Rocky Ford enterprise., 1898-12-29

with companion tumbler of negus,
in celebration of the solemn betrothal.
which hospitality curtly declined;
and, after few whispered words with
Helen. who seemed quite dazed or
stupehed. began my long walk home
in turmoil of tenderness, triumph and
irritation that was little in harmony
with the glorious stiffness Of the
moonlit ocean and cliffs.
awoke the next morning after a
restless night with the comforting
consciousness that l had made an un-
mitigated fool of myself tied myself
for life to girl of no position, edu-
cation, fortune. even beauty, for whom
in cold blood I really did not care
straw nile my heart was irretriev-
ably bound to another.
I wandered about the mountains
alone all day. and in the afternoon
turned towards the farm. but when
1t came within view feeling of i'm
patient repulsion made me turn back
at once. That night l wrote a short
note to Helen, telling her I had to
go to England on business, and on
the following day I crossed the chan
mel.
General Stopford and his niece,
heard, were occupying their town
house for few weeks. did not call
on them. but the day after my arrival
I had the pleasure of meeting Miss
Stopford in the row. looking the pic
ture Of blooming health and beauty.
my rival In devoted attendance.
She called me at once to her side
and In an imploring whisper begged
me to come and see her that a. ,er-
noon, that she would be at home
to no one but me. and had so mucn
to say to me. l refused point-blank.
and took my leave almost at once. de-
termined never voluntarily to come
within range of her appealing eyes
again. Yet. somehow, the very mex.
| day found me on the generals door
step. asking II his niece were at home.
I was ushered into dim boudolr.
and. when my eyes became accustomed
to the light. saw the young lady
sitting beside Lord Sandmouth's son.
and toying with bunch of roses that
he had evidently Just presented.
81 beg. your pardon" l said. with
low bow. as the pair started to their
feet. II think I have made a mis-
take: 1t was yesterday afternoon you
were to have been Eat home" and
alone to me. Miss Stopford. was 1t
not?"
went away. wrote Immediately to
Mrs. Casey urging her to hasten the
preparations for our marriage. Three
weeks later returned to Donegal, and
one lovely August morning. without
| settlements. trousseau, presents or the
orthodox breakfast. I was married
in the whitewashed parlor where had
first seen my bride less than three
months before with her apron full Of
early potatoes.
The ceremony was uneventful until
the conveyance that was to take us to
the train came numbering and JOLT
ing up the grassy drive. and Helen
rose to say good-by to her grand
mother.
"You-you will write to me. and
let me see you sometimes. granny"
she said ,timidly, with slight break
in her voice.
Certainly, II you earnestly wish It,
dear child" answered Mrs. Casey.
brushing the girls check with her
bristly chin: but ut the same time.
Helen. have been thinking seriously
over this matter. and have come to the
conclusion that 1t would be better II
YOU did not return to the humble
scene OF your childhood. for reasons
YOU will understand later. You are
entering into world of pleasure,
wealth. excitement: I am passing away
here, in solemn undisturbed commun-
ion with my Creator. My days are
short on earth. as you know. and I
would rather not have them broken
into by Intercourse with world I
have forsaken forever. You must not.
dear child. think thi is decision harsh
or unnatural. or that 1t is dictated BY
lack of affection for you. No. no, far
from 1t; I will bear you daily In my
thoughts, and pray with all the unc-
tion OF my soul that you may be hap
py and prosperous In your new state
of life and worthy in every way Of the
cstimable gentleman in whose keep
ing I place you with unbounded con-
fidence today"
bowed low to hide n grim smile,
for, indeed. might have been the
sorriest scamp that ever took a wife,
for aught the old lady knew to the
contrary, and my wife. with COM
posed. almost .callous countenance.
responded. moving to the door
80 be 1t. granny; let this be good
by forever. them
On the doorstep Molly was waiting
to fling her arms around her nurse
child in noisy embrace: and as we
numbered down the hill her shrill
blessings, mingled with the rattle OF
hobnailed heels and handfuls OF rica