Waterbury evening Democrat., 1891-12-05
Agnes Craydon.
BY w. T. THOMSON.


 natural and proper. separation of five years-if it shall indeed prove so long-will be to us very heavy trial; but, think of the reward!-a life free from reproach, the approval of our own consciences and the sweet certainty that our sclf-denial has promoted the happiness of others, and preserved, un- impaired, the harmony of a now united family. And, Frank, always cheered and sustained, as you will be, by the sympathy of your mother and sisters, these years of absence will prove less tedious than you suppose, and when the end has come you will be richly com pcnsated for your unselfish devotion. As for myself, I will try to bear up as bravely as l can, and, if forbidden to write to or hear from you, I shall at least have you always present in my thoughts and prayers. But even for your dear sake will not consent to en- ter your fathers family against his ex- pressed wishes, without making true and loyal effort to reconcile him to your choice. If this could be done by entail | ing the whole suffering upon me alone should be well content, although, dear Frank, know hat-you-you-" But | now. Agnes broke completely down, and, hiding her face on Mrs Towards bosom, sobbcd aloud.
 Frank, moved to the inmost depths of his being by the granduer of her senti- ments and heroic abnegation, knelt by her side and, quite unabashed by his mothers presence, drew her to his arms and poured forth his whole soul in broken, passionate words of love and entreaty, though instinctively feeling | that nothing could change her resolve. At length when all were exhausted by emotion, Mrs. Howard rose, and tenderly embracing the youthful pair, said: GO now, dear children, and hope for the best. Even this dark cloud has it's silver lining. Submit pa tiently, meantime, to your fathers will, and joy may come sooner than you know It is very, very hard to part with my son, and with you too, my true-hearted, precious girl, but have a sure conviction that 1t will not be for long, Something I know not what whispers me that we shall be reunited before one-haf of those fearful five years has gone."
 On leaving Mrs. Towards room, the lovers wandered off through the shrub bery and soon found themselves on the scene of their last nights memorabl | interview, and it is no reflection upon Frank to confess that here he pleaded long and earnestly with Agnes to re- yoke her decision, but she, though tried almost beyond her strength, steadfastly resisted his entreaties and the prompt ings of her own heart, and remained firm in her purpose. Finally, when driven to extremity, she said: 'Dear Frank, the laws of right and wrong are inn mutable. Let us not deceive our selves into believing that by any sophistry we can change them to suit ourselves. It is, beyond all question, right that we should now so far yield to your father as to consent to tempo rary separation, though we may not think that he was justified in disposing of your future without consulting your own wishes. Yet we must consider his motives, which were undoubtedly influ- enced by a real-but perhaps mistaken desire for your good. Nor can we blame him if pride of station and wish for enlarged estates Gall ultimately for yOu) were controlling elements in his plan, for this is but natural to one in his position and holding his views. In my ignorance of the world and worldly business, I never thought of these things last night when you made me so happy by declaring your love; but now my eyes are opened; and, Col. Howard, having so clearly expressed his views, we dare not expect Heavens blessing upon our union if we refuse to defer it F for his sake, even though we do know g that he builds delusive hopes upon the n delay. Oh! Frank" continued the love- r ly girl, what does it matter? It is, s after all, but slight sacrifice to make s in order to insure a lifetime of un- T clouded joy and peace. I am yours t and you are mine. Nothing can change e that, though stormy seas and vast conti, nents may divide us for a time, yet shall our thoughts hold sweet com munion through every conscious hour and each mornings sun, as it records one day less of separation, shall but d strengthen and confirm our love-"
 The enraptuecd lover gazed with adoring eyes upon the inspired coun Jenance of the wrapt enthusiast and
 elasping her to his heart exclaimed
 My pure, unselfsh darling; each word you utter make it only harder to part
 with you. Your sublime faith rebukes ] my fears and gives me courage to en
 y
 instincts are more true, your sense o1 = right more just than mine, and that w'
 must for the present obey my father
 stern decree; yet, how can leave you
 oh, Agnes, the crown and joy of m, IF life!" And once again, as heart bea .o close to heart, their souls seemed kni
 in one by the transcendent power of al
 undying love, in which angels migh ,, have gloried.
 And now we must press onward il the story of these young lives. Imme
 diately on parting with Agnes Franl
 again sought his fathers presence, and n in few words informed him of his ow Q change of purpose, but candidly added
 You must not think, sir, that an
 credit whatever is lue me in this mat
 ter. It is all Miss Graydon's doings.
 am still convinced that your decision i
 cruel and unjust, but she, noble gir insists that I shall cOmnlv with won