The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1888-03-21
SOMERSET, PA, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21, 1883.

and died That was bitter blow, but
Robert helped nc bear H.
Atkinson said nothing respecting her
sorrow. and there Was silence again Until
Mary. rousing herself from 4 reverie into
which she had fallen. slid
You had known him long before
did. He vas always the same noble. I'M
selfish man knew him, YVES he not2 o
yes ! know what you lwill say-but
love TO bear you say it"
. You and I know what lie was, Mary
the best, the dearest fellow that ever
lived, and Atkinson went on to recapis-
uiate incidents that showed Wales integ-
riiy, his generous spirit, and all those en-
dearin- traits which both 80 fondiy
boosted in him, ending with 8 If he
could only have been spared 10 Us, MARY.
There was not 50 happy house on earth
as his7
Yes. We we're too happy, and It adds
to my sorrow nov, slid Mary
( No one would have been 80 panied to
& see yua in sorros a. Robert, ? said Atkin-
son. Bat surely something has hap
pened to sadlen you, Mary he added,
+ with hope that he raight be able to
( help her.
She glanced up at him then, resum-
1 ing her plation Of the fire, said :
have been reyiexias my past life
and MY pFescn,-and-yon aud !, Robert
are sineuiarly alone in The world. have
: rot a near relative living, and neither,
think, have you-7
No. said Atkinson, not one, now
Had my children been spared me-
pursued Mary Vale" but | am very
lonely"
Vale would he sorry for thar, but how
can it be helped ~ said Atkinson. You
knox you can count on me"
Yes. know. No brother could be
kinder than yea have always shown
Yourself; but changes may occur Who
knows SHAT may happen-and-Robert.
need your help, your advice now
Yoa shall have it. Mary.n said Akin
son, wondering much to what this was
the prelade. bat far from crossing
Mary shifted her seat little. 50 that
her face was partially ayerted from At
kinson's glance, and siid
You know Mr. Crraston--Mr. Charles
Cranston well, I think ?"
"oh. yes, certainly
What IS your opinion Of him ,"
Why, as 10 that, he Is = gentleman,
man Of honor, and respect him highly.
But Why do you ask =
Mary was silen. After pause Mr
Canson would be acceptable TO YOU a. a
sait9r for sister, Or of a friend Of
yours 2r
why, YES, but have no sister, YOU
know
No Robert have received an offer
OF marriage from him. He is waiting for
an answer
You are not thinking Of accepting
Rim beg yonr pardon. WAS very
rude
~why not, Robert Why not accept
Have you any objection -
No, none, said Atkinson. too amazed
to add anything farther.
Then why should l not marry him
If l were not 70 alone -
Atkinson, deeply hurt by the imputa-
ton, east a reproachfuI glance at her,
which she answered by saying Yes.
know, Robert, but l must no, allow my
self 10 be selfish and keep you always BY
my side. \ time might come when you
would gladly be released. and then you
would find me a hindrance to your free
dom, and I should feel it. I must spare
you-spare both Of ns-the possible pain
by doing what is best now
what DO you wish me to say What
advice must give?r said Atkinson, in !
smotiiered voice.
3" You know what want, she answer
ed, with 4 suspicion OF vexation in her
voice. You know this man f,r better
than can. feel that in taking his name
could 10 50 without losing my digniy
AMI have brought myself to think !, may
he best that I should do so. Il remains
for you to advise me and l will abide BY
it,
Atkinson made 10 reply. bat sat with
his eyes tixeA upon hcr fare.
why don't you speak o. said Mary At
length. Why don't yon-1
He sprang to his feet. and turning at
the door, said
I must have timc-I can't-good
night and was gone.
Once in the street. Atkinson hurried
along. he knew NOT whittier. revolving in
his mind the blow that had fallen upon
him. Was it possible, ne asked himself,
that Mary shonId contemplate such
thing 1t was inexcusabIe. Yes, was
false to Wales memory. She was ready
70 forget him. Then lac toll himself that
he Was hard on Mary She was still
young enough TO enjoy life, and to ex-
pect her to continue a quiet, secluded ex-
istence, such as she had had since Rob
ert Wales death, was unreasonable-and
why should he grulee her happiness?
He Sc. himself severely to the task Of
considering the merits Of the aspirant to
her hand, and reluctantly told himself
that he was worthy Of her He could not
dissuade her from the step, and be sad
ly reminded himself what the future
would be. berefa Of the conipanionship Of
the one woman he loved
In his agitation he said the words
aloud, AMI stopped and looked about
him as ifthey had been spoken By an
other.
Yes, l love herr he said, as new
light burst upon him and every other
consideration vanished ike mist. Must
/ lose her? No, by heavens. No other
man shall have her, +" and, turning on his
heel, he retraeed his course, ran up the
familiar steps, and without waiting flung
open the door and hasteaed into the
room where he had LEFT Mary
He surprised her in tears, which she
hastily wiped away as she saw him, and
said:
- did not expect you again tonight,