Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1890-05-08
EUGENE LAX'S GHOST.
How a Disagreeable Lover Was
Gotten Rid OF.

Can it be possible that am mistaken?
No; it is the form of a handsome, gal
liant young man, restlessly pacing up
and down the winding walks leading TO
an elegant mansion. Now and then he
pauseS to listen, and at last coming to
full halt near a rosemyrtle, imagineS
he hears faint sound of footsteps. His
over-taXed patience was soon rewarded
by the appearance of 4 female figure.
Eugene" whispered soft voice.
Eugene, is it you?"
And the young man stepped forward,
took the beautiful, soft hand, and raised
it to his lips.
sit seems almost an eternity | have
waited, Elsie" he said.
Il could not come sooner" she re-
piled. lie would have me sing him
song after song, and would not listen to
a refusal. He is cruel tyrant! Oh! |
pity the woman who becomes his wife"
Have you told your father that you
would not marry this man, Elsie? If
not. do SO at the earliest moment pos
sible. for | have no likings for secrets.
and | must WOO and win you openly.
Your father is a man of much ability
and good sense, and would not give his
daughters hand in marriage to one
man when her heart belonged to
another. Therefore tell him the truth.
Elsie, or else bid u.e tell him: | can
endure these secret meetings no
longer"
You do not know my father. Eugene,
as L do. He betrothed me to Felix La
we're when | was mere child and Felix
only a boy of twelve: he considers that
as binding. But if Felix were a diff
ferent man all might be WE'LL would
need but to ask his aid to break the
foolish compact. All. but he is so differ
ent from all other men. Though | have
been as disagreeable as l dared, yet he
has chosen to be in love with me, and is
determined. Between themselves they
have this night set the wedding-day. /
am ordered to be ready one month from
tonight, Eugene"
And still you said nothing?" asked
the young man.
Elsie suddenly turned, cast herself
into his arms, and, hiding her face upon
his bosom. sobbed out: Il was afraid,
Eugene. l can not save myself, but
leave it all with you"
Then / will go to your father in the
morning" said the young man with re-
newed hope. Il was only waiting for
you to give your consent. Have no fear,
my dear: all will be we'll"
His arms frightened around her fair
form while he imprinted kisses upon
her lovely face.
You shall be mine" he said, land |
will love thee more and more. Do not
be afraid"
And she was not, while his strong
arms encircled her and his breath was
upon her cheek.
But it is growing late and she must
return to the house. The last embrace
is taken, and Eugene, pausing by the
rose-myrtle, sees her vanish in the sur
darkness.
ION the morrow. thank God, | shall
be free of this secret work" he said. |
''If Captain Warren refuses me his |
daughters hand, when l claim it by
right of love-
The sound of footsteps caused the |
young man to stop: and, replacing his |
hat, which he held in his hand, on his |
golden curls, he turned and walked to-
ward the outer gate. AS he was in the act
of leaving the gate, which he had just
closed, behind him, dark form stood |
In his pathway.
What might be your name?" in |
auired the new conner.
MY name, sir, is one well-known in |
this vicinity, and is Eugene Lax. Twas
born here. You. it seems, have lately |
come here; and what might be your |
1T might be the devil, but it is not. |
I am known where l came from. Louis |
lana, as we'll as here, as Felix Layere, |
and my business here is of Importance. |
l am engaged to Miss Elsie Warren. by |
of her father. And more than
that, sir; for some time | have noticed |
that something was wrong. and tonight |
I followed her; l saw her meet you,
speak few words and then fall sobbing
into your arms. You have loved. and
you can imagine my emotions. There |
Is but one way to settle this affair.
Il am ready to settle at any time,
SIR" replied Eugene; but let me tell
you now that Miss Warren is my prom
ised wife: the affair with you has not
her consent at all, but is of her fathers
making. Tomorrow l shall go to him
and claim her. She loves me and will
marry me. She may have been wrong
In not being candid with you-and
have implored her to do so-but surely
you will resign all claims to her when
you know that she does not love you
and asks rou to free her?' |