Weekly expositor. (Brockway Centre, Mich.) 1882-1894, 1894-02-23


Just outside the
window, through whose open. lace
draped easement, the odor of night
jasmine crept like incense, and the
moon shone down in food of silvery
light, Vivian Ames listened to his
words with n crushed and bleeding
heart; his love words to another. For,
until, tonight, Vivian believed he loved
her, and that "some day-some sweet
day"-he would tell her so, in words,
even as his eyes hal already spoken.
Love needs no spoken assurance; a
glance of the eye-swift and soulful
a touch of the hand-all speak with
mute tongues; but Love knows and
comprehends, and is glad.
Two months ago. Cyril Delmar had
made the acquaintance Of the Darseys,
and the poor relation, Vivian Ames.
1t had been quite a romantic affair
He had come to this suburban place
one beautiful June morning-had rid
den on horse back-for the purpose of
visiting certain estate adjoining the
Darsey place. 1t was a fine property,
and, being in the marke6, Cyril had
made up his mind that it was just the
home for him, whenever he should see
fit to take TO himself wife.
He was twenty-eight, handsome,
and would eventually be quite matri-
monial 'eatch." For his uncle,
Richard Clyde, was millionaire and
bachelor, and Cyril was reputed to
be his prospective heir The old
millionaire was past seventy, and
made no secret of the fact that his
nephew would some day inherit his
fortune.
Now, that fair June morning, as
Cyril Delmar rode gayly along the
straight smooth road which led past
Mrs. Darsev's house, he did not dream
that his fate lay in ambush just be-
You'd.
Right in front of the high-arched
iron gates, his horse took fright and
threw him violently to the ground.
1t was Just like scene from a novel,
so Helen Darsey had declared, with
her big blue eyes full of delight, not
at the thought of the young mans suf-
ferings, of course, but because it
was all like story or play. The
handsome hero was carried into the
Darsey house by two men servants, and
placed upon a sofa, while Mrs. Darsey,
tall, elegant woman. dressed like a
fashion plate, sent at once for their
family physician. Arrived there, that
dignitary soon pronounced tho young
mans injuries painful He must
have rest and care for week or two
To say that Cyril Delmlr took an
unfair advantage of the situation to
remain an invalid as long as possible,
would not be quite untrue. Who
could blame him? For both Helen
and her cousin Vivian were constant
ly at his side, to read TO him. sing to
him, converse with HIM. Somehow he
seemed to prefer Viviau's society. A
slight, pale girl, with great dark eyes,
and low, sweet voice. And as time
went by, there grew up within her
heart love which soon was strong
enough TO crowd out all else. She
cared nothing for the wealth; she
loved him for himself alone.
But Helen Darsey had San eye to
the main chance" and had he been
poor, Cyril Deimar won have had "a
small prospect of success.
The DAYS passed aud Vivan's love
grew and increased in depth and
strength, until it was her all. She
lived for nothing else.
Ia the meantime old Mr.. Clyde had
frequently called upon his nephew,
and saw with satisfaction that he was
greatly interested in Vivian. For
somehow, roor and dependent though
she was she touched the old mans
heart, and he preferred that his
nephews choice should be Vivian
Ames.
Cyril led her on and on to believe
herself beloved; he hal said every
thing that lover might say except
to ask her to become his wife, when,
all at once, a change came over him.
He seemed to avoid Vivian There
were no more fredericksburg more
tender looks and words.
Cyril was quite recovered now, and
the coveted home had been purchased,
but though he and his uncle resided
there, Cyril passed most of his time
with the Darseys.
Vivian grew thin and pale, and
there was look OF sadness in her
dark eyes which had never been there
before. And now to-night--the night
my story ooens-she had received the
blow which broke her heart. At
least she thought that it was broken;
but hearts are, fortunately, not so
easily crushed, or most mortals would
be condemned to heartbreax. For
we al get blow sometime; and we'll
II isthat the average human heart is
elastic, and springs back into place
again, even after heavy sorrow has
crushed down upon it.
Standing outside the window that
night Vivian listened, because she
could not help it She heard Cyrll's
words:
II love you, Helen! viii you be my
wife? Understand me-this is not the
first, best love of my heart that / Of
fer gou-but-you know my sad story,