DeSoto times. (Hernando, Miss.) 1879-1898, 1890-01-09

"0"A" NV loNe ueorge, or feel that !
had not betrayed your confidence in me-
And so, papa, when he told me, what I
already knew, that he loved me; that
his position and wealth would satisfy
the most exacting guardian; that he
was sure he could, in time, overcome
your prejudice against him, or, failing
that, so love me that | would not miss
my father.
"He said that?"
"Ah! father; he was urging every plea,
and only repeated that would never
be his wife"
"My brave, good girl"
'But my bravery is gone Papa, let
me see him before die clasp your hand
in friendship, for my sake. Let him
come here, your friend and mine; It's
but little while, and | love him So"
The last words were uttered in voice
faint with the WEAKNESS of the long, ex-
citing confession, yet full of such yearn-
ing such bitterness of longing, that the
fathers heart melted to the appeal.
"Where is hep
Here, in his uncle's countinghouse."
"Have you seen him since you re-
turned from Fairhaven?'
"Many times; but never to converse
with him. We meet in cars, in stores,
on the street, but that is ALL
And it is for my sake that you denied
your love?"
"Yes, papa, would do more than that
to please you. If were strong and well
would fight my love and conquer it!
But shall never be WELL and | have to
sitidle so mdch thinking all the time
that can not can not put George out
of my heart"
81 will see him."
That was all the promise that Mr..
iillborn made, but Amy understood
Her father would guard her maiden
pride, would see if her lovers heart had
stood the test of long separation, and if
it had-oh, the girls eyes frightened to
think of seeing once again the face she
loved daring to return the love light in
the true eyes from which she had once
turned.
1t cost Mr.. Hillborn a severe struggle
to enter the counting-house where the
son of his dead enemy rcigned in his
place. He had borne but impatiently
the injuries against him, had held gladly
to the late given power that kept his
enemy passive, and it gave him shock
of pain to think of enCountering the son
of Jerome Lawson.
But when a grave, handsome man of
twenty-five or six arose to greet him,
his first thought was:
"What a noble face" And later his
heart acknowledged the fascination OF
George Lawsons voice and manner.
He gave his card to the young book
keeper, and noted the pallor that gath
cred upon the face so painfully grave
for it's years.
"Will you be seated, Mr. Hillborn," !"
George said at last. "l-oh, sir, why
are you here? Amy"
There was no need of furtherquestion
The man spoke all his great love in that
one word.
"My daughter tells me-" the old mer-
chant began, formally, that you once
did her the honor" then his tormallty
gave way under the search Of the eager
eyes resting upon his. "lou love her, "
he faltered.
Better than my life.'
"Come to her. then. She is very i'll,
and asks TO" you"
I'LL! Not-not--'
"Yes-slowly, surely dying"
There was a long silence. Then, al
most blindly, George Lawson stretched
forth his hand.
"My father" he said, "wronged you.
"We will forget that, was the quick
reply. ~
And the outstretched hand was taken
| in firm, strong clasp.
"But II would have stolen your
child if / could"
81 must forgive that, too. One strong
or than your love or mine will claim her
soon. Come"
So. without further word, the two
| nassed from the counting-houSe into the
street and before the noon hour struck
| Amv had her hearts desire, for she saw
her fathers and her lovers hands
clasped in friendship.
IT. was an hour full of strange Joy and
main. but it was Mr.. Hillborn' voice tnat
broke long silence to say:
"Will it comfort you, Amy to nave
George remain here?' -,
The quick-lifted face answered "lCn-
ont words, and George cried:
"Oh, Heaven bless you, sir
1t was quiet wedding the next DAY
| only the servants and few old 1rlenuS
of the family being present. p"t 'ne
solemn words that bound George Law
son and Amy together for the brief hourS
of life still before her were ferVently
spoken. and Mr.. Hillborn, in giving the
bride away, stifed all jealousy, al
enmity. for the sake of the chllo ne
loved. And he had his reward NO
longer need he hurry over his business
hours to return to Amy, fearing she was
lonely in his absence, for George was
with her. No longer need he fear win
sick dread that his darling might be
neglected by the hired nurse; George
was watching her.
And her love for her 1aIner @