Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1888-02-24

American cOnsul At Calcutia-
'Oh. Albert. | cannot let you CO."
in terrupted Josephine. her face be-
coming pale as marble. but the Young
man pressed her little hand IN silence,
then. In a voice that trembled slight
ly. resumed his story.
81 think | have spoken before OF
Mr.. S %nclair; he is an old friend of my
fathers. and has long wished to re-
pay a debt of gratitude TO him, who.
when the now wealthy man was a poor
boy, was helped TO a post on by my
parent, that lead e the wealth and
honor he now enjoys; so, knowing Of
our poverty, he has kindly offered me
double the salary | obtain. and at the
end of two years, after / learn his way
of doing business, | am to be taken in
as partner. SO you see, jessie. turning
towards the weeping girl, 81 shall soon
be in a position where / a be lnde-
pendent. can assist my fam ly, and be
able to marry you"
al shall have money for both, BERTHE.
you know. in three years. | shall be
twenty-one; surely you "A wat until
them" look ng with pleading eyes at
her lover.
oOooPhiiiNs W hNoh WIN W Nv
man with anv spirit or honor would
care to be n dependent on the bounty
of his wife," this from Mr.. Graham in
whose dark orbs there shone a CLEAN
OF triumph, and whose stern counter
ance relaxed from its grave express
sion, as he listened to Albert's plans
for the future. IL commend your brave
and manly spirit. Albert, in taking
steps to carve out your fortune. You
have an opening before you that will
surely lead 10 wealth and happiness"
Have l your consent to the long on
gagement with your ward. that must
followp and at the end Of two years
can | claim my bridep" asked the
young man, as he stood with his hand
clasping that Of his betrothed.
You have NV full consent to the
betrothal and the future marriage"
was the quick reply. ''How soon do
you leave usP"
ain two weeks" sad Albert, then
drawing from his pocket a tiny box. he
took out n ring, and placing it on the
finger OF his cousin. said. ''your en-
gagement ng. dear" and soon after
he left tho house.
The child had suddenly become n
woman. the quiet life would never come
again. the br ght dreams were dis
PEELED, and poor little Josephine's ten
der heart was nearly broken at the
thought of the long parting so soon to
come. The days passed. as all days
will, but to the sad girl it seemed as
though time never fled so swiftly. At
length came the day before the final
49, ~ thA ..,a rAsfO,N Tho a,A-a Ant
been invited to a small party at the
house of a dear friend where only those
who cared for the betrothed ones we're
to meet and say farewell to Albert
II shall always remember you. my
darling. as you now look, for YOU are
perfection ITSELF" was the whispered
comment OF tho young man to his be-
loved as she stood for a moment under
the chandelier in her own home just
before leaving for the fete at the Lewis
Mansion. The blue eyes shone like
stars, the exquisite face with its deli
cate bloom. the golden hair
with its fringe of curls on
the low forehead. and the graceful
form clad in a robe of pale blue silk
cut square at the neck with q bunch of
her favorite red roses nesting amid the
misty lace. while in her curls were
woven a string OF sapphiers, and the
same gems shone on the perfect neck
and snowy arms. all made q bright
vision of youth and beauty.
Il think. Albert. il anything happen
ed to me in your absence, | mean If /
should die. | would never rest in my
grave until | had seen your dear face
once more before my spirit took its
flight to the silent land. VIII YOU make
me a promise now before we are inter-
rupted ?"
Anything. Josephine. that | can
say or do to please | W H."
ut is this, and into the girls violet
orbs there came a sad, solemn look
IF YOU should die while in India. will
you. if permitted, come to me, let me
see you as in life once more? and | will
do the same. / will bid you a last good
bye before losing you forever"
Josie, YOU must not have such fool
ish thoughts in that pretty head; but.
my darling. l promise anything you
may requ re and" with a light laugh.
'ff your ghost should honor me with a
call on far off Ind as shores. be sure
to appear just as you look now. for
you are superb. But there, vanish the
shadows from your mind, think of the
short years that will soon pass. then a
| lifetime of bliss" And with her lovers
hopeful countenance beaming upon
her. and his words Of encouragement
sounding in her ear, the maiden soon
became her own br ght self. The past
two weeks had been, in spite of the
parting Don to come. very pleasant to
the lovers. Mr.. Graham had allowed
h ward all the liberty she required.
No bondage, rs she quantity expressed
the watchful care. No third party in
truded IN their walks at Central park.
or drives in the suburbs. and the usual
ly stern, dark face of the girls guar
dian wore "a smile of welcome for the
poor clerk who had been frowned upon
by the naughty m
The last good-by is spoken, the last
kss given and with streaming eyes and
breathing heart Josephine watched the
white winged ship as it bore her below
ed swiftly from sight.
Come. ms ch 3D." spoke the calm
ynioo nf A. Erah.,. - -. AN.