The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1896-06-11


lie MD Ne,Leav'.
O Rose Forest and Alec Beaten bad bcs
engaged sIx yesrr, snd beth bad only la
reached their msior,ty, II had been OF
j OF ihose family arranged G1rrs that are
ways Intended SO ktadly. snd often slsl
end SO dis.slrolsly.
They had been broasht up eide by sid
aod when one summer vacation they ~er
told they must eventu,lly marry one au
Iher they oould not see any objection
Dor any particular reason for such an =
raneemsut
10 the siI years that passed they sas
very little Of oEe smother aud nos Alet
was at theological college, and Ros,
was enjoying a rouud OF gayety in Lot
don.
Among the many who tought her 81
ciely was Alec's elder brother. David, ,
soliier by pr iession. and soldier Of The
truest worth
People had often wondered why he had
never married. But his whole attention
had been devoted to bis profession, and
now at the age Of forty he was recognized
as a staid old bachelor.
How often do you and Alec write
to one snother2 be asked Rose one
day.
Oh, we have no regular time. | write
to him when | think have anything to
say that Interests him. Bot that isn't very
often, You know she smiled roguishly. He
wouldht care TO hear OF onr oeaseless
round OF irvolIty.
Bnt you read and you write Nay. don't
blush; have seen s1me Of your stories.
aud they are charming. Don't you tell
him about those iuterests2
No. You see David, he lives such dif
ferent life altogether; be only cares for
theological books.
What will you do when you are married
he asked
She started slightly. never think
about i'll II always seems to me 80 far of.
Bot when the day comes think shall be
ready.
But you should think sboat it, he said |
gently. Surely the JOYS OF wifehood are
worthy OF some consideration. Have
you no picture Of what your home will
be
She had risen while1he spoke. and
,sme close to him, with startled, parted
ips.
Oh, DAVID, ! wish you wouldn't talk
ike this, You you frigbten me,
Poor little girl | did not mean to do
hat. lam meddesome old fellow, but
he happiness of those | care for is very
'ear my heart. Goodby.
And Rose, tryiLg to forget his words,
ound she could not forget him - found
hat for many week she bad worn Der {
'rettiest dress to please him; that she had {
Welcomed him and looked for his coming |
s she had waited Tor no other.
She began TO realize when he touched
sr hand, when he stood by her eide ~
he sang, when he sat next TO her at dinner /
nd talked to no one else. that she dismiss {
d the thought OF their future relation
hip. that she dreamed instead OF the home
G had pictured aud all she lonsed to do =
" him.
1t was the last day of the year, and they !
I'D Rose was walking by Colonel Baetons =
de. They were silent for some time, and y
len he made up bis mind to tell her OF o.
10 step he had "etermined to take. =
Do yon know. little sister how unnat
rally the word camel but be said IT, do
N know thi' may be the last time shall VI
'end New Years eve with You Tor msny u
long y,srp "
She stumbled and outched his arm. He -
essed her hand close to bis breast. and W
e gas lamp showed him her face -
~ white and drawn with sudden v
Iiu -
| must go away. he said hoatsely. ] -
re not stay. Rose. Do you care very
nch my child2 y
Ii will kill mel she cried, "
Alec arrived the next day. and David ''
/, TO leave IN the afternoon. When be -
led in the morning he was shown by re "
est into the room where the engaged w
uple awaited him
My dear brother Alec began, y n come '"
st at The night moment to give us your !"
unse Rose has told me that she bss 'e
scoved she has no desire TO marry me- u"
al, 10 fsot, she is 10 love With some one
ie, and sm on the point Of throwing 60
my calling, because no priest should ="
.rry. aud because ! believe orr betrothal w
IS iud soluble. "
David did not go away that day, VI
he nd ihs auyrTnor.