Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1892-11-19


arose like one 10 dream, took her
hat and went out into the twilight.
The food Of sunset glory was fad
ing away from the brilliantly lighted
wooded hills, but still fingered in the
little stream uader the bridge upon
which she paused.
1t seemed years since sue stood
there with Charlie.
And he was to be married upon
their Wedding day,
She caught her breath with hard
dry sob, and turned again towards
home.
But form stood before her, and
Charles arm barred her path. She
had not spoken to him since he left
her in anger.
us it true that you are-are go
ing to be married 2" she asked, I'M
needing the outstretchcd hand.
81 don't know he answered with
reckless cruelty. Perhaps other
people may think more of me than
you do. What then?"
Nothing" What dreary sound
that little word had. You have
the right to marry whom and when
You please. ! hope you will be hap.
py."
"Then make me so" be cried, ve-
hemently, catching her in his strong
arms, as if he would never let her 60
again. "Give up this mad scheme
of yours. and be my wife as we plan
ned. You cannot pay the mort
gage"
II can" With a struggle she
freed herself and faced him with
trembling calmness. I" 1t may take
me two years longer, although | hope
not. IL will not ask you to wait
Charlie"
+" Wait, l should think not. 9th.
er folks will not ask me to do so, !
assure. I shall be married Thanks
giving Day." He paused moment
to note the effect of his words, and
her face grew CHASTITY in the dim
light, while she grasped the rail
tightly with both hands, then he add
ed: "Oh 'Melia, think ofwhat you
are dong before you wreck our lives.
1t is Lot too late yet, but l swear
to you that, if you refuse me this
time, / will ask Miss Hanson to be
my wife before l sleep-and she will
not say no. You need not call me
conceited puppy for saying so, eth
er, for / know that it true. Choose
now. l shall never ask you again.
Shall go or stay 7"
Had the world been hers to give,
Amelia Mason would have given it
to be able to give the man she loved
the answer which her pleading heart
prompted. But, instead, she drew
her slight form to its utmost height
and her white lips uttered one word
in metallic voice:
$50 ~
"Think again, 'Melia,' he replied.
eff I go Nellie Hanson will be my
promised wife before an hour"
| "Gol,
She neither stirred nor spoke as
his hasty, ringing footsteps crossed
the bridge and died away upon the
road to the village.
Then, with a shuddering sigh, she
walked slowly home to take up the
burden of life again.
If she sat by the window and look
ed wistfully at one light among the
the many in the valley, who shall
blame her?
She knew that its rays fell upon
Charlie Newcome and his promised
bride.
The days passed quickly, bringing
the wedding morning. They were
to be married at the brides city
home, and Charlie did not return to
his native village.
| He was considerals enough 10 put
miles between them and settled in .
Western town. Then no more was
heard from him than if hegraYs had
covered him from view.
at is better So" Amelia often
told her rebellious heart.
The second season brought better
luck and hundred and 6fty dollars
were placed to her credit.
81 told 'em you'd do it," said
Squire Goodwin triumphantly. "rye
watched you, and you're as good as
gold. Now, I'll tell you how you
can pay the rest. / thought I would
MT Just yet, but / will"
She looked up with . thrill Of dis
may, and her eyes fell before his.
| He had lost his wife during the
year, and she understood what he
meant before he said it.
Pm not bad locking man--nor
SO very old, either" he went on
complacently. "As my wife you
will not have to work ~ you do
now, and the mortgage shall be your
Wedding gift to your mother. What
do you sayf Will you do it?
| Why not ? As his wife she would
take her place among the best Of
! them.