The sun. [volume] (Morris, Stevens County, Minn.) 1882-1895, 1886-11-18
LOVE AND WAR.

Two lovers. After Twenty Weary Years u
Separation. Are Finally United.
evan Bernard, wish you to understar.
distinctly that am at liberty to choose nv
own company, and do not propose thai
You shall dictate to me, either. and Eller.
Gilbert gave her worstej an emphatic jerk
by way of erpIasisA
but, Ellen, this fellow is a stranger,
and-well do not like the look of his black
eyes,
Van srol1e his convictions. for il his feel
ings had not been hurt by his evident in
terest in the maiden he loved, there was
something so forbidding about this elegant
Stranger, who had been spending the
autumn amcng the Ohio hills, as to put
p lin. honest Van on his guard.
Henry ltonians is perfect gentleman,
and understands how to conduct himself in
the presence of ladies, which is more than
could be said Of some young men know"
Ellen retorteG, angrily.
Van colored ut the thrust, but managed
to say, cooliy:
s'You know, Ellen, how people will talk,
for well, every body knows we are en-
gagged"
Engaged! Van Bernard, when did /
promise to become your wife! So far as /
can recollect, you have never yet asked me,
and it is not probable that should consent
to such proposition without some such in
ti1nation on your part.'
While Ellen was speaking q shadow crept
over Vans honest face, and leaving his
chair he came over and leaned heavily
against the mantel. 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 formality of
asking and answering that question, we
understood each other perfectly. Is not
the engagement-ring upon your finger at
this very moment" Snatching the ring
from her hand she threw it towards him,
saying: $50 perish the last link that binds
us together. am glad to be free-to feel
that You can not hold me to o bargain that
was never made"
"Eiien, you know / do not wish my free
dom. and you are just as confident that 1
would never try to hold you to an engage
mcnt OF which you are tired. You are not
yourself this evening. When you think
over your hasty words you will decide diff
fercnily."
'.Nevcr! Idespise you, and hope you will
never come into my presence again." Ellen
dashed back
walkol slowly out Of the doorway and
down the path to the. gate. He did not go
horne. bat turning into a path that crossed
the meadow, he wandered aimlessly along
until he reached . secluded spot, where he
sat down tc think. From his earliest boy
hood he lsnd known and loved Ellen Gilbert
As tbcy grew up to manhood and woman
hood thsir affections centered more and
more in each other, and years ago it came
to 10 understood that in due course of time
they would make . home for themselves
Though more than ordinarily intelligent,
Van was only plain farmer; but, until the
coming Of Henry Romans, Ellen had been
proud Of his sterling qualities, and the
whole wealth Of her young heart belonged
to him.
Romans had come to spend the season
with = friend, and in making love to the
pretty, little rustic maiden, he had no high
or notiva than tc be amused for a few tedi-
ons wsak&. Ellen was dazzled by his
stylish appearance, and enjoyed the envi-
ous glances OF her young companions; but,
although she wished Van was not so old