The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1898-08-05
WAS JUST A FRIEND.

from narrow-minded youth to beau
tiful. broad womanhood trembled,
lest in the picture knew she portray
ed of future perfect happiness should
be missing.
She was not beauty as the world
terms them, but the kindly smile and
true character her face reflected we're
more beautiful to me than perfect feat
ures. But her voice; what voice 1t
was! A clear, rich mezzo, aided by
perfect execution born of deep feeling
and power of Interpretation. She held
position in one of the leading
churches in NJ, and there. con-
fess, ! was wont to find the sermon
more interesting than at my home
church.
One bright moonlight Sabbath, as we
strolled home from evening service.
she said:
How well Mr.. Studley sang to-
night What beautiful voice he has,
Ralph"
Strange to say, l had been thinking
how we'll her voice and his blended;
before l had answered she continued:
He is so pleasant, too. We should
miss him more than any Of the others
In the quartet if he should leave u.s."
Eyes, Elsie, he is royal fellow. But
will you go with me Tuesday to hear
Campanari? His voice is better"
Il am sorry, Ralph, but Mr.. Studley
asked me to accompany him that even
ing and l consented"
Very well; he sings again Thurs
day; we can go then" and so it was
decided.
The house was reached, and as we
entered thought had never seen her
looking so well. Her eyes were bright
and sparkling, and the cold, crisp air
had brought a rich damask pink to her
round cheeks. Removing her outer
garments in the hall, she started for
ward toward the center of the parlor,
and as she did so l stopped her, and
slipping my arm about her, bent and,
ere she could interpret my intention, I
kissed her. Tearing herself away, her
face ablaze, she cried in a voice of
deep anger: Ralph Moreland, how
dare you-how dare you insult me?"
while l, all the holder because of her
anger, started forward, and possessing
myself of both her hands, said:
Elsie, angry with me, no"-as she
tried to free herself-"you shall listen
angry with one who loves you better
than his life, yes, better than all the
whole world besides, and whose one
ambition is to make you his wife?"
With low cry of anguish she start
ed back. l released her then.
ooh, Ralph" she said, 81 never
thought you would do this. 1 thought
we were too good friends" Two great
tears started and coursed down her
cheeks, now pale as death.
elsie, my darling girl, don't you
owe me?"
Love your" she reiterated; love
you; when have not loved you; but
lot like that, Ralph; not like that; /
could never be your wife"
In vain 1 pleaded, then disagree
able thought forced itself upon me-
Framing it in words, said softly:
| ELSIE, is there some one else?"
Trembling, she stood there in the
| semi darkness. l could see how agi-
lated she was as caught the faint
whisper, Eyes"
Then, indeed, hope died within me-
Ind she continued: Ralph, dear
friend, forget this. Let us be as we
always have been, true friends. Don't"
she pleaded, "let this spoil our friend
ship"
at shall be as you desire; but, Elsie,
s there no hope for me. What of this
,ther?"
Poor Ralph, none. This other does
not even suspect that I care for him;
but, loving him as l do, it would be
wrong for me to consent to be your
wife. Please leave me now; you have
surprised me So"
| And | went-alone with my grief
knowing and praying that God would
not let her wait long or in vain for
her true love to be rewarded and re
turned.
Two days passed and the play was
learly over in the II opera house,
when suddenly the cry Of fire" rang
through the auditorium, caught up and
'e-echoed by the terror-stricken peo-
Die. There in the first balcony were
Paul Studley and Elsie Mordant. l
| nm f.ho har hn
.hronged the narrow passageways
They had not, l felt sure, seen me,
Ind resolved to remain close at hand.
ind If necessary aid them. He made
her wait until the crowd was nearly
,ut; then they started. They were
within a few steps of the door when
IS though to add to the panic, the
lights were turned off. | started for
ward.
Elsie" l heard him say, ARE you
fraid? Will you trust yourself to me?"
Il ann not afraid while with you
Paul." was the soft reply, made with
strange calmness.
"You are quite sure, he questioned,
,ending low and giving her a quick,
earching look.
SIS there any danger that we can
rot get out?" she queried
II think not. You will trust me en-
irely; let me be your protector now
the nodded as there came whispered
'yes"-"now and always, Elsie?"
Eyes, Paul." she answered; and
dfting her gently, he bore her down
he stairway.
had heard all, and knew then why
The had not loved me-
They are married now, and Il am
IT'LL cher friend. Post.
Mrs. Kinder reAectively)-I wonder
why man never pays his wife any
compliments after they are married?
Kinder (briskly)-He does better, my
l. l.