Marble Hill press., 1896-10-08

1
| her home as we'll as his.
She mounted the steps, and rang the
bell Mrs. Albright came to the door.
Susan almost dreaded to look into her
face, feeling that she might justly re-
proach her with being the cause of the
loss she was about to sustain, the sltp-
port and championship of her only
child. But to her relief her counte-
nance wore the same kind and placid
look that was it's prevailing expression,
though she seemed somewhat surprised
at her unexpected appearance.
rs John in?' inquired Susan, faltcr-
ingly.
Yes. He complained of a headache,
and has been at home nearly all The
afternoon. Come into the parlor. and
I'll speak to him."
| Susan rose to her feet as she heard
the sound of that step along the hall,
and a moment later the door opened
and John entered. The cold, stern look
faded from his lip and brow as he
looked upon her pale, agitated counte-
nance.
What has happened, Susan?" he in
CURED, in tone of concern.
20, John" exclaimed Susan, 'as
though you did not know, and that it
was the worst thing that could happen!
Not that mean to reproach you, tor I
know it is all my fault!
1T may seem unmaidenly in me to
come here unasked" she continued
raising her head from his shoulder;
''but l felt as if l could not let you go
away without telling you how sorry,
how very sorry am for what l said to
you this morning. That wherever you
go you will take my heart with YOU
That if you are killed, l shall not care
to live"'
Here her head again dropped upon
his shoulder. The expression upon
Johns countenance as he looked upon
the weeping girl was singularly con-
f11cting; the eyes had a world of rove
and sympathy in them, while a half
pleased, half roguish smile fingered
around the mouth.
80 you really love me little?" he
said, making vain effort to lift her
forehead from his shoulder, so he could
look into her eyes.
Il love you very much, John. nev-
er knew how much until now" she re-
piled, still keeping her face hid from
him.
''And you don't want me to propose
to Miss Ward?"
20. John, please don't allude to those
foolish words,' said Susan, in such
tone of distress, that John was in
stantly sobered.
well, won't again." he said, in
very different tone. But, Susan, when
and how did you hear that I was going
away?"
Susan told him.
And did it never occur to you that
I have a cousin with that name?"
Susan started, her eyes flashing with
surprise and joy.
rs it your cousin who is going?"
she exclaimed.
''It isn't t. said John, smiling.
20, John, I am so glad. It seems as
If was never half so happy before!"
Il, too, am very happy, Susan. Shall
l tell you why this mistake has made
me happy?" said John, looking down
earnestly into the eyes that were lifted
to his.
Susan guessed something of his
meaning. for the lashes, still wet with
tears. dropped, until they rested upon
the flushed cheeks.
1T is because I was beginning to
doubt, not my love for you, but yours
for me. Because was beginning to dis
trust my ability to make you as happy
as I should wish my wife to be. Do
you understand why, Susan?"
Il understand, John. And | will try
never to give you reason to entertain
any such fears again.
John kissed the sweet lips that spoke
these gentle words.
Dear Susan,'' he said, you have
such kind loving heart, and such an
earnest desire to do right, that I am
sure you will succeed; and as for me.
feel that l never fully understood
you until now, and will, God helping
me, be more patient with you than I
have been" And they both kept their
word.
Dear reader, word in your ear. All
lovers quarrels do not terminate so
happily. If you have won the love of
a true and faithful heart, try it not too
far. AS the constant dropping of wat
er will wear the hardest stone, so will
frequent alterations. though followed
by reconciliation, weaken the strong
est affection, often planting in it's stead
indifference, if not positive aversion.
IncOrrigible DR. johnson.