The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1888-12-21
PA.FR

was out oil the way, and ' erlon was
unchanging in his outward devotion,
Miss Madison was not quite happy in her
triumph.
She saw the shadow of discomfort
many q time on her lovers handsome
face, and knew the cause too well hut
she only shut her pretty, smiling lips
with stern resolution.
Il will never say the word that viii set
him free" she said, determinedly. 81
love him, and l Will marry him, in spite
Of what / know. In time he will forget
her"
But one day he came to her with a
face so sad, peIplexed, and troubled, that
il startle her.
'What is it. Ben? ?" she exclaimed, in
voluntarily, rising to greet him.
81 have Just heard so uething that
troubles me very much, Celeste, ne be-
gan, unsteadily. "1ou remember Ora
Colburn? She left here a few weeks
ago-left the ease and gayety and pleas
ure that she m ght still have enjoyed,
and went away TO earn. her own living
as a g1vernes5. Celeste, have Just seen
her cousin, who tells me that Ora IS
very Ill. IL"
His face was pale, his lips trembled,
and, for an instant he could not COM
mand his voice sufficiently to SPEAK
Then, in a stammering, con used way,
he told her the whole truth. not dream
Ing that she knew it already, and, at the
end, with steadier voice AMI eager, earn
est eyes, full OF courage now:
Il have toll you all, Celeste. he said
quietly. 81 love her, and, though /
never spoke OF il to her. | believe her
love was lust as tru mine 1 believe it
is that grief which has made her i'll
And now, knowing it ali, are YOU willing
to release me from my promise ,"
She had stood listening silently through
out, her cheeks white as snow, her blue
eyes scintillaling, her heart tnrobbInS
heavily.
a ou love her so well that you are
willing TO disgrace me, and TO resign my
fortune-and il is well worth winning
remember that-all Tor her sake-for the
sake oil this girl who has TO earn her dai-
ly bread ," she asked him slowly, and
her voice WIS fun OF such pain that 1t
filed his heart with pity and remorse-
"Not willing TO disgrace you, Celeste
never that" he answered earnestly
| Let the world think you threw me over
| Say whatever You wish. But rs Tor your
money, Yes, / would resign that, and a
thousand times as much, Tor Ora 5
| sake
He stood waiting for her answer but
| it was many minutes before il came.
| She hai turned away her face, and he
| could not see the struggle on those beau
I
| love, and bitter, passionate resentment
! that tore her heart TO pieces.
Zen ernOn,' she spoke at last, turn
! ing slowly toward hIm, by right OF your
| promise, your many professions OF love,
| and the pupllc aCknDWlcdg .N-nt Of both,
| you are mine, ami / have the right tO
| hold YOU strictly TO your VOWS. l meant
to 10 SO. L knew long ago that your love
| was doubtful possession, yet / had no
thought OF giving you up 10 any otter.
Her voice faltere1 and she pressed her
hand AGAINST her heart.
! Il cannot tell YOU whether It is pride,
or weather my love is SO .reat that /
| care Tor your happiness above my own,
she went on, her voice growing soft and
] sweet; "but -tremulously--you are
| frec-fren 10 we'd my rival. and with a
! pItIlul smIe-"let the world say what j:
/ will"
she could not utter prayers for his
! happiness, but she gave hIm her hand
! for an instant ere she turned away. lie
RAISED II gently 70 his lips.
"God bless You" he whispered, as he
let It 90.
| i month later society was startled by
the marriage OF Celesta Madison 10
| Colonel Harry Milford.
And when, soon aiterwari BenVernon
| led beautiful, lark eyert Ora 10 the altar
| IL WIS iouni that some mysterious friend
had settled handsome marriage portion
upon the happy bride.
"For The sake OF true love, viii you
both prIle more than al, and which |
! have learned 10 know, unexpectedly, in
my most happy marriage" said the brief
| note accom- mpanying the gIft-
Ii was sIgneI The Donor'-no other
wOrl or name-but the handwriting was
| that oil the fair and dOub!y wealthy
bride, Mrs. Harry Milford.