The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1889-04-25
WHOLE No. 1918.

NO." he said very carnestly-'Tnr my
success. You are my friend, and
came to talk to you of her.
Yes, indeed, dear Frank; with nv
whole heart l wish you may be happy.
But you have many rivals / said.
"Atridge OF him? did not
think
"Oh no; you need not fear him AT
all. You have his best wishes; he told
me so-or as much" replied.
"Im glad of that. l should fear
him. He would be a formidable ri
val"
"And Paul? What of himP" I asked.
Paul! Why, do you think he"
Loves her." / supplied the word
he could not say. Yes. I think, if
not really now, he is coming to it rap
idly"
How like Paul he looked then, as he
said in tone of prayerful intensity:
"Oh. God forbidy'
Then turning with more hopeful
expression, he said;
"Paul loves TO be with ladies more
than men always. He is so gentle.
and almost womanly himself do
not think he cares more for my-MiSs
Reyburn than others he has known.
Dear Paul! 1 hope not. But | must
know all soon." he said.
A few days after this Frank left us,
on business to a fort several miles dis
tant.
Ada and myself babe him goodbye,
and stood watching his handsome
martial bearing as he rode beyond out
of sight.
"A noble fellow | said. e.
'lndeed he is" she replied; adding:
'What should we do here without him?
Will he return to-night?"
IL think not. He never has hereto
fore. 1t is quite a long ride-rather
too much to return the same day" |
replied; and might have added: ''Un-
less on the wings of love he comes"
There was no moon that night only
the glimmering stars somewhat light
ening the dimness of the surrounding
objects.
Ada sat thinking of and waiting the
coming of someone.
Soon Il well known step sounded
near.
Another instant, and Am | well
Gomez" was asked in Il voice almost as
CHEEKY as Franks she thought, but
with that deep, tender. mellow tone
that was only in Paul's voice-the tone
she knew so well.
always welcome" she answered;
and slipping through the open French
window into the parlor, said:
at was so warm, | have not lighted
the lamp. Will you?"
No. no, please! Let us have only
the stars to guide our steps tonight.
And come; let us walk put here" he
said, drawing her hand through his
arm and still retaining it with a gentle
clasp.
''Thank you," he said earnestly, as
her hand remained unresistiugly in
his. And then, in the same well-known
and well-loved tone. he said:
MAY call You Ada. and speak all
my heart is eager to tell?
Still the soft hand rested cOnfidingly
in his, with only Il slight trembling
motion, which gave him courage to
speak on, to say those words that give
great Joy and make proud the heart of
a true woman.
Speak to me, Ada, darlingI One
word! Can you-do you love me?"
Then, in tones so low that only a
waiting lovers ear could catch, she
said:
81 love you Paulr'
"God pity mer' in a voice of the
deepest agony, escaping the young
mans lips.
Paul. what is it? Are you'll? Speak
to me, PAUL." Ada cried, clinging to
his arm. and peering through the dark
ness into his face.
Just then quick step drew near,
and very soon after, from u lamp in
front of the colonel's headquarters.
flashed a bright light upon the pale
agonized features of Frank Lincoln.
"Frankr she cried. "Oh, Frank! |
thought you were away! How could l
have made this terrible mistaken"
And then, pale and trembling, her
beautiful head bowed in modification,
she said:
''Be my friend, Frank! Keep my
secret, and forgive-oh, forgive the
pain have caused YOU"
Il shall be your friend, Ada. God
bless you. and him whom you love!
Eve nothing to forgive! Ali, Paul is
coming now. GnOd-night!'
An instant after he had stepped from
the portico, and was crossing the
grounds to meet Paul.
Back againr' exclaimed Paul, put.
ting his arm caressingly over Franks
hurried yOu?" And then, in an earn
est. anxious voice, he said Frank,
dear old fellow, tell me-tell me truly
was it because-because you love her
| tOo?"
81 love Ada Reyburn, Paul! Yes
| butt
Paul caught his arm.
mo, no, Frank! Don't say that
| This must not come between us.
love herr
.And you will win her, Paul. Sh,
does not love me. l came back Il
know this tonight. Go to her. | viii
be content in what love she can Civ
me for your sake"
A few days after this it was general,
known that Ada Reyburn and Captain
Burton were engaged.
| think the colonel must have under
stood the case with Frank. for yer,
soon after he was sent off on business
to the department.
Often those summer nights | sat lis
tening to Ada's sweet voice rs sh
sang the songs | knew Paul loved S
well. All plaintive and sad they were
One she sang more than others, an,
often his deep rich tones would blen'
with hers, aud | never have hear
Under the Daisies sound so beaut
fully since.
We thought at one time we shOul
have the wedding at the Fort. Pau
urged it, Ada was passive; but tn
friends at home would not consent
She must come home to them one
more. their own Ada, before the
could yield her to another. But tn
engagement would be short.
Ada told me this, saying, with teal
in her sweet eyes.
You know, all of Paufs relative
died young; his father, before he wa
thirty: his uncle, scarce older; and :
1t has been iOr ages back. And Pat
is impressed with the idea that SO
musabe with him. But | will not Iii
ten to it. He is strong and health,
and his manner of living is ditferen
they were confined over old must
books and desks. Oh, | wish Pa
: had Franks cheerful disposition; b.
4 Il L.