The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1888-03-22

was not so "queer" and would gladly
avail himself Of the opportunity Of
courting her favor if allowed.
"Muriel is destined to be an old maid"
say the village danes.
She thinks of this with smile and
wonders if her life will always be so
monotonous, never to see the world,
new people, new places, and new
life.
Then she thinks of days gone by.
Days that can never be forgotten.
Bright sunny days of long ago, and
at this she drops her bowed head upon
her folded arms and sobs' Heaven
help me! Can never forget him?"
All! Surely our Muriel has heart,
but none would have guessed it by
that calm sweet face and reserved
manner. 'Tis the old story Of unre-
turned love. 1t is seven years since,
when Muriel was preparing to fit
herself for a teacher that Laurence
Morton came to Hillsdale to take
charge of the Academy at that place.
He was handsome man of the
world whose winning smile and
fascinating manners had made havoc
in more than one feminine heart.
He was so agreeable and kind that
he soon won the lasting respect Of his
pupils. To Muriel he was most kind
and helpful, trying in every way to
advance her and help her all that he
could. But he never once guessed
that he was making an impression on
the heart Of this simple, backward
girl of seventeen, which would never
be forgotten.
As for Muriel, these were the golden
hours of her life. To listen to his
voice, to see him day after day, was to
her untold enjoyment. But when the
time Of parting came she well nigh
betrayed herself. Yet she schooled
herself to bid her instructor farewell
much the same as the others did. But
his hand clasp and "Good by, Muriel, /
know you will succeed" have been
the one bright spot in her memory.
She has never seen him since that
day, though she hears Of him often.
He is making his mark in the world
and she is both glad and proud for
him.
She wonders vaguely why she thinks
Of all these things to day. She has
tried to forget them hard enough,
heaven knows.
Rising at last and leaving the lone
ly school house, she descends the
grassy slope leading to her own cheer
full home.
Some time during the evening she
receives an invitation to party the
following evening at the home of
Alice Ross, her eldest pupil.
Alice herself comes bringing the
missive. And "You will come please,
won't you, Miss Muriel?" Alice pleads
earnestly.
''Indeed Alice I can not promise"
Muriel replied.
"You know parties are not much
in my line.'
II know that, but this is my party
and you will have good time I know
you will says Alice positively.
''Well, Alice, if you are so positive
about it, perhaps l may come" And
Alice goes away content.
The following evening finds Muriel
ready to attend the party. Very dainty
and sweet she looks as she stands be-
fore her mirror giving the last touch
to her dark silken hair. Her dress of
pure white is very becoming. She
wears no ornaments, one single dark
red rose nestles amid the lace at her
throat.
Alice welcomes her teacher warmly
and leads her to her mother who is
busy discussing some subject, with a
group Of elderly ladies and gentlemen.
"Good evening Miss Hampstead" she
says giving Muriel her hand. ''Per-
haps you can tell US just what we
want to know. Do you know how
long it has been since Laurence
Morton was here? Or have you like |
Alice forgotten him?
Forgotten? Merciful heaven! Would |
she euer forget2 But she steadied
her voice and said calmly. II believe
Mrs. Ross it is almost eight years
since Mr.. Morton was here"
miss Hampstead is right" said DIR.
Gray.
ST remember it now. I suppose he
is greatly changed however by this
time"
In. reply to Muriel's perplexed look,
Alice exclaimed. "He will be here to-
night. Brother Tom. run across him
in some of his travels and is bringing
him home with him. Did | not tell
you before?"
''No," said Muriel calmly, though
her heart throbbed wildly.
The travellers were not expected
until late hour and the evening was
passing very pleasantly when Alice
danced into the room exclaiming
joyfully "Here they come"
In the bustle Of excitement which
followed Muriel crept unnoticed into
a corner Swallowed by the heavy
curtains where she could see all that