The World. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1891-1896, 1892-05-19
CHAPTER VII.

Hhe only brightness In Ellen
Warde's sad thoughts sprung
from her friendship with the
Severns. Intuitively aware Of
the colonels interest in her,
though to herself she called it only
kindly feeling, she could not but like
him In return, and by some subtle in
stinct guessed that II she ever neeoeo
help he would risk anything to serve
her. His dark eyes, grave at times even
to severity, had somehow impressed her
with the belief that he would be pitiful
indeed and tender, but that the mere
fact Of a woman's needing such tender
ness would rob her Of his esteem. From
what he had said she had not failed to
discover that his ideal of womanhood
was high one. She would not like him
even to know that she had been on the
stage; but she felt that she would we'll
nigh sink into the ground with shame
were he to discover what had driven
her away from her own country.
Charlie she feared less. He liked her
for herself unquestioningly; and, II she
elected to accept his love, she thought
he would not alter.
Gould she afford to thrust this happi-
ness from herr Love was turmoil and
o pain-having loved once, she knew the
sorrow of it; but to be loved-ah, that
would be indeed heaven, she thought.
All day long she hesitated, but in the
afternoon, when Charlie came to try his
fate, full Of happy boyish enthusiasm
tempered with little boyish shyness,
she knew at once that only one answer
was possible, 1t would be crime to
give him less than he offered her, q
whole undivided love; nor could she
ease the buraen she bore. by laying 1t
across his shoulders too. She could not
doubly wreck his life.
Ill am SD glad you are alone;
want to speak to you. VIII you walk q
little way with me Z" he begged earnest
ly, anxious to get beyond sight Of the
windows and possible lockers on.
She had come into the garden to meet
him. Her hat was in her hand, and In
answer to his request she put it on.
Which way shall we go!' she asked.
gether !" was what the boy thought; but
he managed to stammer something more
| conventional instead, and went on talk
ing till they stood alone and unobserved
in shady lane not far from the house.
Then he turned and faced her reck lessly,
feeling the suspense too horrible to bear
that he must know his fate at once.
Ellen, love you'll Will you be my
wife ?" said Charlie.
A crimson flush rose to her cheeks.
| All, 1t was sweet, sweeter than she had
thought, to hear such words! She did
so thirst for love-love and sympathy
] Must she4dash the cup away untasted /?
Some women are SO rich In love and
happiness that they could listen un-
moved to such . story; some are so
constituted that 1t could cause only a
feeling OF repulsion; but to Ellen this
love which she did not, could never re-
turn, cameNas great temptation.
Z Can't you love me, dear? Won't
you be my wife :"
Slowly she raised her eyes to his
hers SO sadfand full OF unutterable long
ing for love. happiness and home: his
SO Rassionats and loye-compelling. His
Nightly compressed lips gave evidence
Of determination, his whole face was
aglow with love and hope
: am yefy sorry" she began.
u He caughtN her hands and nearly
crushed them in his strong clasp as to
ITn ha Contin,,aa / Us