The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1886-12-18

from her hand.
Even to this day Dick recalls that pict-
ure, describing it in Its minut4st detail. A
feeling of sadness took possession of him.
an unexplainable dread; and had he dared
to do so he would have tuned back.
CHAPTER V.
FAREWELL
As Claudio retraced her steps to the little
cottage her heart was light and happy
happier than it had been for 1, long time.
The world somehow looked different to her,
looked brighter, and she felt at peace with
every one. She had scarcely began to
question or understand her heart, and the
love and passion it was capable of but
now she began to see that this new era of
affairs dated back only to the time when
she first met these guests of her father.
Reaching the seclusion of her own room
she tremblinely unlocked a small casket
and produced cabinet picture. a picture
of a dark eyed, dark haired little woman,
handsome even as Claudio herself. As
she gaZed ut the portrait the hot tears
welled in her eyes, and, dropping to her
knees, she cried passionately:
oh, mamma, mamma, why are you not
here, to counsel and advise your little girl
and guide her Alright? Look down upon
me. Am 1 wrong? Do l sin in loving
him? in loving a man who has never
spoken 10 me of love? Oh. / do love him,
He is so kind; he is so good and noble"
The tears were falling fast now, and
short, choking sobs convulsed her slender
frame as she continued:
"Oh, angel mother, forgive me if l err
for your little one is all alone, with no low
ing maternal heart to guide"
Poor Claudio; alone and motherless. pure
and innocent, she ever turned to her de
parted mother for counsel, with an i'm
plicit faith that somewhere, from the
borders of that better, brighter land, a
loving heart WATCHED over her child; and
she felt, this morning, that the presence of
that angel form was nearer to her, and she
fancied she could almost hear the tender
words, my child.
Oh, Claudiei It's a fitting place for you
to be this summer morning: and may He
who rules the universe look down and smile
upon your bright young life.
The boat had landed at the mill, and
Dick and Tom were strolling to tie Office
to inquire if any mail had arrived for them,
and Raymond had gone with Sharp to
where the men were cutting some huge
trees.
Dick, Tom was saying, we have pro-
longed our stay considerably. We are now
a week overdue. | know it is pleasant here
lhis eyes twinkled slylyl "but don't you
think it is time we were turning our steps
homeward?"
"Yes, Tom, | suppose it is. I expect to
find letter from father awaiting me, tell
ing me that | am wanted"
Il think" resumes Tom, that We had
better inform Raymond that we will be
obliged TO bid him adieu tomorrow, eh?'
Must it be so soon, Tom? viii not the
next day do as well?"
We'll, have it so, old boy: but say,
Dick, and Tom stopped and faced him
squarely, Il don't wish to chaff you, or any
thing of that sort, seriously; but | have
noticed your growing interest in our hosts
daughter, and will you allow an old friend to
ask what your intentions are toward her?
Dick cheeks flushed slightly, but his
eyes met Toms unfinchingly as he
answered: Il love her, Tom, and l shall
marry her if possible"
Give me your hand, and may your suit
be crowned with success" And two strong
hands met in true grip of friendship.
Any mail for us, Humphreys queried
Tom, moment later, as they stood at the
door of the mill office.
Eyes, sir; there are two letters for Har-
grave, and one for you" responds the
bookkeeper, bringing the letters ont to
them.
Hello here's long one from the gov
ernor, as | expected" mutters Dick, tear
1t. Wants me to come home, as | sup
posed"
They are walking slowly back now. He
says: / inclose you a letter from your
stepmother, who has been visiting in
Washington for a few days past. Will
expect you home this week Ho, hum,
our holiday is ended, Tom, and back We 90
to labor like common mortals."
Say, Dick, in regard to the young lady,
if l were you / would not risk my pros
poets for the future by a hasty avowal.
Raymond informed me yesterday that they
were going back to Philadelphia soon, and
candidly, and honestly. l would wait Call
on them at your earliest opportunity in the
city, and then tell her all.
But, Tom, consider; it will be an eter-
nifty of suspense to wait"
"Bosh. Isn't it better to wait and be
successful than to frighten her by being
too hasty2 Hello! there's Sharp. He looks
as though he'd like to eat you, Dick"
tom, l think we had better return to-
morrow" says Dick, after a moment s
silence. 1T may be best for me to keep
silent TIL l meet her again, and l can't do
so If / remain here"
Very we'll, tomorrow it is. Take my
advice, say nothing at present, though il
may cost you n great effort. If she cares
for you now, depend upon it, she will think
all the more of You when you meet again.
That afternoon, as they row homevard,
thaT- fa,Y, oF
tons, and he expresses his regrets, and
adds:
L intend to return to my home in Phila-
delphia soon, and | hope / Will have the
pleasure of seeing you both there, at NO
distant day
Thank you, they both respond. I'VE
should be delighted to.
And You may be assured we will accept
your invitation, Dick remarks, sincerely
" You must make up your mind to call on
father, IN Pittsburgh, for he is very anx-
ious to see YOU"
Their last evening was one long to be
remembered by at least two of the party
1t was a quiet evening, and the thought
that they We're to separate in the morn
ing sobered their usually high spirits.
Songs We're INDUCED in, Dicks baritone
voice harmonizing nicely with Claudio
soprano, but there was lack of enthusi-
asm in their songs, which they could not
help but notice. But all things must come
to close, there is a final ending of all
earthly pleasures and pursuits, and at a
rather late hour they reluctantly said good
night.
Next morning it was arranged that they
should all cross to the mill, and from
thence team should carry the boys tc
Hlllsboro, where they could take the train
and about nine a. m. found them in readi-
ness and the team waiting. Good-natured
Tom contrlved to engage Raymond in con-
versation while Dick babe farewell to
Claudio. Her chin quivered slightly as
she held out her hand, and Dick felt that
he would give four years of his life for the
privilege of clasping her in his arms
You will not forget us, Mr.. Hargrave.
You willNsit Us in Philadelphia" she man
aged TO say, trying to smile.
Forget you: VIII forget that the sun
shines-that ! exist? Did | think that this
was our last meeting, | would indeed be
most miserable She could not mistake
the light IN his eyes, aud she lowered her
own, and the bright color came and went
quickly over her face.
Will You give me that rose from voul
hair as token of our pledge to meet
again. his voice scarce above a whisper.
- Nas-e~g 800. I