New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-05-17
IN THE FIRST PERSON.
BY MARIA LOUISE Pull

ON THE TRAIN.

:
,oca, train that would take ME to the station near
90, my home. and that nearest was distance OF
several miles
II ha- 10. occurred to me that Nane was not
going the entire distance; and then couio pre-
sent him to father and mother Of course inc!
uou,d like him Here stole a furtive glance IN
his direction. Mother would not approve al nrs''
perhaps: but she would soon do so; ana fa'her--
vane was looking al his watch.
"onlv three hours more he said. for can only
10 10 W Junction. There catch an express
hack 10 New-York. If II were not for this express
= don't know as could have allowed myself 10
,ome-now. and yet might have come How
could have waited until my return from Eng
land?"
care YOU going TO England" To my country
bred thought he might almost as well nave said
Africe or the Himalayas
Yes. and that is one thing wanted 10 tell you
about. cable dispatch yesterday-great chahce
for me--the greatest have ever had IL care 10
do anything in my profession must go ana see
Afford You've heard Of Alford?'
shook my head. I was trying to be quiet
calm. and to behave like a reasonable being.
He is a famous impresaro. You ADVISE me 10
70. Billy" leaning toward me again
by all means" answered
81 knew YOU wo aid. It's the best thing that mas
ever happened in my work. But may have to be
gone a year'--- At this folded my hands; and
oncs more made the effort TO keep them loosely
clasped.
"Dear Rlly"-this in a sudden quick whisper
and with an apparently uncomfortable movement
nearer to me- Dearest II you coud-if you would
only 90 with me-"
"No-no."
Don't decide in a moment like that" hurriedly
"It's dreadful TO hear you say No in that manner.
p
A tall man in a clerical coat came down the
aisle glanced at US then stopped and shook hands
cordially with Vane. He looked my way.
II wish you'd present me. Hildreth. I heard
this young lady sing last night. was one OF
those who applauded her
The gentleman smiled genally as he gazed in
! my face.
vane named a name had heard as belonging
to clergyman who was we'll known as great
lover Of music. Bathsheba had said once that we
were sure Of one listener. anyway. and that was
Mr.. Moreton.
The gentleman stood and chatted few mo-
ments. He said he was taking a run to W
Junction: he went every month to pay little visit
TO his mother VERY glad, indeed. TO have seen
you Miss Armstrong Let me urge you to study
for the profession that has so plainly called you.
Really / colld not bear 10 think the world was
xoing to lose your voice. I'm in the drawing-room
car, back here Perhaps I'll see you again. This
IL good luck, indeed.
He lifted his hat and sauntered on.
Vane sat with his head bent upon his hand
stole q look at his profile and saw how set and
severe II was He seemed to be thinking intently.
AS for me- / had enough to do to bear myself
calmly.
At length vane raised his head. l was half
afraid of his eyes. and did not meet them. He
put his arm on the back of the seat, and his hand
up to make sort of shield for his face.
you said you loved me- he whispered
Yes" answered in the same way.
And YOU trust me, and believe In me?'
Yes"
II he only knew how fully. in the revulsion from
doubt, did trust him.
BLESS you for that! Oh. bless you for that!
Now don't be shocked and don't shrink at what
I'm going to say. want you to go with me to Mr..
Moreton's car and let him marry us. now. this
very hour
l did shrink and at first could not speak.
Then l said, mo"
Vane drew deep breath and appeared to be
trying to possess his soul in patience.
81 thought you loved and trusted me- he said.
80 do--so / do fervently.
And you're going to marry me some day.
II suppose So
You are certainly going TO be my wife. Now
here Is Providence-or misunderstanding Mr.. More
ton right to us. Why do you object? Don't you
think love you enough"
Ibid not answer this last question. l was think
ing of mother. and that could not-no could
not 60 away from her in such manner
Az soon as was able 10 command my voice
told him this: and that 1t was not because did
not love him. He must wait
wait. II were only to be near you! But how
can wait thousands Of miles away? And I'm
Jealous OF Maverick-I'm jealous Of time and dis
tance-of everything Billy. please don't tell me
70 wait. ] simply can't do it,
There was something childish in this outburst
that made me able TO smile at him, and that also
made him seem a great deal dearer and nearer
DIG you ever notice that when person has
asked of you q thing you cannot possibly grant,
and then gives that thing up. begging for some
thing else which you thought was also impossible
then you say yes TO this second request?
This was what happened to me And now as |
write about this day. 1t seems TO me to be the first
time In my life when / acted as II were some one
else Was 1t really 1? Have not we all asked our
selves this question In regard to some circum-
stance? Yes 1t was who gave a consent which I
regretted the moment had given II, and which
appeared to open up 70 me afterward. when
could think. n new phase Of my character. and
never since then have thought myself strong
Always now believe that also may be borne
along by that wind OF destiny" which watts our
bark to fair or stormy seas. And what is that
wind Of destiny but the attributes with which God
endowed us? This is not the way mother thinks
she prays that may be led to believe otherwise
Perhaps / shall. Sometimes. in an ecstasy Of
longing l. too, pray that may come to believe as
my mother believes. No. am not a strong WON
an. though youth Is almost always certain Of that
one thing-strength.
vane sat leaning his head on his hand again
Meantime felt hard-hearted and cruel. could
not bear TO grieve him. Why did he ask me to d.