Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1893-10-10
DARKNESS
By Nm. HENRY WARD BEEoHER

ILUulUUlW UAllAlVHO
Nxn HENRY wlRD BsEcHER
lcopyrish. isa By Cooley Publiahins oun-
pany.l
CHAPTER x.
Il were useless to dwell longer on the
dread notes of war. to speaR Of the high
enthudasm Of the young, brave hearts
that painted to rush TO the conflict
Of the no less determined but sadaened
mood Of the parents, Of Lillian's ear.
nest sympathy and ever ready aid to
all, or Alfred's regret that youth de-
barred him from the field. Imagination
can call up all that IL left untold. but 1t
cannot portray the Transformation ft v
short hours had made In Rose. From Q
bright. sportive, sunny child she HID
passed at once into noble woman.
That Sabbath evening she begged to
remain undisturbed. and her mother.
with loving kiss. left her. though with
an aching heart.
But the next morning saw Rose st her
regular work. self possessed. but bear
ing unmistakabls evidence Of some
strange change, Of hard battle fought
and victory won. Her face was paler
than usual. and the merry laugh or
cheerful carols that always heralded her
approach were hushed. but no trace OF
gloom or sadness could DO seen. A high
and holy light burned in her eyes, lofty
purpose, q conservation Of all her pow
ers to serve the noble work spoke In ev-
cry movement. She conversed as un-
hesitatingly rs ever, was as thoughtful
Of others happiness, more 20 II posi-
BILE, but underlying every word and cct
was the visible evidence that her mind
was working out some plan for future
action. Her friends had agreed that 70
questions should be asked. Time and
her own wishes were to decide.
When the mornings work was all dis
posed Of, and the family gathered to-
gether for some consultation before din
ner was served. Rose quietly told h"r
parents that as Eustace and her broth
were to Join the same regiment the next
day she was exceedingly desirous that
Lillian's marriage should take place be-
fore they were separated. She begged
that this, which must be their natural
wish, should not be delayed out OF any
needless delicacy on her account. Tho
past. a. far a. she was concerned, must
remain q sealed book to all forever, but
II they would help her they must let her
SEQ that their happiness was secured as
Tar as human foresight could secure 1t.
Eustace then acknowledged that he
had urged Lillian to consent to such an
arrangement, feeling sure that her par
ents would think It advisable, going US
he was into imminent danger, that they
should be united before they left. So
the two were quietly married. The cere-
pony ended. the family all escorted the
three young men to the camp, not far
from the cit'. far different bridal tour
than Eustace and Lillian had often pic
tured.
Eustace had far more knowledge OF
military science than most young men
who had not intended to make 1t their
profession, and Georges tastes and edu-
cation had inclined him to become ia
miliar with engineering. As soon as 1t
was known they were ready to enter
their country's service In any capacity
they were sought after to fill important
positions In various regiments then band.
ing together. Eustace was placed as
colonel, and that they might be together
In the same camp George accepted cap
taincy and Ralph lieutenancy under
him rather than to enter into the more
desirable positions that had been offered
and be separated. This arrangement,
highly gratifying to the parents. was
planned In part as Just tribute OF the
estimation In which Mr.. Newton was
held, but aside from this the intrinsic
worth Of the young men and their capac-
tiles for guiding and organizing volun.
teers made them q most valuable ac-
QUESTION where raw troops were liable
to be called into immediate action.
In the excitement and hurry Of this
startling call for volunteers Eustace had
not forgotten to arrange his business Sc
curely, and to leave also In case Of his
fall will by which his property was
placed under Mr.. Newton's care In trust
for Lillian, his wife.
A clause In the will was also executed,
known only to Lillian and placed In her
hands, securing the Montgomery prop
erty to Mr.. Newton and his heirs In case
Of its present owners death.
Lillian, Immediately after her mar
rage, assumed the entire care OF little
Jennie Le Barron, and with her hus-
hands appreciation withdrew her from
the city school and placed her In an in
stitution near her fathers.
OF Estella Le Barron little was known.
II was suppo;cd she had embarked for
Europe Immediately after her Ill advised
marriage without learning Of the desola-
ton Of her parents house. Some weeks
after her fathers death draft from
Paris on him had been received ut the
bank where he had 50 often done bust.
ness and Of course rejected, by which II
would seem that up to that time De
Courtney still supposed that his wife was
= millionaire's daughter. A report was
also current that De Courtney was but
an obscure adventurer, and when he
found how b" had been overmatched In
duplicity by the crafty Estella he had de-
serted her, saying that his wealth and
high titles were but imaginary and that
a wife and children waited for him In
America.
This information had been communi,
Gated to Mr.. Newton by Freeman, the
former partner in the old business, and
anxious to ascertain II there was any
foundation for the report he made In
quiries.
Nothing satisfactory could DO learned.
however. That Maud had receivedso o
tidings Of her sister was apparent, but
equally 90 that her husband was quite
unwilling her former friends shoull
learn anything from them Of her condi-
ton. On this point for once Maud CO.
incided with her husband. She cher.
ished too bitterly the memory Of her sis
ter's dishonorable desertion to allow one
emotion Of pity for her disappointment
to find place In hor heart.
The splendid equipage, costly furniture
and magnificent attire with which Var
ney had bought his bride lost their value,
and her hesrt cried out for the love she
had % madly thrown away. And other
sources Of unhsppiness opened before
her. Il took not many weeks for her to
learn that an imbecile and superannuated