The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1884-10-04

prayer-book, took rapid peep at the
name inside. 1t was very quickly done
and might have escaped notice; but l
was watching him closely. could even
read the uame myself. 1t was in bold, L,
manly handwriting; ITO Hester, June
2s 1S-," l stated aghast at ouch au
act Of impertinence and glanced at Aunt
Hetty to see whether she woul resist j.;
but she had probably not noticed the off
fanse, Tor she made no sign.
The congregation began to disperse,
and we passed out in our turn, the major
close behind US. We were scarcely fair
ly in the street when he spoke to
auntie.
MADAM, I am going to ask you very
singular question, but let me assure you
that have deep personal interest in
asking it. Will you tell inc how you
came by that red prayer-book that you
ust2,'
1 shall never forget aunti.'s answer,
given as quickly as If it we're tho most
commonplace matter, though l could
tell by the faint rose.flush ou her usual.
ly pale cheek how deeply she was
moved
You gave it to me yourself, Major.
Blake, six.aud-tweuty years ago"
The majors face WAS study. Sur
prise, delight. and incredulity seemed
struggling tor the mastery. He took of
his hat and stood bareheaded. 1 hardly
know why, but that one little gesture
seemed to tell me- better than the most
passionate protestationS would have
done, that the old love had been kept a
treasured and a sacred thing. And, 1
Thick, from the faint smile that gathered
round her mouth as she lo,ked ny at
uim that the same thought camo to
auutie.
"And you are Hotty3' he said. YES.
know you uow."
"You bad forgotten the six.and-twen'y
years, Maj. Blake. 1 knew you from tue
FIRST"
And would you really have let me go
without word or sign2" he kei.
"Why uotf" she replied. How could
I know you wish to be reminded OF old
| iimes?'
''R minded I have never forgotten.
'ried ny har lest to forget, aud couldn't.
lltbo Rh YOU preferred auother."
another? What other?"
"Y Jug Sandys. Did you not marry
hiu2"
| Il have never seen him since"
AT this stage of the conversation 1t
struck me that / was decidedly de tror.
NJ j. Blake had replaced his hat. and,
-ide 10y side with arntie, WAS liking
slowly homeward. had hitherto been
( llIwiug behind; but, reaching con.
veuient street corner, let them pro.
ceed alone, and weut of without beat
Of drum. fer II stroll in an opposite d .
rection. When l reached the boarding.
house, half an hour later. found nun,is
and the major sitting in the courtyard.
uuder'the shade of the great tree. The
major oour,eously lifted his hat at my
approach aud said:
Miss DLuvers, your aunt auu l are
worry ola friends: indeed, many Years age
We were engaged TO be married, but M
unfortunate misunderstanding separ iteC
us. We have lost many happy Years OF
life together, but hope some may still
remain to us. trust We shall have Soul
. good wishes.
II looked from one to the otler.
''You dear darling auntie, then you
really are going to DO married after all
o, course, wisl you joy, and Maj
Blake, too, from the bottom of NY
heart"
II don't know" said auntie, shaking
her head doubtfully. I'm little aiIait
We are two Ul II fools"
nay. dear" said the major. raising
ner hand gallantI to his lips. "PvrhaE
We were young fools, but that is nix aud
twenty years ago. LIT US hope We hav>
learned true wisdo. now"