The Delta independent., 1888-09-04

hlm, Scattered over with open nletters.
She stepped back, still standing in
the same room. She dared not in
terrupt him. The rustic of her dress,
light as it was, must have caught his
ear, for he raised his head.
MARY, my wife!" he said, starting
up and moving forward. Nellie stood
trembling, afraid to speak. She
raised her eyes and saw n form, robed
as in lite-the same sweet face and
golden hair, caught back from the
clear, white forehead. "Oh, mother"
she whispered. The room was lighted
only by the moonbeams, but she
could see the vision Of her mother
very plainly
Nellie stole from the room as noise
lessly as she could. She went to her
own room again and sat down.
Looking up she saw the same vision
as a few minutes before. Getting up
| and walking nearer, she saw herself
reflected in IL large mirror, dressed as
her mother had been accustomed to.
Glow much | O'clock like her. Now
know father saw me in the large
mirror opposite which stood. did
not mean to deceive him, heaven
knows. cannot leave him; no, no,
l must not. l will give up neither
but trust to God to decide"
With these thoughts in her mind,
she sank into sweet sleep. Early
the next morning she was in the din
ing room as usual, caring for the lit
tie ones around her. A gentle, sym
pathetic light shone in Mr.. Ford's
eyes as they rested on his daughter.
How motherly she looked. She wait
ed upon the children, patiently listen
ing to and answering all their ques-
tions. At last they were satisfied.
Her father reading his morning pa
pers, she stole away from the house.
Ill
~ cannot leave him, George; in
deed l never can, without his con-
sent. | have tried to make my mind
up to it. How can give up either,
when l love you both so well?"
"You have broken your promise to
me, Nellie, and trifled with me,
too. You will probably new
er see me again after this
morning, if l leave you. Are you
determined to stay at home?"
eyes, / must stay; it's my duty
What could father do with two small
children?"
"Then, goodbye"
She raised her face pleadingly TO
his.
"You won't leave me, George.
without kiss or a kind word?"
He turned back, and, gathering her
in his arms, covered her face with
kisses. Then, pushing her rudely
from him, he started as fast as he
could go.
'sNellie sprang after him.
Forgive me; you think T have
been deceiving you, but l havenot.
1t is almost like death to think of
givingyou up
ooh, Nellie" he cried, going back
Thinking he would make one more
appeal, he said, Nellie, won't you
come? Can you not trust your hap
piness in my hands?"
"No, no! Coz
He turned away angrily, and Nellie
sank sobbing on the grass.
"My childr'
She raised her head. Beside her,
with sad face, stood her father.
just back of him was her lover. with
@ doubtful expression on his features.
George, I'm so glad you have
come back" she said, withjoy spark
ling in her eyes.
"1es, as it has been so long since
you saw him last" Mr.. Ford said,
with an amused smile.
81 feared it would be for years, and
perhaps forever" Nellie answered,
wishing she dared to ask why he had
returned.
''What did you intend to do, after
sending this young man away? Mar
ry the man have chosen for your"
"No, father, never! ! intended to
be dutiful daughter, and not mar
ry against your wishes-that was all
only hoping that something might
change your mind. 1t has been my
prayer for many long months.''
"Your prayers have done their
work, then" he said. 'My child, you
will marry to suit your father. Here,
George, take her. | ought to scold
you for trying to coax her away from,
me. I heard itall this morning. But
I forgive you and bless you. Be kind
to her and she will make you happy.
She has always been good girl, and
will make you a loving wife. God
bless you both my children.
This is the way Nellie's elopement
ended.