The weekly messenger. [volume] (St. Martinsville [i.e. St. Martinville] La.) 1886-1948, 1891-03-21

I
But Bessie and knew. And she was
only waiting till tho angels opened wide
the mystic gate.
But how mysteriously Philip and
were separated 80 it is. our JOYS and
sOrrows come to us in lightning flashes
stunning u' so suddenly that it seems,
when we arouse ourselves. like wonder
full dream. She, sister, died on the 18th
of November, Philips twenty first birth
day; au occasion anticipated with much
expectation 10y him, as giving him posses
sion of his handsome property and his
liberty. Only Il month ago Bessie and
had hoped to assist at this celebration.
And now she was lying cold and still.
At such times no human sympathy, not
even the dearest. can give us consola-
ton. was sitting, with the big, old
fashioned Bible in my lap, reading the
| fifteenth chapter of Corinthians. when
heard through the open door of my room
the voice of Philip in the hall below.
He was asking Jane IF Miss Ruth would
see him." | had gwen orders not to be
disturbed, for felt that could not bear
the sight OF strange face; and hardly
expected him to call, on that day at
least. But at the sound of his voice
almost resolved to change my resolution /;
and yet, somehow, could not let even
Philip break in on that solemn hour.
While hesitated heard the outer door
shut, and the question was decided for
me. He was gone.
He never came to the house but once
after that, and then it was to bid us
good-by, preparatory to starting on q
long Continental tour. l had Just re-
turned from Greenwood, about a week
after Bcssie's death, when he was an
nounced. With a glad little flutter of
my heart went down, sadly but calmly,
to meet him. AS entered the parlor
little Howard was lamenting. most clam
orously, over something, which seemed
to distress him exceedingly, and upon
inquiry, l found it was in connection with
Philip. sob, Gearm sobbed Howard.
'Mr. Carrington's going away for three
years; and love him, and don't want
him to go and mammals gone, and every
body! Oh, dcar''
With faltering and astonished voice, /
turned to Philip for his explanation.
With strange and dignified demeanor,
he answered evasivcly. Howard is
excited, and makes great deal about
nothing"
Amt you going 2" shouted Howard,
from behind the door, where he had hid
den to conceal his tears. Anxiously
waited his reply, looking steadily at
him
Eyes, l go on Wednesday. Miss Ruth.
Won't you give Inc your blessing, and as
many commissions as | can conveniently
execute in three years 2"
almost tainted, was so overcome |
with establishment ard sorrow. Was
this my old Philip? We were certainly
not engaged, but still we had loved each |
other before Bessie died. Happily my
pride came to my assistance, and | an !
'wered haugh.ily, THANK you. / can
purchase what need here"
With few affectionate farewell words
70 the children, he rose, and taking nv
land in his, said: Take care of YOUR
'elf, Ruth; when you need friend, think
If me. Good-by, and God bless YOU all;
md hastily kissing little three-ycar- old
Ruth mot mel, he was gone.
When the front door closed | flew to
ny room, where no one can ever know
low suffered.
But how my tide of recollections have
irlfted me away from that unhappy
Wednesday,, and my needlework! We
we're just seated at dinner, l with dis
lcvelled hair and morning dress, for it
vas showing hard, and 1 expected no
'isitors, when Mabel Carrington's little
pen carriage drove up, and she with her
lister Edith alighted. For a moment l
cit wickedly rcbellious, and wished |
vas fashionable and rich, but soon for
ot these inconsistent emotions in NV
esire to touch up my appearance before ,
hey should enter. But a little refec- ,
ION induced me to conclude that | 1
iould see them in my housewife garb.
hey both rushed at me with such vehe-
hence and affection that | was non.
lussed, and really would have preferred 1
heir statelincss. 9
My dear Ruth simpered Mabel. (
VIC are getting up lablcaux FOR Satur.
ay night, and you must form one of the {
arty; we need you for several charac- i
'rs. Let me see: what are they. Morn {
lS. Neon, and Faith Now don't a
lake your head; We have calculated Il
pom your lovely face, and certainly Il
iall expect you. Your sister has been II
ead over year. and you must come; Y
Dbody will think strange of it," DC, t
c., DC, until in perfect desperation,
r0mlsed to be pres mt at the rehearsal a
lc next day a
l knew full we'll that somebody had d
lled them, and in an extremity thew f
I'd thought of me; still decided to 90. n
n l felt impelled by strange force, $
Inch l could not explain. to enter the f
lrrlngtOns' house. | wanted to see [