Year: 1862




l took them down to the office, When returned
she was seated by the window, with her embrod-
cry in her hand, looking more like Meltha Crosby,
than she had for many day. believenow, look
ing back through the years that have passed since
then, that lamentcd the faithlessuoss of Darwin
Leonard more than Meltha. And when two years
had passed aud Meltha had grown To be the inde
pendent, self-sacriicing woman and was led to the
altar new song filled her soul and Herman Shan
ley, was the she was to look up to during her
life journey. How different was he from her first
love so dignifed and yet so devoted to his wife
Mleltha.


Three years had come and gone. During that
time Mcltha and had been brought through great
trials. We had been called to the bedside of dy-
ing mother and she was laid in the valley to rest
with green sod upon the breast that had pillowed
her only two daughters and but few months
passed, and the green sod was again broken anil
our father was laid beside the ever gently cared
for and dearly beloved of his life cur mother.


Another year had passed and the bright golden
head of Meltha Shanly was lying in its narrow
home, and was all alone Meltha had been to
: Herman Stanley for four years what he had asked
her to be - his wife tcnderly loved their child
Clarence Shanly, that lived to be the only tic that
bound me to the old place. The failing health Of
Herman had obliged him to travel, and he left the
scenes of many joys and sorrows leaving Clar-
cnce il my care, and WE with few domcscs liy ed
alone. It was four years after 49, in October - the
old trees were purple and scarlet once more, and
once moro we were taking leave Of the gay sing
ing birds, the beautiful foliage and flowers Clar-
ence and had been up the old road to the " wal
nut tree" and he becoming tired ON our homeward
walk we were seated under a large maple tree.
CLARENCE merry boy with the golden curly
head like his mother and brown eyes like his faith
erS


"Comc auntie do get me great bony switch. l
one up there, know would be a good one -
do get it,"


Indeed Clarence cannot reach it, wait till we go
home and you shall have nice one frolnthe weep
ing willow"


No, Ountie want one now,' for he, like many
other boys, was spoiled by too much petting, and
then commenced crying, with his little chubby
hands rubbing his eyes


Allow me to present you with one, procured
from the willows down by the creek" said a voice
by my side and turning suddenly, bcheld Darwin
Leonard. should have known his voice anywhere


"If you please, for suppose you can easily sec
Clarence is spoiled child" and as soon as the
whip was tight within his grasp, the tears were
chased away by smiles. Darwin gazcd long and
earnestly ON that childish face and could see that
memory at work. while my heart was filled
with bitter feelings. Turning abruptly to me he
said:


"That face reminds me Of one knew years ago
She used to live here perhaps it is all assoca
ton" speaking more to himself than to me-


"Pcrhaps | can assist you, Mr.. Leonard in rec
ognizing the child Of my sister Meltha Crosby,
Clarence Shanly." Tire words were spoken al
most without thinking.


"And this is lmogene Crosby" and standing
there with the autumn sunset crimsoning the west
told him what have told you reader the story of
Meltha Croshy's life. And he in return told ME of
the events in his life since he last saw Emwood.
1t sad story. lie had never married A
cousin of his bearing the same initials, married
Miss Carey. Ard long fit of sickness prevented
his writing, and when he did write, although not
yet fully recovered, he forebore speaking of his
illness for fear of causing Mcltha unnecessary an
xiety. And then he told me how the long years
had passed, since receiving that note which blight
ed all his hopes, and Low he had struggled and at
last conquered the great love which he had borne
for my sister. Oh, the story was one Of which the
number is lcgions Darwin Leonard became fire.
quent visitor at the old homestead during this win
ter and passed happier hours there than had be-
fore since the death of the light of our home our
mother.


1t was May again, gladstone JOYOUS May and
standing out by the little gate alone just as we
had done, Meltha and I, eight years before. 1 had
grown taller in those eight years, and stronger in
will and purpose, and l was expecting him, the
past rose up before me standing there and
knew that only one loved image blessed my heart
and that was Darwin Leonard. was very lonely
now for Clarence had gone to his grand parents to
make a visit, and it was with smile of welcome
that greeted Darwin.


g am very glad to see you Mr.. Leonard" and
he uttered some common place remarks in reply
and then there was a silence, which was broken by
his rich full voice.


81 was thinking, Imogcne, of eight years ago to-
day as I rode up the old road, and was thinking
too how etfectually have conquered the old love-
and am better, stronger man for being brought
through that great trial. was searching my heart
and found that you, Imogene, oscupy the place that
Meltha once did, and will you be to me what she
promised to be then my wife or must do the
work all over again what I have been 50 many
weary years in doing give you up my Imo-
gene }"


answered him then reader, as you would have
done, had you been in my place, and now that two
years have passed away do not wish that had
the question to again, but thank God for my
noble husband.