Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1891-07-26

1
heavens and my fingers trailing In the
cool water. Mr.. Dale rowed on until
the lights Oh shore seemed mere specks.
and we could just perceive the gentle
roll of the Atlantic swell. He rested on
his oars and listened. The voices of the
others were lost in the distance and only
the tinkle of banjo waited from afar
broke the nights tranquility. The
water was alive with phosphorescence
that sparkled like gems around the
blades.
We had neither of US spoken since
starting. / know not what were his
thoughts, but mine were full Of happi-
ness. felt sure, sure of his love, and
sure that he should have mine for the
asking. And yet so perfect was my
peace that hoped he would postpone
the words that were to make us still
nearer to each other. We had talked
so much of love and OF its rapture and
upSelfishness earlier in our acQuaint-
ance that now it was come to US ST.
lence seemed the most fitting common
tary.
But he had made up his mind to speak
at once.
"Virginia, have brought you out
here where we are alone, and where only
nature can interrupt US, to tell you that
l adore you. Let the inconsistent moon
and twinkling stars laugh as they
please. l know that true love exists, for
my soul is full of it at this moment,
Speak, dearest, and make me happy
forever"
In the fullness OF my transport at his
ardent words it seemed to me that
heaven was come down TO earth. My
dreams had promised no such blessed
ness as this. Family and softly MUIR
INJURED:
"Roger, you know that I love you
with all my heart"
"My darling!"
"My beloved"
Is there an hour to compare In I'M
qualified happiness with that In which
woman of impulsive nature, ignorant OF
the world and blindly trusting, whis-
pers the confidence OF her innocent
bosom in the ear Of her accepted lover?
Roger and l, alternately silent with
bliss or overlooking with the rapture OF
the hearts language, strolled arm In
arm along the moonllt shores far into
the night.
Only one incident marred our content.
Virginia, said Roger suddenly, what
will your father say?"
My father! 1 had never thought OF
him. Sc absorbing had been the con-
scious ness that Roger Dale loved me
and l returned his love, that every
other consideration was blotted from
my mind.
''Not tonight. We will not talk of
that tonight. Let me be happy while
l cam" l cried, pressing his arm with
feverish fondness.
"He dislikes me, then? was sure OF
it," he said quietly, but there was
scowl on his face.
''He does not know you, Roger. But
l will make him give his consent. He
cannot refuse me anything"
We walked on in silence. felt stirred
and rebellious. Dearest" said l, In
low tone of determination, 81 will be
true to you whatever happens"
He stopped his head and kissed me.
eff you are as constant to me, sweet
Virginia, as shall be to you, nothing
can separate US"
Oh, Joyous words! Were they not the
very same with which l had fortified
nv courage scarcely q month ago.
We parted just after midnight. My
aunt was sitting up for me, and burst
into the room in great excitement.
"Oh, Aunt Helen, ain engaged, am
engaged am so happy"
"My darling child"
We wept in each others arms.
''He is so noble, aunty; so good and
kind?"
God grant he may continue so;" she
said, stroking my hair.
gave vent TO my ecstacy In talk.
While l ratified on she sat drying her
eyes and looking at me with hall fond.
half uneasy expression. Now and
again she sobbed Historically. At last
she exclaimed, "What will your father
say?"
1--WE will t|ink of that tomorrow, |
said. II mean to be perfectly happy TO-
night"
"You will have to write to him OF
course"
ave have decided on nothing yet"
"Oh, Virginia, I am all in futter.
What will he say? He is sure to blame
me, and heaven knows, l acted Tor what
seemed to me the best"
1T was the best, dear Aunt Helen.
Can't you see how happy L am? when
Roger and / are married you shall come
and live with US always, and have the
| best room in the house; for II 1t hadn't
been for you might never have known
what it is to be loved by the noolest
man in the world"
1t was a long time before fell asleep.
I was aroused in the morning by knock
at my door. IL was Aunt Helen.
LET me in" she said mysteriously.
"Well," said l, when had risen and
admitted her. what is it? What has
happened?"
your father has just arrived. He is
down stairs"
Father"
Eyes. He knows nothing, OF course
I have scarcely slept wink all night,
Virginia. 1 feel dreadfully nervous.
What will he say?"
| got back into bed and drew the
clothes up to my chin in an affectation
| OF composure. But was overwhelmed
by the news. His opposition seemed
much more serious consideration than
when regarded by moonlight A visit
from him at any other time would not
have been a surprise, for he had said he
should run down to Tinker's Reach at
his first leisure moment.
My aunt stood at the foot OF the bed,
watching my face and expecting me to
speak. ,
"What do you mean to do about it?"
! she asked.
STell him" 7 replied