The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1889-04-24


from her. Her children and herself
wandering from one place to another as
she could best earn their support; and
this man, seemingly devoid of human
feelings, leaving her to herown resources
while wealthy relations cared for him.
This woman was very near and dear to
me, and nothing upon earth could in
duce me to put myself in subsection to
the possibility Of such fate, You have
my true friendship, my Fteest wishes for
your welfare, my sHcere prayers that
you may conquer in .hAis fiery trial, but
dare not give you more. God only
tknows how hard this is for me to say to
you. How Willingly would share your
fate in poverty, in any ordinary trial of
life; but dare not for mine own souls
sake, say l take your life, whatever it
may be, for mine. And so, Harry, let us
speak Of this no more"
She held out her hand. lie caught it.
He drew her impulsiyely toward him.
He held her for an instant closely.
Margaret" he said, g let me kiss you
once"
And before she could reply, his burn
ing lips touched her pure, cool brow.
Good bless you, Margaret, whatever
becomes of me
In another instant he was gone.
She passed through the garden walk,
onto the pleasant porch, and stood mo-
ment before the opon parlor window,
where and old gentleman rested in an
easy-chair.
1t is a lovely night, father" she said
But | will go TO my room, l believe
am very weary tonight. Good night y
Good night, my daughter
And Margaret went as usual with her
stately step to her chamber door; but
once within its solitude, and the prond,
resolved spirit was bowed in bitter sor-
! row.
How she had loved this mani And
I her whole frame shook with the sobs
she dared not vent loudly, and the tears
rained down the proud, beautiful face.
Must she thus condemn him, and was
there no hope for him?
He was a student Of medicine, study
ing of late with her father, and an eager,
apt student. He had come into the
quiet life of this girl as a bright sun
beam. Hisquick, active intellect aroused
her from the ordinary routine of her
usual life.
His tastes harmonized with her own,
and she had given him her heart entire
ly.
Then, one day, she learned that the
fatal habit Of stimulating his energies
when exhausted by study or fatigue had
become a necessity TO him, and the in
terview We have Just related was the
decision at which she had arrived. She
was a girl of no ordinary character. Her
clear, good sense, with the intimate
knowledge Of her friends life, taught
her to doubt the influence she could
WELD against the triumphal Juggernaut
whose victims can never be numbered.
Harry Norton left the village for the
distractions of life in great city. Now
and then news came of him as clever,
successful practitioner, accompanied with
doubtful surmises as to certain changes
in his habits of life-yague speeches,
meaning, perhaps, much or little. Mar
garet's life flowed quietly on; her father,
yielding to the infirmities of old age,
demanded her care and attention Per
haps close observers might detect a shade
Of sadness, now and then, in those clear
gray eyes, but she was not one of those
who live solely for their own pleasure,
and no one in all the village was more
relied upon in sorrow or trouble as kind
sympathizer than she.
\ young clergyman who settled in the
parish was soon observant of this strong,
self-reliant nature-this tender daughter
and kind friend. Margaret was not
doomed to live a solitary life She found
much to esteem in Mr.. Eluon, and at
last mucn to love; and one bright spring
morning she stood with him at the viii
lage altar as his bride.
As she entered the carriage paequet
was given to her, and opening it, she
found wedding gift-a brooch formed
of a large pure pearl, finely set, and
letter.
The letter was as follows:
Margurd You are a pearl among all
others in my memory, and beg you to
accept this symbol of yourself as gift
from an old friend. You were right,
Margaret no man, knowing himself
slave to intemperance, should ever tempt
a woman TO share IFS curse. What can
write You of my life? Only that there
are times when l am mad-when no
reason remains to me-and then | come
out of this valley Of the shadow of death
and | see you, strong, pure, so far away
from me, your words come back to me.
and / know you were right when you
choose to walk apart from one so I'M
worthy. Do net believe that | do not
struggle, but power stronger than
controls me. can rejoice in your hap.
piness, and know that was once bless
ed with your love-that my true self was
once dear to you. But purity, rectitude,
were dearer TO you than aught else, and
he who failed of these could not hold
possession of your heart. That one
worthy to be your guide, your staff
through life has won you, awakens no
selfish feeling in my heart. l have said
that can-I do-rejoice in your happi
ness"
Happy bride though she was, tears
filled her eyes. She pitied him very
tenderly, and pitied him all the more
because of her own happiness.
The years rolled quietly on with her
children were given to her love and care
In the pleasant village home where her
childish days were passed she lived the
contented life of happy wife and moth
er.
1t was towards the close of bright
summer day that Mr.. Eldon came slow
ly up the garden-walk, and Margaret,
fastening with tender welcome TO greet
him. saw at once, from his face, that he