Year: 1879



 TRUE STORY.

 Considering that he really loved her, he bad perhaps been rather long in making up his mind but then,, it must be allowed he had an unusual number of temptations to remain sin gle. His home was very comfortable one. He was idolized by his mother, looked up to and made much off by his brothers and sisters, had his own suite of rooms, and everything about him so perfect, what wonder that he was in no great hurry? Though he had always meant to marry some time, of course; to have nice home of his own; and he had always meant to marry the one the world held most dear to him the girl who had been his baby companion and youthful sweetheart.

 Though no word of love had been spoken between them since he used to walk home from school with her, when she was but fif- teen and he barely twenty, they had not ceas- ed to regard each other with tender feelings; yet for the last five years he might have mar ried any time, so to speak, having been suftici- ently ''well off,. He had somehow not done SO. There had always seemed plenty of time. She was always the same to him. He had, almost unconsciously, half feared that if he married he might find himself, comparatively speaking, in poor circumstances. He had in- voluntarily, pictured himself as unable to dress SO carefully and modishly as now; as having to deny himself good wines, good cigars, cabs, and various other things-small, perhaps, in themselves but mounting up in the year. Now, however, there was no necessity to go in- to such trit1es he had saved largely during the last few years, and at thirty-ive years of age determined to marry at once It was not a worthless offer he would have to make his Angelina. So far as he was concerned, he might without vanity consider himself good looking, and a favorite with society more deservedly so, perhaps, than half the men of his acquaintance for besides pleasing man. ner, he had fine tenor voice, and sang we'll; {; and last, though far from least, he was fast rising literary man had long since been recog nized as a writer of no mean merit, and was making his way accordingly. In literary cir cles, by a certain class, he was welcomed with delight, and by all with respect and certain amount of admiration.

 Reflections more or less like thls ran through his mind on this his thirty fifth birthday, as he rolled luxuriously home from chambers, in a hanson, smoking choice cigar. And having taken this not altogether unsatisfactory inven- tory of himself his thoughts turned to her, his darllng There was no one like her i'll the world. She had not, perhaps, a handsome face, but surely it was beautiful, so pure and lofty, with it's sweet grey eyes. Then her dear little white hands, always so busy-hOw many thousand times he had pictured them at work by his tireside, how many thousand times he had pictured those soft eyes brightening up at his return at night None but himself knew how near he had been, many time and oft, doing the deed. Sometimes when spending ev- nings with ''the girls" at his mothers house, she would look so bewitching in her plain dress, generally black silk with lace collar and cuffs, that he could not help noticing how different she was from other women, and sudden longing would come to make her his own. Sometimes when she sang little songs, in voice, and with a manner, that would have almost drawn tears from stone, the words had almost trembled on his lips; but upon the whole it had been better to wait until he had fame to offer her as well as love.

 He would ask her tomorrow to share with him all he had made of name, and he felt how happy he would be able to make her, and it would be greatful change for her, poor girl. Her life had been bit hard since her fathers death, when she took to daily teaching to help to keep up their home They were not poor exactly. No; they had very pretty, cozy little house, but there were good many younger sisters and brothers growing up, and Angelina would not be burden in any way upon her mother she would rather add her mite to tho general store. than tazn anything from it. Thus it came to pass that for the last five years she had taught daily, and the man who was now about to make her his wife loved and honored her for it from the bottom of his heart. He dismissed his cab at the corner of the square. His mother had s0iree in honor of the birthday, and he would slip in unnoticed and have time to dress.

 Just as the cab rolled off, friendly hand was lad upon his shoulder and friendly voice saluted him-that of an old Oxford chum. They had been very intimate at college, and the friendship had never been allowed quite to fall through. ''So glad to see you, old boy Just been to your place, and hearing you were out, was coming away disconsolate. l want you to come down to me in September. Now don't say nos you'll forget how to handle a gun, you know, if you go on like this. Two your own showing you've honored no one else's. Do come there's dear fellow I've three or four of your set coming, and at least dozen dying to be introduced to you, to say nothing of the ladies, several of whom are lion-hunters." The answer came after moments pause, and, strange to say, with blush like girl.

 "Well, Frank, should really be delighted to accept your invitation, but am afraid it-it would be impossible this year." "You don't mean to say you're thinking of HldIlyiuS! Jou HdsC ldIA0l SulICy oPPCo0- ance"

 Our friend Edwin (who was, we know, not only ttiaalting of marrying, but had arrived at the full determination of doing so without de lay, and had actually chosen that month, in his heart, for his honeymoon) laughed little, and ownedthe soft impeachment ''Yes he was going to marry, but he hoped hGt need not part old friends like them." " "Oh! well, it was very bad hearing-an aw full pity" etc., etc. Almost as great blow ! as if some one told me was to be married i'm mediately myself"

 After some more light talk, the friends part ed-Frank to the dinner at his club, where he informed some kindred spirits that 'anothel good man had gone wrong." and Edwin to the home where his handsome face and graceful figure were welcomed gladly by other gentle hearts than those of his mother and sisters. On the evening following the events record. ed in our last chapter our friend Edwin bent his steps towards the home of his ady-love. He was always welcome there they all liked him, and at many a pleasant little musical evening his rich voice had played conspicu- ous part On this particular night, however, he does not care to see any of the others he wants only his Angelina, to make fully known to her aU his love, and to rest at last in the warm sunshine of that sweet smile which is for the future to ilumine every day of all his life Fortune seems to favor him. "Lina'' and her mother are for once quite alone Tln.