Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1888-08-04

chain from her neck and placed 1t in
his hands,
"Forgivs me II I seem inquisitive
but may 1 open it?"
at does not OPEN" said Grace,
quickly. But she had scarcely finished
speaking before the locket flew open,
and Colonel Bernard quietly placed it
in her hand.
Grace was surprised to find fac
smile OF the face before her, only
younger.
Before she could express her sur
prise in words, Colonel Bernard had
risen and stood before her.
Il don't know what you will think of
me, Miss Melborne, but | assure you ]
will explain all to your entire satisfac-
ton; only tell me one word of your
SISTERS she we'll, and-and what is
her name now?"
Grace had sat perfectly quiet while
at the mention of her sisters name, she
fastened to say:
"Mr Bernard, J feag you are labor
ing under mistake. My sister is well,
and she is still Iona Melborne
Not married-still Iona Melborne !
Oh how cruel is fate, and how 1 have
been deceived said Cyril Bernard,
pacing the floor with heavy tread.
mo, she is not married." continued
Grace; "and, Colonel Bernard, will
you please explain how and when you
knew my sister Lona?"
"Forgiee me, Miss Melborne! What
must you think of me. Yes, will ex-
plain. Nearly seven years ago, when
you We're quite little girl, l was be-
trothed to your sister Iona. IT'S need
less to say we were very happy, and
looked forward cautiously to the time
when we could marry. AS pledge of
my love, I gave her the locket you wear
this evening. A year passed by hap
PLY, when l was ordered, with the reg
iment was with, South, Ard bidding
my darling good.by and promising to
return In a year, if not sooner, left
her. Alas Tor my expectations. l was
unable to return as soon as ! promised,
and at the end of two years l was taken
very sick with fever, and not expect
ed to live. However, after suffering
through period of several months,
was pronounced out of danger.
"As soon as could wrote to Iona,
but received no reply. Again end
again wrote with the same result
Three years since had seen her, and
over year since I had heard a word
from her. 1 we'll remember how
wretched [ was; how lived through
the long, tedious months I can never
tell, but did.
AT length t concluded to write to
the postmaster at L., where your
folks lived when 1 first met Iona, and
see what he could tell me. In due time
letter came, saying Mr.. Melborne
was dead, also his wife.
Il had heard of your fathers death
through Iona, but I did no! know till
then of your mothers death. The let
ter also said the remainder of the fam
fly had moved away, and that the eld-
est daughter was married.
Imagine my feelings - my Iona
married to another The blow, COM
ing so suddenly, nearly killed me.
was very sick for many months, and
when | recovered felt was changed
man. The remainder of my time until
now l have spent in travelling, and a
week ago 1 received letter from my
uncle, Mr.. HOLSTER, of this place, to
pay him visit. I accepted, for want
of something better to occupy my
time, and while here-I came only
yesterday uncle received invita-
tions for this reception. and insist d on
my attending. L came, and met you.
When l saw your face and recognized
the locket, acted as I did. You can
not blame me now, Miss Melborne?"
AS he finished speaking Grace lifted
her eyes to his face. They were filled
with tears, and the sweet face was full
of sympathy. Holding out her hands,
she said:
Forgive me, Colonel Bernard, if I
am wrong. | knew my sister had
some hidden sorrow, but until now, L
have never heard your name or any
thing concerning what you have told
me. Yet l am forced to believe it is
on your account she is so averse to
society and social enjoyment. Col.
Bernard, l am"
"Grace. where are you? Well. de-
clare!" and Lolita Van CIeve, leaning
on the arm of tall, handsome man.
entered the room. "If you two aren't
here exactly where l left you half an
hour ago. Col. Bernard, did not ev-
pect You to monopolize Miss Mel
borne's society all the evening, and"
turning to Grace, my dear, you are
engaged to Mr.. Goliath for the next
dance, SO will entertain the Colonel
until you return"
The remainder of the evening Col.
Bernard spent at Grace Melborne's
side, and when the dancing was over,
escorted her home.
"You will call tomorrow, Col. Ber-
nard?" said Grace, as he assisted her
from the carriage. "You will come to-
morrow and see Iona, will you not ?"
"Yes, l will come" answered Cyril
Bernard, bowling low. "Yet dare not
hope your sister still cares for me after
so long a parting; five years is, in our
case. almost lifetime"
IT'S needless to enter further into
details. The next day, true to his
promise, Cyril Bernard called, and,
after due explanations, they were
again betrothed and soon after mar
ried, and their married life proved one
of the happiest on record.
All this happened years ago, and il
you could look in on them now. in