Little Falls transcript. [volume] (Little Falls, Morrison County, Minn.) 1876-1894, 1885-11-06
LOVE AND FATE.
BY MARIAN ROMERO.


-. BY MARIAN ROMERO.
Northern Budget. ". H. 49,.
Two people, a lady and gentleman,
are walking together underneath the
eins in an old yet beautiful garden.
The August sunshine lies warm and
bright above them, the birds are sing
ing in the branches over their heads
and at their feet are beds of fragrant,
old-fashioned flowers. Behind them
at some distance off stands q large
brown house, whose gabled roof is
half over-grown with ivy, and upon
whose imposing black oaken door is
inscribed the name, Elm Lodge. Far
away to the west lie the purple Cat
skills. to the south and east rise gently
sloping hills, upon which peaceful
focks are straying.
ut is a beautiful home, Professor.
Are you not happy here?"
The lady is watching his strong, earn
est face as she waits his answer. She
Is OF medium height, slender, and not
pretty. She has large, gray eyes. It
has been noted by observers that the
eyes of these two people, Professor
Bettinger and his pupil, Madge Kirby.
are exactly alike. She is dressed in a
shabby,g gray gown which has for adorn-
ment only bunch of wild, white dai-
sizes at her throat. The Professor
speaks slowly: 49,
cit is a beautiful home. have been
happy here all my life UNTIL He
stops and is biting his lips while q
slightly annoyed expression passes
over his face.
until lcame to disturb your peace?''
Madgeis speaking softly, sadly, and she
timidly lays her hand upon his arm as if
to plead for his forgiveness for some
fancied wrong. r
e"We have been much together, pro-
lessor" she says. II have grown to
find my life brighter and more full OF
purpose since l knew you,~ so noble,
so grand, so wise. I regret that you
have not been equally happy in my
presence" &C.,.
II did not, do not say So" he is
speaking with some hidden agitation
and his gaze rests a little yearningly on
her face. y -, -
"No, but it is 80. can see it more
clearly of late: You are nervous,
Ill at ease, often sad with me.
Why, dear friend, is this? Do l tire
you with my chatter, or-is it some
thing entierly apart from me? Tell
me" she is unconscious OF the ear
nest longing in her eyes as they meet
his, "what is it which troubles you?
"Miss Kirby, Madge, Unjust not tell
you ofmy trouble. Dear, you have no
trouble; at least, thank God"
He sees her start and blush. He is
unconscious OF that little tender word
he has spoken. It was in his heart,
and he uttered it unknowingly. There
is q long silence between them. Then
she speaks in a low tone:
professor, l am going away to-
morrow. received a letter this
morning from my aunt, stating that
she will accompany me from Elm
Lodge to my future home. Soon
must part with you, with this dear
pleasant summer home and all it's
memories, and forever"
He is looking sadly down on her
face. He thinks OF the long bright
days of happy companionship which
they have enjoyed together, Of the
books they have read and written, OF
the pleasant strolls by the river, and
it seems to him that shadow has
Fallen over the beauty ofthe afternoon,
q shadow which lies between them and
blots from each their ;wistful faces for
ever. "Madge'--he shocking into her
eyes, con, it seems so hard that we
must part. You will not utterly for
get--not quite Danish our happy, sum
mer from out your life?" Gssf = = j..
She answers fervently. q IT will not
do that, dear friend; I would not if
could" ,..s;.., Z. s,.,. :.
It is perhaps we'll that she scarce
~ understands her own feelings
in the matter. She speaks at length
Of her plans for the future.
She tells him about her betrothed hus-
band, Of the gay life she expects to
lead abroad, Of her ambitions and
hopes. To all he listened quietly and
with q grave almost indifferent air.
Once he tells her to be good and true
and earnest in her future life, as wife,
mother, and q Christian woman. The
tenderness of his face harnts her long
aiterward, even now it saddens her