The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1890-04-05

seen at the numerous gatherings and
socials. Lydiawas nearly always there
however, and entered into the gayeaes
with spirit that unsuccessfully tried
to be light and happy.
There was an ache in her heart and
many tear fell in the privacy of her
own room, where of late she spent a
large share of her time.
Papa and mamma noticed that some-
thing allied their darling girl, and, not
being able to assign better reason for
her white face and delicate appetite, con.
cluded she needed a change of air
and scenery. This Lydia denied most
stoutly, and protested that she was in
perfect health. She knew but too we'll
what would bring back the sunshine TO
her bright eyes and lovely face. She
knew, but said not word to anybody.
But it was so hard. She could not un-
derstand why Jack acted as he did and
never came near her any more. What
had she done that he should avoid her
so? If she could but solve the mystery.
assign some motive for Jacks conduct!
AS time wore on they drifted farther
and farther apart, until the breach be-
came so wide that seemingly nothing
could bridge it and restore the lovers %
each other again.
Jacks bosom friend, Charley Walter,
knew there was something wrong, but
for the life of him he could not fathon
the mystery. He was too conslderate Of
his friends feelings to dwell on q sub
ject so evidently painful to him. and
but for few little slips Jack had M,
consciously made he knew practically
nothing about the affair. = {
Summer and autumn had core and
gone, winter was fast going, and as
spring approached Charley wa, no near
err solution Of his friends depression
than he had been months beore. They
were speaking of the early spring that
was prom Using, and Charley said:
"Well, the Lenten season. is nearly
completed, and with the revival of so
ciety's gayeties 1 want you, my friend,
also to throw off this melancholy spirit
and be cheerful again as you used to
be-"
His friend sat silent for moment as
if mentally debating some question,
and then replied:
81 never told you, Charley, why have
changed so within the past year. 1 have
hesitated so long because the subject is
a most painful one to me. tell you
now that you may understand and not
insist that go with you into society"
He told tho entire story faithfully
and wound up with: at was terrible
blow to me to be treated thus by the
girl l loved so dearly. To be sure l
never intimated by word of mouth that
| cared for her, but how could speak
when / loved her so intensely and knew
not that my love was in the least re-
ciprocated."
But is it not possible that you might
be mistaken? Perhaps the flowers
never reached her." said his sympa-
thetic friend, in a vain endeavor to
comfort him.
"Ah! but l made sure of that by going
to the florists afterward. How can
enter into the pleasures of the season
when my heart is so heavy and sad?
I'm obliged to you for your kindness
and sympathy, old fellow, but really
can't" p
Thus ended the matter for the pres.
emit, and Charley went home for the
night.
He was not so certain of Lydia's dis.
Co. ~, fn;o
the sad, listless expression that ap.
peared at times upon her face despite
her endeavor to hide it? Was he not
more capable of rendering fair judg-
ment than his love-sick friend? Didn't
he know thing or two about
such affairs, even if he had never
been really in love himself? Yes,
Charley thought so, and lay
awake long after midnight thinking
and planning. Suddenly he sat up in
bed with a jerk and his fist flew out and
came down with a crack on his shin
that but for his enthusiasm would have
made him vince. Il have it!' he eX-
claimed, and turning over he went
peacefully to sleep.
The next few days he carried about
with him certain air of mystery, and
when he met his friend Jack curious
smile illumined his features. But jack
poor, dear, blind fellow! was oblivious
to every thing excepting his own great
grief, and suspected nothing.
1t was Saturday afternoon, the day
before Easter, and we find Charley
making his way rapidly across the
street to the florists, evidently trying
to avoid detection.
When he reappeared good-sized box
reposed under his arm and a generous
smile suffused his always pleasing
countenance. From his actions it
would almost seem, if one did not know
honest, jolly Charley Walters, that he
,.,n ga i =