The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1894-03-24

shrine of love-.
Within the limits of the town of Rock
port lives Martha Stockton, maiden lady
whose home bears traces of well-flled
purse. The large brick house rises with a
stately air above the modest little homes
surrounding it. All around the broad
yard, which gently slopes from the front
door to the gate at the entrance, are beds
of well-kept flowers, whose fragrant blooms
fill the surrounding air with delightful
odor. Within all is neatness and comfort.
Raised within the circle of home of
wealth, Miss Martha made her home strik-
ingly contrast with the one from which she
had inherited generous share of her
wealth. But, though the apartments we're
commodious, single companion and her
self (in addition to the servants) were the
sole occupants. The joy of her life was
taken from the bright face of this only
living relative, Esther Stockton, her niece
Having been left an orphan when but a
babe her onl ly living aunt had gladly taken
the child and given to her home of COM
fort and beauty. Taking an unusual inter-
est in the little orphan the kindly instincts
of the aunt came to the forefront and she
nurtured the fragile form until the ruddy
sparkle of health and strength shone in
the child's pretty face. Thus the years
pleasantly passed until, at the age of eigh-
teen, Esther was given grand reception
by her aunt in honor of the day. And
twas here she first met Albert Rutherford
From their first meeting, little over a
year ago, arose that tender feeling of SYM
pathy which arises from the depths of
hearts whose strings have been torn by the
same thorn. Thus, as they related the
story of their respective orphan days, a
feeling far more sublime than that Of SYM
pathy ayoke within their hearts, and that
feeling found an outlet in the monosyllable
of love. So: as the days passed, the love
which at first was but spark spread until
in one vast fame it encircled the lives of
this loyal pair.
The dark brown tresses of Esther's head
fall loosely about her pretty neck and in
her black eyes shines brightness whose
reflection finds its way into the souls Of
those with whom she associates. In short
to find prettier form and more beauti-
fal face than that which she possesses will
difficult task. Her admirers had been
many, but she had treated them all alike
until the face of Albert met her gaze, when,
to the surprise of her adorers, she sue
cumbed to the piercing darts from cupid's
bow and fell in love with this handsome
young man. Each day as it passed added
new lustre to tho joy which had been
aroused within the sopls Of these ardent
lovers, and their love grew stronger and
stronger. Through hill and dale, by the
little brook, through the blooming fields
and out upon the lake were their favorite
haunts. And many were the words of
true loye that passed between them. All
went well until one day the girls aunt be-
came aware of the fact thqt the intended
nephew was almost penniless. Thus did
she cast season of gloom upon their
lives by forbidding the lover to enter
her home. The shock is one of extreme
bitterness to the loving pair, but no way
out Of the difficulty appears. As the
days pass, and still find the aunt unreent-
ing, the true spirit of the man arises and
asserts itself in resolution to seek employ
ment by which he can hope to gain sum
sufficient to allow him to enter once more
the home of his beloved.
So, having made the resolution, tonight
he is on his way to the appointed place of
meeting Sad is his heart and yet within
him there is tho discrimination to carry
out, if possible, his plan. Slowly he passes
onward and at ten o'clock stands at the
gate and waits for the appearance of his
devoted sweetheart He has not to wait
long when the door opens and form
emerges into the moons light. Swiftly
she Easses to the gate and arm in arm they
walk through the almost deserted streets
and enter the highway, On they go until
they reach an old oak tree which stands
near the road and around which several
settees are grouped. Having seated them
selves on one of these they lovingly con-
verse for short time and then, in a voice
whose choking sound is distincly audible,
Albert tells his sweetheart of his plan. As
he finishes the tears stand ou. like jewels
in the moonlight upon Esthers check.
But, alas, weeping is OF no avail. The
only way ont Of the disagreeable state the
affair has taken is plain. To this Albert
hes concluded to resort and having COM
the intelligence to his sympa-
thizing friend he gently draws her arm
into his and quickly retraces his footsteps |
in the direction of her home Arriving
there the two weep bitterly and part with |
with farewell embrace, hoping to meet
soon again under brighter circumstances.
CHAPTER II.
The next morning finds our hero on
BOARD the FIRST train which moves out of
he little station at Rockport. Though
'addened by the loss which he has sus-
aimed, yet he takes hope in the fact that
III may yet end WE'LL Onward speeds the
rain and, as station after station is passed,
he home of his boyhood days is left miles