The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1892-01-01

AGNES LIFTED her CLEAR, soUL-LIT EYES.
union, we might then, in perfect right
eousness, have taken our own way, but
even so, only because we know our love
to be as pure and Interchangeable as it is
natural and prener. A separation of
five yaars=-if it shall indeed prove so
long-will he to us a very heavy trial;
but, think of the rewardi-a life free
from reproach, the approval of our own
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 cheered
and sustained, as you 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 will be richly COM
pensated for your unselfish devotion.
AS for myself, will try to bear up as
bravely as can, and, If forbidden to
write to or hear from you, shall at
least have you always present in my
your dear sake will not consent to en-
ter your fathers family against his ex-
pressed wishes, without making true
and loyal effort to reconcile him ta 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: Howard's
bosom s0hhad aloud
Frank, moved to the fnmost depths of
his being by the granduer of her senti-
ments and heroic abnegation knelt by
her side and, quite unabashed by his
mothers presence, drew her to his
arms and poured forth his whole soul in
broken, PASSIONATE words of love and
entreaty, though instinctively feeling
that nothing could change her resolve,
At length when ell vera exhausted
by emotion. Mrs. Howard rose, and
tenderiy embracing the youthful pair,
said: go now, dear children, and
hope for the best. Even this dark
cloud has its silver lining. lilrtiln Submit pa
tientlg, meantime, to your fathers will,
and joy may come sooner than you
know, It is very, very hl.aird to part
with my son. end with you too. my
ue-hcarted, precious girl, but have
sure conviction that tt will not be for
long, Something ] know not what
whispers me that we shall be reun,,d
before ene-half of those fearful five
years haa gone"
On leaving Mrs. Towards room, the
lovers wandered off through the shrub
berry and soon found themselves on the
scene of their last nights memorable
interview, and it is no reflection upon
Frank to confess that here he pleaded
long and earnestly with Agnes to re-
woke her decision, but she, though tried
almost beyond her strength, steadfastly
resisted his entreaties and the prompt
ings of her own heart, and remained firm
in her pAEpese. Finally, when driven
to exbemity, she said: Dear Frank,
the laws of right and wrong are inn
mutable. Let us not deceive our
selves into believing that by any
sophistry we can change them ta suit
ourselves. 1t is, beypRd all question,
right that we should now so far yield
TO your father as to consent to tempo
rary separation, though we may not
think that he was lustlhed In disposing
of your future without consulting your
own wishes. Yet We must consider his
motives, which were undoubtedly influ-
enced by a Feal-hnt perhaps mistaken
desire for your good. Nor can we
blame him if pride of station and wish
for enlarged estates (all ultimately for
you) were controlling elemepts in his
plan, for this is h9t natural to one in
his position and holding his views. In
my Ignorance Of the world and worldly
business, never thought of these
things last night when you made nae SO
happy by declaring your loyei hut now
my eyes are oneneai and, Col. Howard,
having 90 clearly expressed his views,
we dare not expect Heavens blessing
upon our union if we refuse to defer it
for his sake, even though we DO know
that he builds delusive hopes upon the
delay. OH Frank, continued the love-
ly girl, what does it matterP 1t is,
after all, but slight sacrifice to make
in o,der to insure lifetime Of "
clcuded joy and peacss am yours \
and yQn are mine Nothing can change
that. Though stormy seas and vast conti-