Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1886-11-24
LOVE Ano Wan.
Two Lovers. After Twenty Weary Years Of
Separation, Are FINALLY United.

Two Lovers After Twenty Weary Years Of
Separation, Are FINALLY United.
evan Bernard, wish you 10 understand
distinctly that am nj liberty To choose my
own company, and | do not propose that
you shall dictate 10 me, either" and Ellen
Gilbert gave her worsted an emphatic jerk
10y way OF emphasis.
but, Ellen, this fellow Is n stranger,
pnd-wcn do not like the look Of his black
eyes"
Van spoke his convictions. for " his feel
hgs had not been hurt by his evident in.
tcrest In the maiden he loved. there was
something no forbldding about this elegant
stranger, who had been spending the
tumn among the Ohio hills Hs 10 put
plain, honest Van on his guard.
Henry Romans is perfect gentleman,
md understands how u conduct himself In
the presence Of ladies', which IL more than
could be said " some young men know, ~
Ellen rctorted, angrly.
Van colDrcd at the thrust, bu: managed
10 say, coOlly:
"You know, Ellen, how people will talk
for-woll, every body knows we are en-
gagod."
''Eagagcd Van Bernard, when did I
promise 10 become your wife! SO far as
cnn rccollcct, you have never yet asked inc,
"
20 such "a proposition without some such in
Hmation ON your part"
While Ellen was speaking n shadow crcpt
over Vans honest face, AMI leaving his
chair he came over and leaned heavily
against tho mantcl. When he could steady
his voice, he said, slowly and sadly ELLEN,
there never was time when did not look
upon you as my future wife, though we
have never gone through the fornality OF
asking and answering that question, we
understood each other perfectly. Is not
the cngagcmcntring upon your finger at
this very moment" Snatching tn ring
from her hand She threw IL towards him,
saying: $50 parish the last link that binds
us together. / am glad ~ bc freo-to feel
that you can not hold mo 10 bargain that
was never madO."
ELLEN. you know do not wish my free.
dom, and you are just IA confident that
would never try 10 hold you to an engage
nent Of which You are tirod. You are not
yourself this evening When you think
over your h1aty To-le You will docid DIFF
fcrently."
"Nc-cr! dc plIo yoG, and hope you will
never como into my presence again." Ellen
dashed back.
Van took Ms hat frum the table, and
walked slowly ont Of tho doorway and
down tho path t0 the gate. He did not 90
home, but turning into apath that crossed
the meadow. no wandered aimlcssly along
uutil he reached secluded spot, whore he
sat down 20 think From his earliest bog
hood lac had known and loved Ellen Gilbert.
As they grew UP to manhood and woman
hood their affections conferred more and
more In each other, and ycars ago IL came
90 be understood that In due course OF time
taCy would make homo Tor themselves
Though more than ordinarily intelligent,
Van was only plain farmer; but, until the
coming Of Henry Romano. Ellen had been
proud Of his sterling qualities. and the
whole wealth Of her young heart belonged
o. him.
Romans had come 10 spend tho season
with friend, and In ma Sing love 10 the
pretty, little rustic maiden, he had no high
err motive than 10 be amused for few tell
Gus weeks. Ellen was dazzled by his
stylish appearance, and enjoyed tho envi-
Gus glances OF her young companions; but,
although she wished Van was not 80 old