The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1895-09-04
md sec what she says to it. Will you

90 II.
Paul stood dismayed. He-he, of
all men, to undertake such a task as
this. he who loved Rose so madly,
He stood bewildered. So Frank,
splendid fellow, her mate in wealth,
position and appearance, loved the
girl also. If so she could not fail to
love him IN return. They were made
for each other. That fancy that Frank
admired Ruth was mere dream too.
The little woman's heart, sweet little
Ruth's was thus unharmed. Yet 1t
was all right. 1t was natural; but
why choose him for go-between! Il
do not refuse, Frank he faltered !;
''but you need not fear. She Will
love you. You are not one to sue IN
vain.
Il am a coward. said Frank. ~ ou
are good fellow, Paul, and you will
But how" asked Paul. 81 know
nothing of such things. l have never
told any woman of my own love. l
shall harm yours in the telling.
He was deathly white. But Frank
went on unheeding;
Tell her story-this: You know
a man who hast loved her long, but
who has never dared to say so. He
feels that his own deserts are too
small to entitle him to hope; but on
the eve of parting he can restrain
himself no longer; he must tell her
that life is nothing without her, that
her love is the only thing worth striv-
ing for; he must ask her in this strange
way because he has not courage
enough to do otherwise; to bid him
hope or despair. Then she will ask
who this lover is and you may tell
her; not until then-not until all the
story of the love is told. And you
will bring me the anwer. )"
Paul turned CHASTITY face toward
him.
"You will tell the tale just as have
told YOU"
Yes"
Then he sought Miss Lewis.
You have come to wish me bon
voyage" she said, as she held out her
hand; but he only bowed and seated
himself beside her. In moment he
said:
II have come upon an errand that
will surprise YOU, Miss Lewis. | am
commissioned to tell you story"
That of some poor person?" she
asked. You have only to say that
you know him to be in need, and
worthy"
''It is the story of one who asks a
gift" he said, but not a gift of aims,
his voice trembled-''a gift that only
you can give-you, of all the world. .
She looked at him shyly now. Her
eyes dropped.
II know a man who has loved you
for long time" he went on, taking
now sort of fierce and bitter pleasure
in this cruel usage of himself. For
months he has thought of you by day
and by night, until there is but one
woman to the world to him-you. OF
all the objects that there are upon the
horizon of the future he sees only
your face. He could do anything for
your sake; without you he will be
nothing. He has seen no token OF
any liking for him in your face, nor
heard it in your voice; yet he would
have you hear his story, and know
his fate, ere you are parted from hlm
His name"
But then a sharp spasm of pain
caught his breath. He paused for an
instant. In that instant Rose turned
toward him and put her hand in his;
my love is not worth so much,
she said, tearfully. But since you
value it SO highly, It is yours II
always-has been-since first knew
you"
And tears came faster, and wo:
mans hysterical sobs. And what
could he do but take in his arms this
woman whom he adored, and who had
Just admitted her love for him, under
the impression that he had proposed to
her.
He was almost mad; he was quite
distraught indeed. The suddenness OF
his happiness was in itself enough.
And then there was the awful con.
sciousness of terrible breach OF
trust.
His utter Joy and his woeful shame
mingled themselves in his soul, as,
having bidden Rose adieu, he found
Frank Millard waiting tor him.
Frank looked at,him. He turned
away his mead. o =.
What have you been doingI
asked Frank. "Why do you look
sog'
'How can I ever make you believe
that Ihave not played you false@
faltered Paul. and Frank brust into a
laugh.
'You haye proposed to her" "he said,
land she has accepted you"
Paul could not answer.
"You have the right to take my
life" he said; ''but IL
'Do you think wanted to marry
Rose" said Frank, ''or that | dreamed
she would accept me? read your
hearts too well. ] knew your love,
and your pride. I saw two who were
made for each other tearing themselves
asunder, and I took advantage of your
foolish promise to place you in posi-
ton in which it was impossible for you
to conceal your true feelings. Some,
how felt sure you wauld understand
each other; and at the worst I should
only have refusal. Ny happiness,
as 1 think you must guess, is depend
ent on what Ruth will answer me
some day, and I think I shall have
courage enough to do without your
aid in this case"
When Rose Lewis returned from her
European tour-a very brief one
there was double wedding and since
Rose and Ruth were the names Of the
two brides, it is easy to guess who
were their bridegrooms.
The Military Accedemy.