The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1891-03-11


love-dream-the purest, the happiest
time of their livesp He had spoken
no words of love, but in the glances,
in the touch of his hand, she read the
same ''old story"
"Oh, have you heard the news?"
cried Ada Roberts, one of Nina's init
mate friends, bursting into the room
where the latter was sitting reading.
Il don't believe you have, so I'll tell
you, Edward Percy is going away the
day after to-morrow-and that is not
all, he is going to be married? That
to transact. He-why, are you illP"
mo! no! it was only an attack of
faintness; it is over now; go on"
said Nina, in constrained voice.
"Well, that is all. When I asked
to return very soon. I wonder if he
is going to bring his bride here on a
visitP He has quite fallen in love
with our little town. Really I must
go, for / am in a great hurry. But
amt it funnyp ! always imagined he
thought great deal of you. There,
won't talk any more, for you are look
ing really ill. Good-bye!" And, stoop-
merrily out of the room, little think
ing how much mischief she had done.
For full quarter of an hour after
the light-hearted girl had departed,
Nina sat motionless as statue, every
vestige of color gone from her face,
giving no sign of her inward suffering
save in a tired, strained expression
which was more eloquent than tears.
Suddenly a shudder convulsed her
whole frame, her head dropped on her
hands and, as a heart-broken sob es-
capped her, she moaned, "Oh, father,
help mer'
The shadows of twilight were clos
ing around her ere she moved her po-
sition. Rising. she walked to the win
dow, and pressed her aching brow
against the cool glass.
II can't bear it-oh, l can't bear it!
So good, SO noble. and so-falsei Yes"
and a bitterness came into her tone.
81 will ride with him tomorrow as I
have promised, and then bid farewell
to my hopes"
Her voice faltered. and tears, the
first she had she'd rained down her
cheeks, but they proved a blessing
and brought her relief which enabled
her to gain the much-needed COM
posure for the coming morrow.
Miss Nina, you are not looking
well this afternoon" said Edward,
with an air of tender solicitude, as he
assisted her to mount her horse.
Il am tolerably well, thank you,"
answered she, coldly; adding, with
forced laugh, II fear you will find me
a rather dull companion, as a severe
headache of yesterday has not quite
worn off,"
He glanced at her quickly, as he no.
ticed her tone was different from her
usual happy one. A shadow was
thrown over her heart, and for long
while they rode in silence. At last,
turning suddenly. he spoke in low.
earnest tone: Nina = Miss Ross-I
go away tomorrow, but before / go,
may I have the pleasure of knowing
that am regarded by you with more
interest than an ordinary acquaint-
ance? During the months of my stay
here I have learned to love you deep
ly, truly, with such love as comes to
a man but once in lifetime. Dar-
ling, has not my affection awakened
one answering chord in your hearth
Speak, if but one little word"
All this time Nina. much surprised,
had listened like one in a dream.
Glad surprise and joy filled her heart;
was it then false that he loved an
other? At that thought, doubt filled
her mind again, and her face grew
grave.
Speak. darlingr he urged. why
do you hesitateP"
She turned suddenly toward him:
''Mr. Percy, is it not true that you
are to be married soonP" You-you
are trifing with me-"
"Ninar' he cried, earnestly, you
can not think that. l have spoken to
your parents on this subject. have
gained their consent, and-darling,
you are ill!'
No, she was not i'll, but the re-
vulsion of feeling was too much for
her. and the girl nearly tainted.
Edward Percy was married soon,
after all, but Nina was his bride, and
a happier one never lived.