Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1901-10-17
A HEART OF GOLD.
RY !! u. ROLLINS.


A.eatA n0tatC neAS uf0tAl III c01ti-
mon. but there are very marked diff
ferences in mental attributes as well
as in the physical contour of indi-
viduais.
Benton Rexford was the antithesis
of the phlegmatic cynic-in fact, he
was one of those warm hearted. i'm
pulsiye fellows who have a deep
rooted platonic regard for all femi-
ninity. The mere sight of pretty
lace was sufficient 10. make his heart
tiutter and send thrill of admira-
ton throughout the length and
breadth of his well proportioned
frame.
From infancy-no, at quite that
period of existence, but dating from
the time of his frs: proudly donning
trousers, he had always a sweet
heart. Ii is true-and il mattered
not-that often the lady OF his love
was many years his senior Some
times, indeed, a settled matron was
the recipient of his affections. In
his boyhood days his affections were
lavished rather indiscriminately
but he was merely giving them play
developing them, as it were.
AT the age of twenty-three Benton
met Edith Mason, whom he had not
seen since early childhood. They
were related, though so remotely
that it may be said to have been non
existent--somewhereaboutth the fourth
or fifth degree Of cousinship.
Edith was rather small girl i'm
stature, a beautiful girl, sweet aud
unassuming, and possessing match
less charm of grace and manner
which made her the acknowledged
belle of the entire country round
about. How many young men had
vainly sought her heart aud hand
will never be known. but their name
is legion. Indeed, staid old bache-
iors and widowers also worshiped
ut her shrine. 1t was only natdral
then that Benton Rexford should
fall deeply in love with her forthwith.
Edith bad nome o. the elements Of
flirt, and she srud;ously avoided
encouraging in any way the atten-
tions of her devotees. But short OF
absolute rudeness (of VIII 'ch she was
incapable) there was no way of keep
ing them off and she was constantly
being compelled to become a sister
to some lOve-sick swain.
Benton mad read much. travelled.
and was good cohversatiOnalist.
He devoted himself assiduously TO
Edith on the memorable occasion of
their first meeting. After delight
full evening together and ere they
parted he had begged and secured
her consent To correspond. This
correspondence proved most agree
abe to both, ma y and frequent were
the missives that flew between them.
They exchanged views ON every
thing imaginable, and related i'm full
detail the minute daily incidents IN
each others lie. Benton seized ev-
cry opportunity to visit her. This
went on for Two years, when Benton
again visited Edith,
On the second afternoon of this
visit, they stI oiled down To the beach
TO the government pier.
Sitting together on a large buoy
in the shed, in full view OF. and in
close proximity to the glisteniag
sands of the seashore. and the roll
ing deep beyond, here, mid the low
rumble and roar of ocean waves,
Benton began the old, old story that
is ever new.
Edith, said he, every fibre quiv-
ering with suppressed emotion, Il
can no longer restrain myself. Hear
me, dearest Edith. love you deep
ly, truly, passionately. ! want this
dear little hand, caressing and kiss
ing it despite her attempted with
drawal. Il want you 10 be mine.
Speak, Edith. and say that you love
me as do you.
''Oh, Benton. am so sorry. but
il can never be. Ny heart goes out
in sympathy to you, but il is not
love. There is no response
''Oh, Edith, do not torture me
Tell me, has some one else my little
girl 5 love? Tell me truly. Edith. .
mo, no. Benton, il is not that /
care far more for you than / do any
other man. but il is not love. feel
that am incapableof loving. There
Is something lacking in my nature.
l have never loved / never can.
but II could, you would have my
heart. But no-you are good and
noble, am unworthy Of your great
love. ] cannot reciprocafe. Ben
ton. listen TO me, 90 away and forget
me. Go and find someone who can
give you in return the love that you
deserve. Please go. and forget the