The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1893-01-12
JESSIE'S LOVER.
How She Helped Him to Lead an
Honest Life.

The red sunset, bathing the top of
the icy hills in sober mbcr hue, gave
Jessie Fremont n vague impression
that the landscape was beautiful, and
that life was pleasant thing to live
in such surroundings. Her own pecul-
lar mental condition would naturally
give joyful Interpretation to external
objects, but the scenic setting was
none the less appropriate and attrac-
tive.
There was a suggestion in the fading
light and place which. like the fra
GRANGE of an almost forgotten rose,
family recalled the remembrance of
some past event in her life. 1t needed
but the presence of another point in
the landscape to complete the mental
picture.
The sudden appearance of n dark
form trudging up the slippery hillside
toward her gave the connecting link TO
her memory, and with a Sigh of relief
she murmured:
"Oh it was here that | first saw him,
SO long ago, nearly three months"
AT that time she was heart free and
careless girl of eighteen. But when
1 IL.
appeared before her at the close of q
day. and asked her to direct him to the
meeting house in Pinewood, she felt
the power and influence of the strong,
handsome strangers personality. Later
she discovered that others were brought
under the same magnetic spell, and for
months the small wooden church had
been filed to overlooking. Strong men
ligious convictions by the reyivalist,
whose deep. rich, mellow voice had
power to charm. whether used In per-
ssrasiye appeals from the pulpit or en-.
gagged in singing the hymns Of praise
and Victory. Pinewccd had never
known such q widespread revival.
farmers for miles around Travelled to
hear the unknown Sturgeon, and many
scotfers were forced to acknowledge
their utter defeat The strange preach
er's address was no less meek and
earnest than it was defiant and ag-
grcssive.
Many confessed sins and crimes ap-
parcntly long since forgotten Bust
ness was even suspended for Il time in
order that men might hear the eloquent
words of Mr. Chase. The church,
which had been barely supported 1y Il
few faithful souls, became the chief
center of attraction in the village, and
the leader had but to suggest the need
of more money, and it was forthcom-
ing.
Jessie Fremont had been among the
first converts, and she learned TO look
upon the preacher as n man of wonder
and marvel. But gradually another
feeling for him had possessed her be-
ing. At first she was frightened lest
she was committing sin in loving her
spiritual adviser. The thought
troubled her that her religious life
might be influenced by this love, and
she almost doubted the honesty and
sincerity of her spiritual convictions.
But when Salmon Chase returned her
love She no longer trembcd at her sup.
posed weakness. She grew strong and
self-reliant through contact with his
spirit. The two seemed designed for
each other, and the village people ac.
cepted the mutual attraction as DI.
vine work of providence to keep the
preacher with them.
Jessie reviewed these past events
rapidly as she saw the minister an.
preaching on this calm, beautiful even.
Ang. lie was Il strong, athletic fellow,
and she admired the confident swing of
his body as he stepped quickly over the
icy snow. Her own soul tire embed at
the thought of possessing the love OF
such man.
'Oh Salmon, does this evening re.
mind you of anything?" she asked in
quick, eager voice.
Moves" he replied in sharp
voice, which had foreign ring in it.
ut was on such an evening as this
when we first met"
Then his eyes wandered restlessly
across the snowy landscape as he muir.
INJURED partly to himself:
ut might be that it is bad omen.
The same thing never brings happiness
twice 1t must be that this brings sor.
row."
What is it, Salmon?" asked Jessie,
noticing the strange look on her lovers
face. What has happened?"
Nothing, but 1t is going to happen"
the man replied, in cold, decided
voice. 1T cannot be kept off anv
longer. The officers are in the village.
could escape, suppose, but will not
unless you advise me. I have come
here to see you for that reason"
II don't understand YOU" the girl
cried, piteously, turning deathly white