Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1886-12-02
LOVE AND WAR.
Two Lovers, After Twenty Weary Years o
SepAratiop, Are Finally United.

Two Lovers, After Twenty weary Years OF
Separation, Are Finally United.
swan Bernard, wish you to understand
distinctly that am at liberty to choose my
own company, and do not propose that
you shall dictate to me, either,n and Ellen
Gilbert gave her worsted an emphatic jerk
by way of emphasis.
"But, Ellen, this fellow is a stranger,
and--well do not like the look Of his black
eyes"
Van spoke 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 shout this elegant
stranger, who had been spending the
autumn among the Ohio hills, as 10 put
plain, honest Van on his guard.
Henry Romans is a 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 retorted, angrily.
Van colored at the thrust, but managed
to say, coolly:
sYou know, Ellen, how people will talk,
for-well, every body knows we are en-
gagged"
"Engagedi Van Bernard, when did
promise to become your wifef 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
timation on your part"
While Ellen was speaking a 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 q 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. i am glad to be free-to feel
that you can not hold me to a bargain that
was never made"
'tEllen, you know / do not wish my free
dom, and you are just as confident that
would never try to hold you to an engage
ment of which you are tired You are not
yourself this evening. When you think
over your hasty words you will decide diff
ferently."
s'Neverl despise you, and hope you will
never come into my presence again." Ellen
flashed back.
Van took his hat from the table, and
walked slowly out of the doorway and
down the path to the gate. He did not &c
home, but turning into apath that crossed
| the meadow, he wandered aimlessly along
until he reached a secluded spot, where he
sat down to think. From his earliest boy
hood he had known and loved Ellen Gilbert
As they grew up to manhood and woman
! hood their affections centered more anC
more in each other, and years ago it came
to be understood that in due course Of tint
they would make a home for themselves
| Though more than ordinarily intelligent
Van was only plain farmer; but, until tht
coming of Henry Romans, Ellen had beer
proud of his sterling qualities, and th'
whole wealth of her young heart belonged
to him.
Romans had come to spend the seasor
with friend, and in making love TO tn,
pretty, little rustic maiden, he had no high
er motive than to be amused for a few tedi
Gus weeks. Ellen was dazzled by hi
stylish appearance, and enjoyed the envi
GUS glances Of her young companions; but
although she wished Van was not so old