Year: 1877

when Ralph reappeared in our village.
He called to see me soon after his arriv-
al. He had changed but little, but that
was for the worse. He had the old fas-
cinating power that / could not resist.
AS the days went by and he continued
to meet me often, / felt the bonds tight
ening around me. In vain I resolved
not to see him any more. How wished
| had fully committed myself to Frank
Marsden, which would have shielded me
from Ralph's magnetic power. longed
at times to be under the shelter of Frank
Marsden's roof where was safety and
happiness. But the moment was in
Ralph's presence, these resolutions and
desires passed away. had neither will
nor wish of my own. His will was my
will, and / had kind of mad happiness
in the thought that twas so. The daz-
zling present hid the uncertain future.
When with him Ralph was all the world
I asked. With Frank Marsden 1 felt
myself free human being, somebody of
myself, and that the future would flow
on like river into broader and purer
life. My reason, my whole being ap-
proved of him. l knew, when / knew
anything. that Ralph's habits must lead
him and all connected with him to mis-
cry. My mind, as you can imagine, was
greatly tumbled about Mr.. Marsden
called upon me at one time when Ralph
was with me. He looked little sur
prised and troubled at first, but soon re-
covered his usual tranquility of manner.
He conversed pleasantly with Ralph for
few moments, then shook hands with
us and went on his way. 1t was all
done as if he felt no special interest in
me, only he was little paler than was
usual. l had never breathed a word to
Ralph of Mr.. Marsden's partiality for
me-and he failed to see it during this
interview. l felt when Frank bade me
good-by that | could not let him 90, but
l was paralyzed by Ralph's presence.
AS the door closed behind him it was
borne in upon me that we were drifting
apart, that we should never be near
again. seldom saw him after this, but
whenever l did, there was felt dis
This state of affairs caused me grief, but
/ was powerless to free myself; and as
l said, with Ralph so constant visitor,
l quite often did not know as desired
to be free from him. With all his at
tentions to me. Ralph had not yet spo-
ken out his regard for me. He came to
me one day, more serious than was COM
mon with him, and had pre-occupied
air. With much solemnity, he said +:
"Nellie, have never told you how dear
you are to me, but you know it, as well
as if / had. Now, I have come to ask
you to be my own dear wife. While l
was away from you I tried to forget you,
| could not do it-you are dearer to me
than life-and it will be worthless with
out you. Only you can help me to over
come my appetite for drink; and I must
fall if you will not be NINE" And 1
did not refuse him, l even felt joy in
accepting him.


"But. Ralph" / said, 81 will marry
you and 60 to the end of the world with
you; but L want you to promise to give
up the cruel habit which. if persisted in,
will blight our every prospect in life."


"You are right to require it. Nellie, F"
and falling on his knees he raised his
hands toward heaven, and said:


II swear and call upon heaven to
witness my VOW, that if you will marry
me, will never drink another drop Of
anything intoxicating"


l was much impressed by his earnest
manner and had heartfelt joy in the
thought that should be the means Of
saving him from the fate of the drunk
ard.


1t was soon noised about that Nellie
and Ralph were engaged. People won


dered at my folly, for they had set hin


down as one of the lost. ''If he KEEP
from drinking till he was married. h
would do more than they expected.
But this talk did not shake my conf


dence in Ralph. After our engagement


the first time / met Mr.. Marsden | wa
much embarrassed. Seeing it, he ap
preached me with reassuring smile ant
| said, as he took my hand:
"Nellie, hear you are soon to b
married q


"Yes," 1 answered with downcas
| eyes.


accept the most earnest wishes an
sympathy of an old friend. If you eve


stand in need of friend, ask as
= kindness to me, that you will come t
e me-will you?"


"Yes." 1 answered again.
!, He bent his tall figure and teuche
o his lips to my brow. and passed on b


way.


K CHAPTER VIII.
; MARRIED.


In just month from this, Ralph an
y were wed, aud we went directly