Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1892-06-08

the gulr between US. we may be
friends on" Q more
She nervously clasped and unclasped
her hands, and Colonel Overton saw a
Few bright tears trembling on her lash
es.
"You mean well, Ma ieline," he an
swered quietly, ''but though we
past the turning point in our lives, the
even iow Of friendship can never exist
between us. As for Mildred-She Is
young-she has seen nothing of the
world. There may be some other who
may touch her heart more deeply
have known such cases-aud then Her
bert's happiness will be wrecked.
Madeline was weeping bitterly; but
Colonel Overton continued: 81 do not
mean to reproach you. Your course
was better than deception; but L will
protect Herbert TO the best of my abili-
ty."
"And Mildred-poor little Mildred
is she to suffer too?"
Madeline rose from her chair, and
coming close to him laid beseechlog
hand upon his arm. The Colonel seized
it, ana 6xed his passionate, pleading
eyes upon her.
Madeline, Madelinel YOU try me
past my strength. Did you think ot
my feelings when you told me the cruel
truth years ago. and now am / required
to make still greater sacrificesp Even II
all should turn out happily, do you
think that 1t would cause me no pang
to see Mildred-your very image fit
ting .out the old place which has
known no gentle presence since you
refused to enter It'll Would you forca
me into exile again? Madeline, | am
too old-leave me my solitary hearth,
where may spend few peaceful twl'
light hours"
mildred could make them much
happier for you,' pleaded Mildred''
mother.
"Neverl" he said with sudden fire
"There is but one way of happiness for
all. L am mad to dream of such athIrl
for when I gave you up, Madeline,
swore l would never approach yor
again. l shall keep my vow. But, i
you truly wish to mend the breach be
tween US, then it is your place to seel
me-not for Mildred's sake nor Her
beIt's, nor even mine, but at the bid
ding of your own heart and desire"
He gently disengaged her clingine
hand, and left her to ponder hi
words.
So while Mildred sang in the Joy o
her heart, Madeline went about her ac
customed duties, daZed and bewildered
When the twilight came that meant 81
much to her, she could bear 1t no long
er; she lert the lovers to their dreams
and scarcely giving herself time TO
thought, she took her way across III
moorland, haltIng at last at the famil
lar gate. The spirit of the place wa
dead-the serene old gentlewoman WHIT
had frightened the homestead for hel
children.
The front door stood ajar, so Made
line slipped in, and guided by old assO
Citations, found her way to the library
This door was closed; she turned th
handle softly, and entered unobservec
by The lonely occupant.
The room lay deep in shadow, tn,
glow of the fire was subdued and fitful
and the sight Of the solitary man be
fore it, buried in his own thoughts, un
conscious of her presence, touched tn
tenderest chords of her heart. She hear
him sigh once, as she moved silently to
ward him in the gathering gloom. Sh
paused behind his chair, and summon
ing all his courage, laid timid hsnC
upon his head.
"GrevIlle, 1 have come" she whis
pered.
He did not start, nor even turn, bu
ne reached up and drew her gentl
around In front of him, without
word. She crept into his embrace,
there another sweet and solemn secre
Tas told IN the twilight. - Times Demo
crat. .x