Semi-weekly interior journal. [volume] (Stanford, Ky.) 1881-1905, 1891-12-18

natural and proper. A separation o
, FIVE years-if it shall indeed prove S,
long-will be to us very heavy trial
but, think of the reward!-a life FIRE,
from reproach. the approval of our owl
consciences and the sweet certainty
that our self-denial has promoted the
happiness of others. and preserved. un.
impaired. the harmony of now united
family. And. Frank, always cheereC
and sustained. as Won 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 win be richly com.
pensated for vour unsclfSh devotion.
As for myself. | will try TO bear up as
bravcly a. can. and. Il forbidden Ia
write to or hear from you, | shall at
least have YOU always present in my
thoughts and prayers But even for
your dear sake | VIII not consent to en-
ter your fathers family against his eN-
pressed wishes. without making true
and loyal effort torccouciie 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 that-you-you- But
now Agnes broke completely down,
/ and, hiding her face on Mrs. Towards
| bosom, soobcd aloud.
Frank. moved Ia the Utmost depths of
/ his being 10y the granduer of her senti-
ments and heroic abnegation. knelt by
/ her side and. quite unahaShed by his
mothers presence, drew her to his
arms and poured forth his whole soul in
/ broken, passionate words of love and
ontreaty, though inS,inctively 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 row, dear children, and
hope for the best. Even this darl;
cloud has its silver lining. submit pa
tiently, meantime, to your fathers will,
and JOY may come sooner than Won
know II is very. very hard to part
with my son, and with YOU too, my
true-hearted. precious girl, bu. ID; sc IA
sure conviction that it will not be for
long. Something | know not what
whispers me that we shall De reunited
before one-hcif Of those fearful five
years has gone"
On leaving Mrs. EowGrd's room. the
lovers wandered off through the shrub
berry and soon found themselves on the
scene of their last night, memorable
interview. ana IT l. no reelection upon
Frank to confess that here he pleaded
long and earnestly with Agnes 10 re-
woke her decision, but She, though tried
almost beyond her strength. stcadfaStly
resisted his cutrcatios and the prompt
ings of her own heart, and remaiued firm
in her purpose. Finally, when driven
~ extremity, she said: Dear Frank,
che laws of right and wrong are inn
mutablc. Let Is not deceive our
selves into believing that by any
sophistry we cen change them TO suit
ourselves. II is, beyond all question,
right that we should now so far yield
20 your father as TO consent To a 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 infiu-
rnced by a real-but perhaps mistaken
desire for your good. Nor can we
blame him if pride of station and a wish
for enlarged estates TALL ultimately for
YOU were controlling elements in his
plan, for this is but natural TO one in
his position and holding mis- views. In
my ignorance of The world and worldly
business, ! never thought of these
things last night when you made me so
happy by declaring your love; but now
my eyes are opened; ana, Col. Howard,
having so clearly expressed his views,
we dare not expect Heavens blessing
upon our union If we refuse to defer il .
for his sake. even though we do know
that he builds delusive hopes upon the .
delay. Oh. Frank" continued the love- .
~ girl, what does it matter? 1t is,
after all, but slight sacrifice to make
in order 10 Insure a lifetime of I'M
clouded joy and peace. ! am yours
and you are mine. Nothing can change
that, though stormy seas and vast CONT
nents may divide us for time, vet
shall our thoughts hold sweet com
munion through every conscious hour,
and each mornings sun, as it records
)ne day less of separation, shall but
and confirm our love"
The enraptured lover gazed with
idoring eyes upon the inspired coun-
jenance of the wrapt enthusiast and.
.lasping her to his heart, exclaimed:
My pure, unselfish darling; each word
you utter make it only harder to part
With You. Your sublime faith rebukes
ny fears ana gives me courage to en-
lure. | am forced to confess that your
Instincts are more true, your sense of
light more Just than mine, and that we
must for the present obey my fathers
stern decree; yet, how can leave you.
oh, Agnes, the crown and JOY OF my
life" And once again, as heart beat
close TO heart, their souls seemed knit
in one by the transcendent power of an
lndying love, in which angels might
have gloried.
And now we must press onward in
.he story of these young lives. Imme-
lately on parting with Agnes Frank
again sought his fathers presence, and,
n few words informed him of his own
,hange of purpose, but candidly added: