The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1889-04-25

light of his life was gone? | tried to
raise his spirits 10y speaking of the
short time before he would 20 to her.
! only two months, and you will
bring her back to u.s." said.
"Only two months!'
| never shall forget the depths OF
sadness in his voice as he repeated my
words, and said:
Ere then | may be resting in a
soldiers grave, or she under the dais.
| les"
That evening Frank returned, look
ing more cheerful than when he left.
The same old loving intimacy contin-
| ued between the cousins. much to the
surprise of those who had predicted
change.
Ada's letters, so full of cheering
| and hope came wtrh almost every mail
But they failrh to arouse Paul from the
sadness which had taken possession OF
him.
One day he was writing 10 her when
Frank came in. Putting down his pen,
he held the half-wrttcn page to Frank,
saving:
Read what I've written to Ada,
and thrn you will know what I've been
trying To say |" both for many DAYS"
Frank TOOK the paper, and when he
had read this sentence, darling, if it
pieases God That may not come to
you, that we may not be united on
earth, let Frank guard over and COM
fort you; let HIM be all have hoped
To he. And think of me as waiting
the coming of both so dear in the land
where there is nothing but love; no
doubts; all pure and perfect love-" he
threw aside the paper, aud catching
Paul in his arms drew him with wO-
manlike tenderness down beside him,
and said:
''(iod bless YOU for this confidence,
Paul; but You must throw off this
gloom. This will not he. You are not
feeling well. Arouse yourself. Ask the
colonel for Il change. Go to her now.
Start tomorrow. | know he will lind
some business that you can attend to-"
Frank tried hard to cheer him. and
partially won him from his gloom.
In her home Ada was busy in pre-
paration for Paurs coming, hopeful
and happy, Notwithstanding the sad
ness which pervaded his letters, until
the last one reached her. She was
writing a reply, bidding him throw off
his gloom and hasten to her, when the
hope and heart crushing words were
told. cautiously and gently enough:
Paul was deadr'
All, but only one who has felt the
blow can tell the depth of such a
wound.
From Frank came the tidings of his
illness.
He was smitten by fever of malig-
nant type. attacking his brain and
doing speedy work.
Frank wrote:
II cannot think of him as dead. Only gone
before and waiting our coming. Smlingly
be passed away. constantly murmurinZ your
name, and humming Under the Daisies In
few months shall bring his body and lay it
Where those who loved him can plant the
daises on his grave"
A year, and nearly two, had passed
since. Ada has rallied somewhat from
the shock, but on her sweet face q
shadow is left, which does not mar it
rather adding, think. a new charm
to its beauty shadow that will
never grow less until she has joined
Paul, where shadows and SORROWS cease
to be.
Again Frank came to her, this time
urging his cause with Paurs last wish.
"Can heart whose dearest hopes
are buried make yoi happy, Frank?"
Ada asked in answer To his pleading.
'.Yes-Oh yes! ask no greater hap
piness on earth, Ala. Come to me!
Love me for Pauls sake, until you
learn to for my own" Frank answer
ed, clasping the dear hand closer to
his own.
I've always loved you, Frank. but
not as Paul. You must not hone for
SUCH" she said mOurnfully.
And again her lovely face rested
close to the noble heart-this time in
no mistake.
By what seemed to many a strange
perversty, Ada insisted upon wearing
for her bridal wreath daisies instead of
orange-fowers. Frank was content,
and why should l regret that he mad
won and welded one whose heart was
even then under the daisies.