The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1904-05-04

gains of the just closing year, unmind-
ful of the great human love and happi-
ness that be had trampled beneath his
feet.
We can touch but briefly on the
events and changes Of the years that
followed, and which combined to place
the lovers still farther asunder.
Inspired by mania for speculation,
Mr.. Dane left his pleasant New Eng
land home for California, where he
was as successful as ever in heaping
up the wealth that was his idol.
in the meantime Mary remained true
to her promise From all the admirers
that her beauty and modest WORTH
drew around her, she turned steadily
away. And if her father urged the
claims of some one Of them upon fer
notice. her answer was the same.
"At your bidding. l separated from
the only man l can ever love; but. as
told you then, so tell you now, VIII
never marry another
Soon after his rejection, James joined
the army, taking an active part in the
great struggle that was then at its
height. partly to dcadcn the restless
pain at his heart. and partly from the
higher motives that animated so many
brave men in that dark hour OF our
country's trial. Though he enlisted as
q private, his skill and bravery insured
his rapid promotion. ard at the close
of the war he was hoEorahly dis
charged with the rank Of captain.
A few months after business called
him to San Francisco. As he was en-
route for that city. at way station.
two ladies, dressed in black, entered
one OF the cars. the one in which
James, now Captain Eldridge was Sit
ting.
He could not see the face Of either.
bat there was something in the form of
the younger. especially in the graceful
turn of the neck, that at once arrested
his attention. thrilling his heart with
strange emotions.
She turned her head. Yes, it was she,
his lost. but never forgotten. Mary!
And. as their eyes met, the blush,
the bright and happy smile that over
spread her countenance. showed that
she still held him in as loving remem.
brance. The elder lady was Mrs. Dane,
Mary's mother.
In the conversation which ensued he
learned that Mr.. Dane had died a few
months previously. Left alone, as 1t
were, the widow and daughter. as soon
as the business of the deceased could
be closed up, prepared to return to
their home in the East. though propos.
ing to stop q few weeks in an adjoin.
ing town. to visit friend, and they
were now on their way thither.
James escorted them to the house OF
their friend. where he was so happy as
to find the opportunity he so ardently
desired.
rs not the hand Of Providence in
this unexpected and most happy meet.
ing?" he said. his eyes resting appeal
ingly upon the benevolent countenance
of Mrs. Dane, land will you. can you
refuse to recognize its leadings?"
ut is for Mary to choose" was the
smiling response.
Il made my choice long ago" said
the Elushing girl as she raised her
smiling eyes to her lovers face.
Here Mrs. Dane considerably left
the room.
Said not Alright" murmurcd Mary.
as she yielded to the warm embrace
to which she was folded. that would
give myself to no other? The kiss you
left upon my lips when we parted,
you will find there now"
"My love! My own" exclaimed the
enraptured man. as be drew her still
moro closely to his heart.
A few weeks later James and Mary
publicly pronounced the vows that
made them one in life. as in heart.
Does not the heart Of the reader echo
with ours. "GoG's choicest blessings so
with. tEem?"-New York Weekly.