The Press., 1891-10-08

There had been no rain for weeks, and the yellow leaves were dropping in show CTS from the long suffering trees But one night late in August, worn out with insomnia, Edith fell into heavy slum- bef and dreamed she heard soft rain pattering on the roof, while delicious coolness came in at the open windows and odors of damp mold and herbage washed free from dust. It was later than usual when she awoke to find the sun struggling through broken clouds and the earth washed with refreshing show CTS. Ford's alley was filled with delight full little puddles that reflected gleams of blue sky. It had rained all night, and the earth wore a new and glittering face. Hope and energy revived in Edith's soul. She looked in the glass, and to her surprise saw that the bloom of early youth had come back. She felt like setting to work now double tides; all the languor and listlessness had gone out of her body and brain. Her feet seemed winged that morning as she sped lightly over the wet pavement to- ward the postoffice, with breeze shak- ing down raindrops on her head from the overhanging elm boughs.
 A presentiment of good was in the air, and three white pigeons clapped their wings aud flew away to the right directly over her head. The postal clerk when he nodded to Miss March that morning had 8 pleasant smile on his face, and he pushed through the little window a handful of letters. On top she saw a square, blue envelope for dear old Celes- tina, postmarked Thur, Switzerland. She was out of the building before she ventured to look at her own, but her heart foreboded good. The large buff envelope bore the postmark of distant city, and the handwriting of the editor, whose fishing excursion was now over l Edith tre1nbled as she tore it open, and then she nearly tainted, for it contained check for two hundred dollars enclosed in letter full of encouragement to the young writer. Wealth, fame and happi- ness danced before the girls dazzled eyes. The sky had fallen and she had caught lapful of larks. She longed to skip in the street round the great elm at the corner of Grove and Smith streets, but she remembered that the house maids would think her crazy.
 The letter lying unopened in her hand was from Willard up at Tamerack Camp The dear fellow had not written to her for an age, and here she was neglectine him in her own selfish joy. It was but the work of moment to run her eye down the first page, that seemed punctu- ated on every line with the name oi Harold Ashley. "A splendid fellow, ''the best heart ever knew," ''is clever athletic and handsome" Finally she came to the following paragraph that set her heart beating fast and filled hel head with confused buzzing: Through the influence of Ashleys uncle, the sen. ator, who has much weight with the powers that be, have been appointed assistant state geologist. with a fair sal ary and good prospect of promotion. What do you say to that, little sister,"
 Edith found tears of joy raining down her face. It all seemed q beautiful con spiracy to insure her perfect happiness, and she was laughing and crying at the same time, quite regardless of the opin- ion of the Grove street maids Nor was she aware, in the sweet confusion of her ideas, that a young man much tanned by wind and wave and sun was rapidly approaching down the broad walk. . It was Harold Ashley, just returned from his trip, and now he planted himself in front of Edith and blocked the way. s-~-. "How good you have been to WillP' she murmured, ashamed of the happy tears on her cheek. ''I have just been reading letter from him."
 ''There is no goodness in giving a lift to a fellow like Willard" said Harold, looking embar1agsed. ''Of course he was bound to makc tzaais mark all the same if had not happened to mention him to my uncle. By the way, Miss March, have little note in my pocket for you that was intrusted to me by one of your friends" He fumbled about in his vstri- ous pockets, and at last drew out billet which he presented with formal little bow. Edith turned it over, looked at the crest, inhaled the delicate perfume and then slowly broke the seal. The handwriting was unknown. She turned to the end and read, to her astonishment, the name Mary Isabella Trevor. Harold watched the fuctuating color in the girls shy, downcast face as she read as follows:
 'DEAR Mss MARCEL fear you have imbibed very erroneous impression in regard to my relations with my cousin, Harold Ashley. We are not engaged, and could not be, for am confirmed invalid ard shall never marry. Harold is noble fellow, warm hearted, strictly 41I A~ woman happy upon whom he bestows his affections. Dear Miss March, you will, trust, pardon the liberty I have taken, but wish to confide to you se- cret. Harry will be my heir, and should like him to hear this fact, of which he is now ignorant, from the lips of the wom- an he loves."
 A rosy cloud passed before Ediths eyes, and she dared not look at the young man still planted there before her, watching the varying expression of her face. She knew he was saying some thing, but the words seemed to come from long distance away. "Dear Edith" he seemed to say, II dont't know what Mary has written, but must tell you how dearly love you, how noble you. seem to me, above all otbcr women in the world. Tell me, can you ever learn to care for me? I do so honestly and truly love you"
 Edith raised her eyes to his, and her lips parted in smile. ~'You are so good, she murmured. ''I think you are almost divine. How could help loving youY
 He took her hand and drew 1t through his arm, and then she remembered a neglected duty.
 ''I must go to poor old Miss Rivers at the hospital, for 1 have good news for her, and it would be a sin to keep her