Fisherman & farmer. [volume] (Edenton, N.C.) 1887-19??, 1890-06-06

She gathered Stephens letters all to-
Eether, placed his ring with them. wrote
a little letter, telling him what she had
discovered, and setting him free, entirely,
from all bonds to her.
She told him that she had not ceased
to love him-never would. but feared
that he had lost his love for her, and that
she would be a clog upon his climbing
feet if he joined his lot 70 hers, and that
if he desired his freedom, it was mis-.
She sent the package to the hotel
where he stopped, hoping against hope
that he would not accept her sacrifice,
but would hasten, joyfully, to convince
her of her mistake.
But, alas, no Stephen came, He sent
cold note. saying that perhaps she was
right, and if she, too, desired to break
the engagement, it would be better
broken than kept. And he went back
to the city by the very next train.
Poor Jeanette took up her burden
of life again, only saying cit might have
been and bore it bravely. Her father
died, and she was left alone in the rose
wreathed cottage. She might have mar
ried. More than one sutton sought for
favor, but a single experience was enough
for her. She calmly said ''No" and kept
on her way.
She had means enough for the modest
life she led, and if she was ever lonely,
if the nights dragged and the days grew
weary in the little cottage, where she
lived alone with one maid, nobody ever
heard~her complain.
49, ~
pered. He married, six months after he
left Jeanette, wealthy bride, with no
soul nor heart, vain, frivolous girl,
whose silly life must often have called to
his mind, in contrast, the pure, true, no
BILE woman he had cruelty deserted.
But she only lived three years, and
then he had her wealth. Jeanette, IN
her quiet cottage, heard Of him often.
She knew that he was growing great as
we'll as rich. Men spoke his name al
most in whispers. He went here and
there, and was feted and praised on every
hand. If he ever thought of Jeanette
she never knew it, much less had any
token of his remembrance.
But at last came a change. His fast
life undermined all. Wealth went first,
health followed, aud with the loss of
bodily vigor, the loss, also, of mental
strength.
Nothing on earth is so tickle as public
favor, and with the decline of his idol,
that deserted him, he was glad to retire
to private life, with fame and fortune
both wrecked. After time a longing
came over hi~, to revisit the scenes of
his youth. He thought then of Jean
nette.
married long ago, no doubt" said
he, ''and happier than ever I would
have made her, poor grill"
He went to the quiet village. Being
weak from i'll health, he did not feel able
for the walk from the station to the no
tel where he meant to stop, but took his
seat IN one of the carriages waiting at
the railroad, to ride down.
What was it, Was it retribution? Or
was it the last despairing effort in behalf
staid horses, who never in their lives be-
fore had dreamed of doing such thing,
to run away and upset the carriage,
throwing Stephen out just at Jeanette
Allyn's door.
Whatever it was, they did it. And
when she came out. grieved to find a
poor traveller flung Gfeless at her door
stone, and babe them carry him III, and
lay him upon her best bed, and hasten
for physician, she had no idea who the
stranger was.
When, in bathing his pale face with
cool water, she looked at it, she knew
him. She was deeply startled, but that
was all.
''He is an old friend. Why should I
not care for him." she said.
And so Stephen Foster, shattered
wreck, lay in Jeanette Allyn's best
room, tenderly nursed and waited upon
for days before he knew her, or even
knew where he was.
1t was herself who told him.
He feebly asked, one evening, for
drink of water, and when she gave it, he
recognized her.
''Jeannette!" he said. els it you2
Where am II"
at is 1, Stephen. You are in my
house." she answered.
''But how came l here?"
''The stage was overturned at the
door, you were hurt and brought here"
she said quietly.
E'Have l been q trouble to you long2" !
he said, with a panied flush on his pale !
face.
You have been here week, but never |
a trouble, Stephen" she answered |
quietly.