Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1899-04-06
ONLY A FRIEND.


Yes, since my childhood. Playmates we
had been then-schoolmates. then
friends. As watched her developing.
from narrow.fninded youth to bsauti-
full. broad womanhood I trembled lest
In the picture I knew she portrayed of
future perfect happiness I should be
missing. ,. {;
She was not a beauty as the world
terms them, but the kindly smile and
true character her face reflected were
more beautiful to me than perfect fea-
lures. But her voice; what voice 1t
was! A. clear, rich mezzo, aided by per-
feet execution born Of deep feeling and
power of Interpretation. She held po-
sition in one of the leading churches
in M. and there, confess, was
wont to find the sermon more interest
ing than at my own home church.
One bright moonlight Sabbath, as we
strolled home from evening service, she
said: How we'll Mr.. Studley sang to-
night! What beautiful voice he has,
Ralph" .. a.,
Strange to say, had been thinking
how we'll her voice and his blended; be-
fore l had answered she continued: ..
"He is so pleasant, too, We would,
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 on Tuesday to hear
Campanari? His voice Is better?"
Il am sorry. Ralph, but Mr.. Studley
asked me to accompany him that even
ing and I consented"
We'll, he sings again on Thursday;
we can go then" and so 1t was decided.
The house was reached, and as we
entered thought had never seen her
looking 80 we'll. Her eyes were bright
and sparkling. and the cold, crisp air
had brought rich damask pink to her
cheeks. Removing her outer garments
in the hall, she started forward toward
the center Of the parlor, and as she did
so stopped her, and slipping my arm
about her, bent, and, ere she could in
terpret my intention, 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 I, all the
bolder 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. released her then. -,
20, Ralph" she said, Il never
thought you would do this. 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
love me?"
Love, you!" she reiterated; love
you; when have not loved you; but
not like that, Ralph; not like that; I
could never be your wife,"
In vain.I pleaded, and then a disa-
greeabIe 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. could see how agi-
tated she was as caught the faint
whisper: Eyes" 81.
Then, indeed, hope died within me,
and she continued, :. Ralph, dear
friend. Let us be as we always have
been, true friends. Don't" she pleaded.
"let this spoil our friendship"
at shall be as you desire, but, Elsie,
is there no hope for me? What Of this
other?"
Poor Ralph, none. This other does
not even suspect that I care for him;
but, loving him as do, it would be
wrong for me to consent to be your
wife. Please leave me now; you have
surprised me So"
And l 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 returned.
Two days passed and the play was
nearly over in the L. opera house,
when suddenly the cry of "fre". rang
through the auditorium, caught up and
re-echoed by the terror-stricken people.
There in the first balcony were Paul
Studley and Elsie Mordant. I watched
them both as the people thronged the
narrow passageways. They had not,
felt sure, seen me, and resolved to re-
main close at hand, and II necessary
aid them. He made her wait until the
crowd was nearly out; then they start
ed. They were within a few steps Of
the door when, as though to add to the
panic, the lights were turned off.
started forward. .i.-.4--, .e--~
"Elsie," l heard him say, "are you
afraid? Will you trust yourself to me?"
II am not afraid while. with you,.
Paul." was the soft reply, made with
strange calmness.
"You are quite sure" he questioned,
bending low and giving her Quick,
searching look.
"Is there any danger that we cannot
get out?" she queried.
II think not. You win trust me en-
tirely; let me be your protector now"
she nodded as there came whisper
ed "yes''-now and always. Elsie?"
Eyes, Paul." she answered; and lift
ing her gently, he bore her down the
stairway. 20. ',>-- -,
had heard all, and knew then why
she had not loved me. : a.
They are married now, and IL am
still "her friend"