The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1886-08-25

No, would not tell Bessie would not
mar the unalloyed happiness which should
be ours for a week. Seven whole days
Stretching out before me, they seemed to
represent an endless avenue of delight down
which we two would walk. Looking back
upon them-ah what a woeful ending to
those seven blissful daysl
The next morn ng we were off bright aud
early, Bessie and l. Poor little creature,
whose troubles in this world were SO nearly
over At the gate came face to face with
Arthur Dale. A sudden start and he lifted
bis hat; then he took my hand with
sheery good-morning.
"Where are you going, Miss Clyde ?" he
asked, his eyes resting in surprise upon the
carriage, which 1 had been compelled to
order, that Bessie might by transported tc
the depot. 1 told him. His eyes were upon
my face with steady gaze. He was very
pale. I'VE shall meet soon; God bless
you" he said. He put Bessie and myself
into the carriage, and then he turned away.
But somehow his words stayed with me, End
touched my heart like q berediction.
We reached our destination safely, took
room at Mrs. Niles old-fashioned cottage,
and were soon quito at home. was not
surprised to find Arthur Dale there within
the next twenty-four hours. He walked
straight up to me where sat reading upon
the sand, behind the shadow of tall rock,
and took my hand without word save q
simple good-morning. tried to look indif-
ferent "Quite surprise, Mr.. Dalei" 1
said, lightly. But all the time those great
eyes were studying my face, as though try
ing to read my very SOUL Louise" he
said, suddenly, calling me by my given
name for the first time, could you marry
poor man ?"
glanced toward Bessie, seated upon the
white sand, at little distance. amusing her.
self by finging shells into the water His
eyes followed mine. He seemed to compre-
bend.
Don't~ 1 said, energetically. Mr..
Dale, let us be happy and gather the roses
while we may! l have seven days" went
on incoherently, anheeding his look of sur
prise. Heaven help mel Seven short
days!" Ay, they were oil too short They
did not come and go, with sunrise and sun
sot. like other days-they simply flew.
There were boating excursions upon the
shining blue waters; Bessie in the bow of
the boat, and Arthur rowing slowly, his
eyes upon my face as | sat in the stern, the
tiller in my hand. There were long strolls
upon the white beach in the gold and purple
glory of the sunset never-to- forgotten
evenings, upon the uncovered porch in
the molten, golden moonlight. I shut my
me. And SO the time slipped by; the seven
days of grace were gone.l
:" We go home tomorrow ~ l announced
suddenly to Arthur, who sat beside the long
French window, open to the golden moon.
light. A clump of tall white lilies grew
snowy heads beneath their weight of fra
GRANGE. hate white lilies have hated
them ever since that night. Arthur glanced
up quickly, and as the moonlight streamed
across his face, l saw how white it was
Home 2" How his voice trembled.
* Back to the city, mean to say" re.
turned with reckless laugh" my home,
such as it is !"
And then, with sharp pang at my heart
1 remembered that even that poor home
would soon be mine no longer; that
would soon be homeless, unless married
Raldh Van Dornl
Louise ~ Arthur Dale started TO his
feet, confronting me in moonlit silence,
pale to the very lips. He seemed oblivious
of Bessie, who was sitting beside the win
dow in low rocker, gazing upon the
scene, with wide childish eyes. Louise
/ love you !"
He held out his arms his face, wan and
white, turned upon me, with deathless love
in the clear dark eyes. An instant later, !
was sobbing upon his breast. His love was
all had to cling to- and@it was Heavenl
A heavy footstep came tramping up the
steps of the porch; a moment more, and
through the open window thick-set, un-
calmly form dashed madly. Even in my
happiness shuddered. for it was Ralph
Van Dorm. For moment he stood gazing
upon ms; met his glazing eyes with look
of defiance. He laughed aloud.
81 came here for my answer, Louise
Clydel" he said slowly. " am answered
But SO help me Heaven! if you are not my
wife, you shall never marry that fellowp
There was sudden movement, the CLEAN
of silver revolver, loud report, followed
by wild shrek. The bullet intended fol
me had passed me by, and-ah, plying
Heaven--was buried in my little sisters
heart.
| draw veil on the scene which fol-
lowed.
Van Dorm was given up to the authorities
and afterward expiated his crime upon the
gallows. / am Arthur Dale's beloved wife
but the shadow of that tragic death will
haunt me ever, and we can never forget the
woful ending to those seven happy days -
Mrs. b. Burke Collins.
------~ >.-aos--.> ------------