St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1886-06-06

upon him as before, and insisting that
should join him in the meal. They both
seemed Quieted by my presence, and in q
short time Ivy slipped away and left Ms alone.
The first time for two whole, long months
that we had been quite alone together. He
held out his hand TO me, and there was
more than love; there was what seemed to
me kind of yearnng pity in his eyes as
he fixed them on me.
l went over to him and knelt by his side,
laying my head upon his shoulder, and feel,
ing that this was worth waiting for through
ali these long, weary weeks.
After minute or two | pulled his arm a
little tighter around me and put my face
nearer to his for the caress that was so loug
in coming. His lips touched my forehead,
sending thrill through my whole frame,
but neither of us spoke.
felt that no words were needed to en-
nance the intense pleasure OF the moment.
But presently Arthur broke the silence.
and these were his words: What a lovely
creature your sister is Nellie" +.
Yes, Arthur. she is very lovely" | all.
swered. WHO would ever take lis for sis
ters?"
And then came the sound of Ivy's voice,
singing as she came in order to let us know
she was coming. | rose from my knees and
sat down i'll an armchair. while Ivy en-
tered and seated herself beside Arthur or
the sofa.
Conversation commenced again, and
brightly and merrily the evening glided by.
l talked but little; it was pleasure enough
to ME to see them both before my eyes
the two l loved best in the world-to listen
to the rich, deep voice of the one and the
sweet silvery tones of the other.
| | Il 10
love knows not what jealousy means. 1t
trusts blindly and implicitly in its object,
doubling neither actions nor motives, an
noyed by no petty anXieties. worried by no
needless wonderings In the strong for
tress of simple, loving faith it dwells Sc
cure and safe, and would as soon think of
doubling its own identity as the stability of
the idol it has made for itself.
Are you staying in London for any
length of timer" asked Ivy, presently.
It'll the end of this week, Arthur an
swered. MAY call again before / return
to Lilbourne?" he added. turning to me as
he spoke.
And then remembered that the pleasure
| of seeing Arthur had temporarily driven
from my mind that Miss Lester, the elder
sister OF my pupils, had told me that the
Sunday school, at which she taught. gave
its annual treat next day in the grounds of
Lambeth palace, and that Mrs. Lester
hoped would not mind taking the chill
dren there instead of working with them at
home.
She had also given me two tickets, in
case any of my friends would want to use
them. These tickets now produced hand
ing them to Ivy and Arthur, who received
them like couple of children looking for
ward to days holiday.
"Oh, how sweet of her, Nellie! shall
go at once and ask aunt if she will excuse
school for tomorrow"
And away she went with the priced tick
cts in her hand.
When Arthur left that evening he prom
lsed to call for US at o'clock the next day
or rather to call for Ivy, as L was to start
with the Testers.
1t was nearly o'clock before 1 saw them
i'll the field on the day of the treat L had
looked round for them once or twice, but
l had plenty to do in looking after my own
little charges, and in helping Miss Lester to
amuse the scholars.
Even at the tea table found myself at
the opposite side of the room to where Ar
thur and Ivy sat together, but fancied
that Arthur looked pale and worried.
He thinks me unkind for keeping aWay
from him." thought.
And knowing the kindness of Mrs. Les
ter. whom l had already informed of my
engagement, asked if [ might leave the
children with their sisters for a little while.
as had not been with my friends all day.
Certainly, Miss Weston; please join
them at once. To tell the truth, l thought
that gentleman was your sisters lover; he
seems so fond of her. Please do not trOu-
Bile about your pupils any more tonight. l
will take charge of them myself until nurse
comes to fetch them home"
SO joined Arthur and Ivy, but my low
er's face grew no brighter as did SO. He
was more silent than | had ever known
him, and even Ivy seemed sad to might.
But came to the conclusion that
they both must be tired, and tried
my hardest to cheer them, talking
OF everything, and nothing, as we walked
round the field, until it was time to return
home.
Not till this moment had so much as
shadow clouded my implicit faith in my
lover: and had seen him and my sister to-
gether without the tiniest thought that
either could deceive me.
But it was only for a moment hat felt
thus; before l had had time to remove my
hand from my sisters head l was myself
extraordinarily calm, though the pillows
had passed over my soul.
What gave Inc that wonderful strength
IN the moment of my great weakness?
Was it pride? No; pride could not have
dune it. 1t was love-mighty love-a wo-
mans love, perfected in the furn ae of
affection.
raised my sister from the ground and.
putting my arms around her, pressed her
to my heart. l loved her. and | loved him:
they must be happy if it cost me my life.
when Is he coming again?" whispered.
HE asked me to walk in the park to.
morrow morning, and told him generally
took the children out at about LII
We'll, Ivy, will get Mrs Testers per-
mission to go out for half an hour, and I
will meet him first. You must join us
little later on, and if it is all right you can
stay with him for short time Will that
do, Ivy?"
Apparently without a thought of what
was doing for her, or of the pain it cost
me, my sister assented; and, while she
slept the sleep of light-hearted happiness,
passed miserable night. bidding adieu to
the happy past and schooling myself to look
calmly on the deSolate future
Next morning l went out to meet Ar
thur. There in the park l found him wait
ing, not for me. but for my sister.
As l approached he came to meet me-
and led me to a lonely path which nurse |
maids and children seemed to avoid. With |
out any preamble of words l asked NV
questions, and discovered that he loved nv
sister as fondly as she loved him.
Il am cruel, Nellie, but you left me too |
much to her. And Who could resist such at
fractions as she possesses"
You are not SO cruel" answered, "as
you would have been had you married me
loving another. 1t may be sad to be a lonely
old maid. but it must be agony unspeakabIe
to be a loveless wife. Had you wronged me
by making Inc the latter, that would indeed
be cruelty past forgiveness. You and wv
make up my whole world; and to make
your happiness must ever be mine. Do
not reproach yourself with what you have
done; be thankful, as l am, that the truth |
was discovered ere the mischief became il
remedabIeD