Springfield globe-republic. (Springfield, Ohio) 1884-1887, 1885-03-12

on one OF MS temples. -.
How do you find yourself to-high"
old fellow ?" IN
so nearly recovered that 1 shali
resume my duties tomorrow re-
sponded John Ainslie with smiie;
(which. l think, you will be giad 10
learn.
..Well. I don't know. I'm glad to
have you up again, but I've enjoyed the
excitement and novelty on the whole,
especially the astonishment among Such
of nv acauaintances as l CHANGED TO
meet 1t has certainly given me
revelation in one direction, which,
however unexpected and painful. Will
prevent nv making lifelong mistake.
| don't want YOU to do SO until you are
strong enough, but if you think you are
able to 90 back, l believe l Will leave
town for a few weeks. "
Arthur put his resolution into effect
early the following morning, telling no
one of his design or destination. In
fact, he scarcely knew or cared whittier
he went. his sole motive in going at all
being to escape from the wounded and
bitter feeling at his heart, and which at
times seemed more than he could bear.
He had been gone about two months
when he received a letter from John
Ainslie, on the envelope OF which were
various postmarks, obtained in follow
ing his erratic movements
1t was as follows:
FRIEND ARTHuE.-I have been thinking
a good deal lately about what you told me
in regard to Miss Hamilton, and wondering
il you knew of her fathers failure, and
which occurred, as | have learned since, the
day was hurt, and you so kindly took my
place. 1t seems that Mr.. Hamilton lost
everything; even his house was attached,
and all his beautiful furniture sold by auc-
ton. His daughter, Ida, I'm told. supports
| them both by teaching, her father being a
good deal broken in body and mind since
his misfortune She teaches in a school
few miles out, but was in town yesterday,
and getting on my car in leaving the boat, /
chanced 20 see her. She was dressed very
plainly. and 50 altered that | should not
| have known her but for her beautiful hair
| and eyes II seems 70 be the general i'm
preston that you broke your engagement
on account Of her fathers loss Of fortune;
| and knowing how far from the Truth this
| Is. and believing that you were entirely
I, Ignorant Of the fart at the time you left
\ town, thought would write and tel you
| Of it--YOur friend tsEly,
JOHy ArssLIg"
Arthur was not long in reaching town
atter reading this. He went directly 10
his rooms. fioting On his deck small
/ package and a letter
The letter came the dag you Left, !"
| said the lzndladY. and the package 2
fe< DAYS z.ter: BOT zs you Iefi 10 dirsc-
tons about sending anything. j kept
them for you"
The package contained some Letters
and : ring. Whose eosily diamond
sparkIed ike dex-crOp ss Il fell upon
the desk
HOs xel be remembered placing Is
upon the small white hand. and al the
glowing hopes that made his hezrI bez;
20 high,
By the date Of the letter Arthur san
that II was written the morning sftei
bis attempt 10 see the writer Il raj a.
follows:
Nix GAREOIL.-OginE 10 an UufOrtul,
ate bIUnder, the servant did Dot give La
the right name when you called last even
ing.
Il have been thinking tina; perhaps I was
too hasty IN the conclusions i drew from
what you said al Our last interview, and
which occurred q. q time when was fee'
ing wounded and humiliated by my altered
circumstances and SO more prone 70 take
offence
Il infer that you have also met witt
reyerses- but If you think any change II
your outward surroundings could make
any change in me you do me great wrong
IF there Is ANYTHING 70 explain shall b.
glad 10 see or hear from YOU Failing 10 Dc
so, will return your letters and tie ring
You gave me, glad 70 know, ere IL was too
late. how worthless is the love you rrofessec
TO feel for IDA HAMILTON"
The writer Of the above letter sal
alone in the rustic school-house u
which she had been confined many
weary months, with but brief season:
for rest and relaxation
There had been dull throbbing pair
in her temples all day, making the
shuttle of little feet on the bare floor
the murmur of childish voices, almos
uncomfortable.
But they had all vanished now. anC
she sat alone in the gathering twilight
alone with her troubled thoughts anC
mournful recollections. Never had lif'
seemed so wearisome to her, so VoiC
of all Joy and brightness.
The hardest thing to bear was the
consciousness that. in spite of his un
worthiness, her thoughts would turf
with regretful tenderness to him whC
had obtained too strong hold on hel
heart and life to be easily dislodged.
II would never have forsaken hin
thus" she murmured through her fast
falling tears. when misfortune came
Iwould have clung all the more closely
| 70 hsyv, ~