Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1904-02-12

d IL
ed few days at his fathers home. The
latter tried to convince him of Edith's
sincere affection, which he represented TO
him in such persuasive words that It
really made deep impression on Victor.
VINO concluded to tell Edith the whole
truth. Entering the library he found her
IN deep meditation at the half-open win
dow. He advanced and laid his hand
upon her shoulder. AS che turned her
head he saw that her eyes were wet with
tears.
Edith, DEAR" he said, "your heart
seems to be heavily laden
Yes" she responded with trembling
lips. Il lost my brother early In life,
father is scarcely dead, when 1 also
must leave the home which I enjoyed so
much. This little spot where 1 have
spent my whole life has become SO deep
~ endeared that l can hardly imagine 1
can endure life at any other place. AL
though your parents have kindly offered
home to my mother, it would be too
embarrassing to look upon the castle
with it's memories therefore, l have re-
solved to remain here until l know my
mother Is sufficiently provided for, then
will follow my new inclinations.''
Victor Raymond gazed upon the girl
with deep sympathy.
What! you will go away from here,
Edith, and enter life full of privations?
nurse does not enjoy many sunny
hours; must work day and night, and the
reward is Insignificant"
Il know it; but as our father be-
queathed an equal sum upon us / will
be enabled to exist without compensa-
ton. In few days l will be of age
and then | will try to make my own
way"
Beatrice and Edith were about of the
same age. Involuntarily Victor thought
of the bright days Beatrice's twenty-frs
birthday was to have brought. Only
short time lay before that period Alas,
how quite different than Victor desired
was that day approaching! Where was
the girl who had pledged eternal love?
Forcbly he repressed these sad thoughts
and gazed upon Edith.
Il wish to help you, but what benefit
would it be to deceive you? l could only
be your protector if | should ask you to
be mine; but, Edith, if l can ever shield
you from the cold world and its cares,
| will gladly do so. Love | cannot give
you-it would only be a shadow Of what
| bear for Beatrice. Edith, a divided
heart is not worth offering. / am al
ready ashamed, for your sake, of having
done So But l prefer to speak the truth
openly. Now, Edith, what do you think p
1T Is noble action of you, Victor,
whom 1 have loved ever since l have
known you. Why l love you l cannot
explain. / was attracted to you by de-
grees-uneonsciouSly. l have we'll pom
dered over the fact that | cannot find
corresponding chord in your heart, but
far be it from me to reproach you for it.
Our ways will run in opposite directions
after to-day; therefore, l must speak to
you openly also. 1t is a question wheth-
er we will meet again, and, if ever you
should feel lonesome, you should at least
not forget that there is one girl who
loves you"
Edith, why should we part?' he ask
cd SOFTLY. Such self-denal affected him
deeply.
Because a divided heart is not sufi-
Gent" she returned. Should the time
come when you can offer me your whole
heart will accept it thankfully. Other
wise-never"
you alone can decide, Edith. / wish
to see you happy. and do not miss the
happiness of your fife; marry another
man who can bestow upon you the love
and happiness you deserve
.sWhen you and Beatrice are united
will feel more inclined to love another,
but so long as [ see you abandoned 1
cannot do it-never."
You are singular girl, Edith.
"Victor, would you like to marry
girl who loves another man!
mo. no, dear Edith. Your nature IS
noble, your heart generous and pure.
Had we met earlier. we would have oeeh
bonpy together But-but the friend
shin. Edith-you will not deprive me or
! that?'
NO. never, dear Victor. never"
..You are the best little friend | have
on earth; you will always remain dear III
my memory: the separation will unite us
in stronger friendship. Tomorrow | re-
turn TO my regiment. May heaven bless
| Won, NV thankfulness can find no limit
| for the great love you have squandered
upon me.
| Deeply affected he grasped her hand
and babe her hearty farewell 6oth
narted and followed their selected paths.
| victor AGAIN euhdSSu AZ thS
military life Edith entered upon an un-
known world.
Six months after the demise OF Count
Stratmore the marriage of Dr. Raiston
and Constance was quietly soiemnlzea'
| Bridegroom and bride, both very sensl-
tive, did not desire any great fesuV1Iaes'
! so that was dispensed with Coi. hai
ston had officiated as witness. ana only
remained few hours, as they haa no. :
received a long furlough on account OF
| Tho enemy's maneuvers. Edith only
caught a glimpse of Victor, SO to speak
and warm pressure of the hand ex-
pressed their unchanged mutual reia-
tons.
DIR. Raiston and lady made bridal
/ tour. not OH account of passing away
the time before they began their comes
til, life. but to dispense the grooms nerv-
| z,,. - h;s bn,jth had required rec