Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1912-06-15

came and went. leaving a fearful. yet
happy maid. with an engagement ring.
that recalled the loving promise OF a
speedy return. and then-no more
partings.
The ring wasiset with a single. per-
feet pearl. II had been his mothers.
and. as she TUNED II on her finger. she
reflected It's purity. and resolved TO
be worthy OF Il.
Mabel's eyes grew wide at the men,
ton OF the ring. and she started to IN
terrupt, but. with glance at Aunt
Hetty's absorbed expression. she re-
sisted. and listened with a sympathetic
wonder.
Unconscious OF her hearers surprise.
the old lady dreamily continued her
narrative.
The weeks that passed were busy
ones--dressmakers and the whole ret
inue Of servants preparing for the
event to come. and the time was
checked OF daily on the little desk
calendar. as the letters were written.
Tho replies were carefully boarded.
and put away in a dainty book. with
keepsakes OF other days.
AT last. the day Of her lovers ar
rival dawned. and she moved about as
II In a dream. until she was clasped In
n pair OF strong. young arms and real
lied that II meant the end OF part
ings.
Happy days followed in swift sue
cession. until the wedding day was but
week distant While sitting In tho
summer house. planning their bright
future. she spoke OF the beauty of her
ring. He had noticed little plain ring
that she had always worn. and idly in
CURED about II. To tease him. she
ignored the inquiry. thus rousing his
curiosity. and. before they realized IT,.
heated words had followed. Then.
girl fashion. she felt abused. never
thinking OF tho silly way It had all
started. her own fault and how easily
II might have been remedied. He told
her that II she left in anger. 1t would
be the end. OF course. she did not
think he really meant II. and liked TO
see how far her power went. so, with
her head in the air. she went TO the
house. never dreaming but what he
would follow her. He did not.
I'm the morning. after sleepless
night. she descended the stairs In a
repentant mood. 10 find note on the
hall table. simply informing her OF his
departure. in response to an urgent
message from home. VIII write from
there was the only grain OF comfort
she could sec. Frantic at the turn or
affairs, she sped up the stairs. back to
follow him in mind. with a remorssfu!
letter.
"As she hastily penned her sorrow
and love. the house was aroused by
the news OF q serious railroad acct
dent, in which was the very train that
her lover had departed on. Later came
the news OF his death. caused by
falling beam. as he was heroically
helping the wounded to places OF safe
ty before the fire reached them.
THAT was the end-end OF all the
fond hopes and plans-she never saw
him again. and you can perhaps
imagine what that girls lifelong re-
morse must have been"
Aunt Hetty's voice was tender, and
her eyes suspiciously moist. as she
noted her niece's countenance.
Now. you see" she went on. why
have opened my heart. dear-to save
you from a like sorrow. for the girl
was I. as you have already guessed.
Time softens all sorrows. and. eventu-
ally will make all things right"
I'm going and phone Jack right
now. aunties. I'm glad you told me,
and I wish somebody had told you.
shall always remember It. for what
would do II anything happened TO
Jack?" With an impulsive hug and
kiss, Mabel hurried out.
An hour later two radiant faces be
tokened reconciliation. but. as Mabel
buried her face in another bunch OF
roses. a shade OF sorrow went over
her at the thought OF the girl OF long
ago. and her shattered dream. Glanc.
ing at Jacks happy smile. she thanked
God within herself for the timely
warning OF Aunt Hetty.