to the window, and I went
Presently she followed me, and, havin,
myself as thoroughly in hand as an oil,
fighter should by this time, sat dow
beside her and we had long, seriou
talk.
The long rays of sunlight paled iron
orange to amber and gradually faded in
to the gray of dusk, and as yet we la.
not spoken Of the future. Josepha ha'
her fathers own pride and strength q
will, and my heart failed me as I men
tally marshalled my forces and prepare
to advance. First, I meant that sh
should come home with me.
"Josepha," began, this is no plac
for YOU" and then I called myself a
old blunderer, who deserved to be wei
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