Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1897-03-04
N. 70 India in order to represent his

out to India, in order to represent his
| fathers business house in Calcutta.
For some months n correspondence
passed between the two, but at length
Fred received word from some friend
in the village that the squire's son was
paying close attentions to Miss Ralelgh,
and it was rumored that they were en-
gagged to be married. In a fit OF pas
sion, Fred wrote, breaking off the en-
gagement, even before he received any
corroborative evidence. The lady was
either stung by the letter, or the rumos
was correct, as she did not reply, and
from that day he has never seen or
heard of her. He did not make any in
quiries, he did not write to his in
formant, but simply waited at Cal
cutta until he had set the business
affairs in order. He then went off into
the hills, intending to lose himself
there, and cut himself off from all
things which would bring to mind his
unfortunate love.
poor fellowl often wonder what
has become of him. He has not writ
ten to any of his old friends, and is, ]
suppose, almost forgotten by all. But
really, Miss Raleigh" he added, turn
ing to her and noticing her agitated
countenance, you don't look well. Can
I get anything for you?"
NO, thank you, Mr.. Hardinge- But
no doubt you will think me foolish
your story has quite upset me-"
81 am awfully sorry. would not have
- DIT h hn1
it upset you?"
WELL" said the lady, her pale lips
trembling, 81 am the Annie Raleigh you
have been speaking of. Fred Cover
was my lover. Poor Fred" she added,
meditatively, land all through mis-
understanding"
"a misunderstanding" said Har.
dinge, in an incredulous tone. "How
was that? Pardon my curiosity, but
no doubt you will understand why ]
should be curious"
"Well, as you were friend of his, and
knew one part of the story, perhaps it
would be as we'll if you were acquainted
with the other part" She sighed deep
ly and went on: cit is true that the
squire's son did pay me attentions. We
were busily engaged in organizing some
amateur theatricals at the time, and as
we were both taking prominent parts
we were thrown into each others So
ciety a great deal. But I was entirely
faithful to Fred, and when Hinton did
make love to me promptly gave him
his answer.
But, l am sorry to say, the idle
tongues of the villagers had already
commenced wagging, and 1 heard some
of the rumors. Then Fred's petulant
letter came, and felt so piqued and of.
Tended at his suspecting me that I did
not answer. At length the feeling
wore off, and I wrote, explaining all
But the letter never reached it's des-
tinatiOn and was returned to me.
Twelve months later my father died.
and gradually / was forced to adopt
some means of obtaining a living, and,
always having 4 taste for literature, ]
have tried to make my way in the lit
erary world. Poor Fred, his petulance
and my pride ruined two lives, am
afraid. But, Mr.. Hardinge," she said,
raising her sweet blue eyes, now suf-
fused with tears, II have remained
For heavens sake, Annie, look al
mel" cried Hardinge, springing to his
feet and Selling her hand. do you not
recognize me? Do you not know my
voice?"
Startled and surprised, the lady rose
and, prompted by a sudden impulse
gazed into his eyes. She paled, drew
back, and then, in voice of mingled
agony and delight, cried:
at is-are my eyes deceiving mel
no. it cannot be-Fred Cover is dead
and yet-oh, merciful heaven-it isl"
and in fit of passionate tears she threw
herself upon his breast.
Hardinge-or rather Gower-pressed
her closer to him, and in a sweet, low
voice consoled her, begging forgive
ness for all he had done.
"My life, my love, my all. Fate
strangely parted us. Fate has strange
ly united us. You are mine now for
ever
Forever" was the almost inaudiblc
reply, as she raised her glistening eyes
to his-Tit-Bits.