The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1886-10-09
A BITTER ORDEAL.
BY NJ. f. HOLAIIAN.

am very proud and happy as sweep
down the long, cool aisle of the church
where l have been baptized-where
some day | shall enter, and leave, never
to "walk alone" again-the wife of
Denzil Harvey, whose betrothed wife l
already am.
l steal side glance at his face-so
full of power, culture and grand strength.
| nestle even closer to his side, and the
harmony of the organ swells on the air.
"Look up, Harvey" quickly whisp-
ers my brother Jack, with his
own eyes devoutly downcast. "Another
new organist-a divinity. The fourth
in month. Extravaganza
Although not eXhortcd to do so, lift
my eyes discreetly unit! they rest on the
choir, then single out the form and face
of the new organist.
Her face is fair-tinted as sea-shell
and rounded in soft, child-like curves OF
cheek and neck and chin; the nose is
very small and slightly, daintily Tip
tilted" while her mouth is the sweetest,
the most perfect l have ever seen, al
though there is pathetic droop at the
corners, l think.
Even while am gazing her eyes meet
mine, and ! see then that they are in
perfect harmony with her mouth! So
large, dark. unspeakably beautiful, and
full of deep, thoughtful sadness-a
glorious contrast to the pale-gold ring
lets that droop beneath the edge of her
Grape hat in shining tendrils.
Carelessly her eyes rest OH my face, as
carelessly they pass and rest on Den.
zirs, and see sudden change in theil
great, lustrous splendor. What it is
cannot eXplain-perhaps mingled pain,
passion, regret and reproach.
There is momentary crash of the
organ, lull, then the music goes on as
before, only that the brown eyes are moi
raised again while the service lasts.
When | again dare to look in Denzi''
face, we are seated in the carriage OF
the road home, That to-day is not tn,
first time he has seen the organlst an
sure, for to his face also has come Ger
tain change, deepening the lines anC
hardening the stern, powerful eyes.
Pretty young for widow, isn't she
that organist?" Jack says suddenl'
while we are seated at dinner. 'Bu
she is a widow-the Reverend Philip
told me so-named Mrs. La Rue. Sh
is stopping at the rectory, and they ar
to have a musicale Thursday night, il
which they wish us all to take part
viii you, Clariee? OF course Harve'
will. He's right to home in sucl
things"
Some instinct bids me beware, not t,
tempt my lifelong happiness; but
feeling of unrest, of wonder, of hur
pride, is in my heart.
must see them together, must rea,
some atom Of the truth in their face
again; SO | answer gay affirmative, al
the time watching Denzil's face, bu
beyond that added sterness it gives n
sign of emotion.
AS leading musicians and paIishion
ers we are asked to come early, there
fore l stand. alone beside Denzil whe
We are formally presented to Mrs. l.
Rue.
If ever there has been anything bt
tween these two, they have schoole
their feelings well, for neither the eA
= quisite, 1lower-like face of the woman
= nor the stern, naughty one OF Denz
= expresses more than common courtesy
= / tell myself that il was fancy, that
e will not make myself miserable b
I doubts and fears. What if they hay
met before? But then, If they have, VIII
I, should not DEUEL. acknowledge il? VIII
e should they meet and pass as strangers
For all my Wild unrest, the eyenin
5 passes pleasantly enough, and l haN