The Indianapolis sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1880-1904, 1885-01-14

happy. He did not seem old 70 her in spite
OF bis forty years and gray hair. When they
returned TO the Hall Meta and Hal were on
the porch alone. As Gertie went mp to where
they were sitting Hal read in the blushing
face of bis sister her secret.
so, my precious sister, IL is all over; you
have promised to be his wife,
"Yes, Hal; with mammals consent"
Little sister, / wish you all the luck and
happiness which a loving sister, q tr ne
daughter and noble girl deserves, YET it Is
With a pang of regret that .h nix OF another
having the right to call you his. An Doc
tor. l wish you joy"
"And / too wish you long AID happy
life" said Meta.
Thank you both. You see, Meta, did
live to be forty without knowing what love
was and suppose If / had not met Gertie, l
should have died the same way"
What is that you are saying, Drctor2r
asked Mr.. Woodruff as he came out in time
to hear tie last part of the Doctors re-
mark.
"CongrstuIate me-, Mr.. Woodruff, for an
the happiest man alive, having won your
niece. the patient, untiring nurse, IS my
promised wife"
81 do; with all my heart 1 wish you joy,
aud you too, Gsrtie, 1 hope will never re-
greet the choice you have made"
II do not think shall, uncle"
We have not seen Arthur and Lima.
~
doing all morning? IL you are not too tired
follow me up the broad stair way, into
Lina's coy sitting+room, and you will see
for yourself. Seated in great, easy chair,
With her lover by her side the mistress of
Woodruff Hall is happy. Mr.. Woodruff had
gone out for drive, and Lima had insisted
upon Arthur accompanying her TO her
room, where no one would disturb them,
and he had consented rather reluctantly.
ut is not right, Lima, yet for once, aud
perhaps the last time, you may have your
way"
"Do you care, Arthur, whether am hap
py or not?'
III did not, would not be here"
Then do not cast me aside, but let me &C
with you, for where you are can be happy
only"
Would you be willing to give up name,
character, yea, even your very soul, for me,
y MANI"
I might as well live before the world IS L
am. There are IS many sins committed in
thinking 1rC ng as doing wrong; and as for
nv soul, 1t 10 already lost"
Lima, there is only one way for Us to
live right. and that is as far apart as posi-
accepted your invitation to visit Woodruf
Hall"
1T would have been better for IA both
had We never met after my marriage"
Lima, let Us Lot spend out days in re-
GREETING oyer the past, but Let rs atone for
our wrong by DOING better IN the fCtu-e.'
Il Will only try TO do that In which | can
find happiness. Give is coming; 90 TO your
room at once. One kiss, my Arthur, there
goodbye"
Another week had passed by and the guests
at Woodruff Hall were going home. Gertis
too was gong, rs she must get ready for her
wedding, which was TO take place the Let OF
NOVPmDpF anQ liz WAS nOX Tna lat Of San
tember.
Goodbye. Meta. and may God bless you,
said Ha as he shook Metals hand.
"Coms back soon, Hal, az We shall al
Goodbye Meta, 1 hope you and
Eupene-n
"Hush, Gertie, there-good-bye until we
meet again.
well, Miss Woodruff. suppose my time
comes next. l do not know how to thank
you for your kindness and tor the many
pleasant hours have spent during my visit
st your home" said Arthur
BY coming to see us again s0on."
THANK you, and goodbye" He held her
little hand In long, loving clasp until she
cIled out with pain, which made him realize
his upgallant conduct He turned to say
goodbye to Lima but she had disappeared.
Mr.. Woodruff, l should like to say good
bye to your wife, and thank her for all her
kindness" continued Arthur.
You will find her in the library lying
down, as she is not feeling we'll; bat you will
have to hasten back or you will miss the
train"
Entering the library. he found her weep
ing bitterly. What is it that will touch the
heart of man quicker than to see tears in the
eyes of the woman he loves.
Lima, my darling, what does this mean?'
"Is it necessary for you to ask that ques.
tion2 Oh, Arthur, Arthur, can not give
| you upl' she exclaimed.
God knows this parting is painful, but l
will return to you soon. Ny darling. be
brave for you are compelled to endure ii. s"
IF / am ever free, Arthur"
IL will make you my wife; you have my
| promise. Goodbye, my lost treasure; l will
| be with you ChTistmas"
do not 60 yet, Arthur"
II must for time and trains wait for no
msn."
Kissing her be hurriedly left the room
| and the woman he once loved so psssions te-
| ly and yet loved more than any other. The
| carriage was soon rolling down the avenue,
| carrying away the guests of Woodruff Hall
| from the scenes of their recent pleasures,
| leaving behind them q lonely girl and a
| wrstched woman.
| Meta spent most Of the day in the park,
| thiL king of the one across the wide ocean
| whom she loved so dearly, but who had, for
| some unknown cause, ceased to write to her.
| Could il be true that he was going 70 marry
| bis cousin? She would wait three weeks
| lor ger, then if he did not write she would
believe il TO be true. Lima went to her room
| and remained there until the next morning,
| not sick, but miserable. Meta and her father
took dinner together alone, for the first time
since bis marriage.
"How much like the good old times it is
to be alone with you, papa"
Those were happy days. But were you
happier then than now?"
Il will not tell you falsehood. sm far
from being happy now"
II fear il is your own fault, my darling.
By the way, have you hear from Eugene
| late'y?"