The Forrest City times., 1891-07-03

on account of n beautiful glen with rip bling water that ran through the place.
 They rode to the spot Nell indicated. and viewed it from every point, talking over plans with great interest. he try ing to think of tho best way of telling her his love and she using her utmost skill to prevent it. But Ray felt the time had come to speak. and he finally gave up all effort to be diplomatic and said
 After all, Nell, 1t will make no diff. \. 1rencc to me what sort of house build here if you are not in it as my wife. Nell, you know it is my one thought by day and dream by night tc call you mine! You know love you, dear. Do ycu--can you--lovc me well enough to marry me?"
 Nell's merry face palcd, and she said faiatly:
 "al,. Ra~ I ourht not to have ccms to-day. did not want you to ask mo ito be your wifel l can not--marry yon."
 Ray was confounded. He had not hcS.atcd about declaring his lcve be- cause he never doubted Nclrs, for he felt sure she loved him. What could it mean?
 "what is it, Ncll?" he managed to articulate. Why can't you marry me? You do love me-"
 He made this assertion with his pleading eyes full upon her agitated face.
 ''0h, Ray. how can you." she cried, a great wave of rose color stealing over her face. "Well. yes, Ray, can't deny 1t. do love yon But" motioning him away, "I can't marry you because --beeause will not marry any man who drinks"
 Nell, everybody drinks here-your father, Frank"
 Il know" she interrupted. but my husband must not" SEe controlled her voice and went on---
 "A man may be able to take eonsid- erable and show it very little. but if he drinks, he leads others to drink. Now, my husband must be free; he must not be guilty of leading others wrong, and he must prefer my society to that of the men hanging around saloons. True, my brother Frank drank before you came west, but he is not so strong us a~pu and he-he--drinks more since you Schme.'
 Nel, spoke eacerly---hastilv. She mace Ieay fcei, as ne nau never oono UcluFc, tlAt uc Wds rSSpoHSioLc Iur ms influence.
 'l had not thought" he began, "that was responsible for any one but my self; but see---try me. Nell. Promise to be mine and 1 will give up drink. and try to get Frank to do so."
 Nell shook her head.
 'l can't do that, either.' she said. 'The man marry must be his best self mot to please me. but because his Maker requires if, and because he owes 1t to himself und to his country. The man marry may not be the best man in the world, but he will be the man love. How could promise to be yours unless have the assurance you will be ~h l expect9 Your word will not he enough, for with the pest intentions people often fail of getting back what they have lost of manhood and self control"
 Rays face flushed hotly. Who was Nell Edmonds, that she should presume to demand more of him than his word Why should he be put on trial! His pride rose in arms, and even love fled as he said
 "I should not think of any test of my word, Miss Edmonds, but sec you do not love me. Love does not argue thinv< Nrt in that cool fashion IShall do as please, and leave you the same privilege. When it pleases you will take you home"
 We will go now. Mir, Kingsley" she cid. drawing her slender figure up to