Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1885-05-22

'But thought he was to stay
until September
so he had planned, but some
thing has changed him
\ great weight sat upon Kate's
heart, and a choking was in her
throat. She turned away and
thought. The truth was not long
in coming to her. Arthur had dis
covered her secret and was afraid
Of her. But, had she gained his
heart? And, il so, should she lose
him. Should she without one
struggle, e,surrender the only promise
of JOY, true and pure, that had
entered into her life since her father
died
Arthur Grafton, standing beneath
a dropping elm, himself also droop.
ing, felt Il light touch upon the
arm. lie turned aud looked into
the sweet, earnest face OF the
beautiful being who had been Oc-
cupying all his thoughts.
arthur, your uncle tells me
that you think Of of leaving u.s.
She spoke with a calmness that
cost her a mighty effort.
Ycs,' he answered, in voice
that sounded hollow and distant.
She stood back and looked at
him with praycrful earnestneSs.
Arthur, will You answer me a
few questions, truly and frankly 2
yes
'If you had not met Charles
Dabney yesterday the thought of
leaving us to-day would not have
entered your mind Z
lie hesitated and considered.-
Surely IT would be honorable to
answer with the simple truth.
sIt would not he said.
'Charles Ddbney told You who
my father wasN
Yes
And he told you that | was
very, very wealthy in the posses
sion of money :
Yes.
But he did not tell you that |
had been poor, very poor, IN all
that can give promise Of true and
enduring blessings in life.
Arthur, in the great city was
haunted for my wealth. grew
sick and tired Of the dreadful
infliction, and resolved to escape
into purer atmosphere, and, If
possible, leave all trace Of my poor
wealth behind me. Good friends,
appreciating my purpose, assisted
me.
dropping my well.known family
name, came hither, recommended
chiefly by one who had been yonr
uncle's college mate in other years.
By and by you came to share the
life with me. Never mind how |
discovered it, but the knowledge
came TO me that yOn were a trne
and noble man. Aud soOn-soon
Il believed YOU loved me. My
heart bound with strange glad
ness whom | thought that truc,
strong, and generous man had
fallen Ia love with poor, simple
Kate Burbank. Can you doubt
whittier my heart was tendingP F
Arthur, ! love you with my
whole heart my first and only
love. If yOu love me as | had
hoped, yon shall not 60 away from
me. | will not loose my bright
ness Of life for the lack Of a few
honest words. can b. brave in
this trying hour. Dear Arthur,
will YOU take me for your wife, to
love me while life is ours 2
Her arms were outstretched, and
in moment more she was gathered
in the strong, shelteTing embrace
of a man who could not speak for
very joy.
The bright rays of the morning
sun, slanting through the tree tops
and lighting up ten thousand
sprays with glittering, dewy
diamonds, threw golden halo
about the loving twain, still clasp
ed in fond embrace. The birds
sang as it seemed they had never
sung before, and all nature was
surely in harmony with the infinite
love that had dropped its blessed
mantle upon the brave woman and
her promised husband Norwich