Year: 1875




Our mothers were old playmates and
first cousins. My first recollections are of
boy in red frock and morocco shoes,
rocking a cradle in which reposed sun
ny-haired, blue-eyed baby, not quite q
year old. That boy was myself Harry
Church; that baby was Mary Moore. Y1q


Later still see myself at the old school
house. drawing my little chaise unto the
door that Mary might ride home Many
a beating have gained on such occasions;
for other boys besides me liked her. and
she fear, was something of firt, even
in her pinafore. How elegantly she
came tripping down the steps when /
called her name; how sweetly her blue
eyes looked at me, how gaily rang out her
merry laugh. No one but Mary could
ever bring her heart so near her lips. I
followed that laugh from the days Of my
childhood till grew an awkward, blush.
ing youth; followed it through the heated
noon of manhood and now when the frosts
of age are silvering my hair, and many
children climb upon my knee and call me
father" find that the memories of youth
are strong, and that even in gray hairs, l
am following the music still.
When was fifteen the first great sorrow
OF life came upon my breast. was sent
away to school. and was obliged to part
with Mary. We were no. to see each
other for thee long yea,s. This was to
me like sentence Of death. for Mary was
like life itself to me. But hearts are
tough things after all. 7s'i


l left college in the flush of my nine
teenth year. was no longer awkward or
embarrassed. ! had grown to tall. slen-
der STRIPPING, with a very good opinion Of
myself, both in general and particular. II
thought of Mary Moore, it was how
could dazzle and bewilder her with my
good looks and wonderful mental attain
ments, and never thinking that she might
dazzle and bewilder me still more. was
coxcomb, know, but as youth and good
looks have fled, trust that may be be-
lieved when say that self conceit has left
me also.


An advantageous proposal was made At
that time, and accepting it l gave up all
idea of profession, and prepared to 60
to India. In my hurried visit home of two
days saw nothing Of Mary Moore. She
had gone to a boarding school at some dis
tance. and was not expected home until
the following May. uttered sigh to the
memory of my little blue-eyed playmate,
and then called myself '.man'' again.


In year l thought, as the vehicle
whirled away from our door-I will return.
and if Mary is as pretty as she used to be.
why then, perhaps l may marry her. s s.


And thus settled the fortune of . young
lady whom had not seen for four years.
l never thought Of the possibility Of her
refusing me-never dreamed that she
would not condescend to accept my offer.


But know now that had Mary met me
4
haps in the scented and affected student
she might have plenty of sport, but as to
loving me l should perhaps have found
myself mistaken. India was my saliva
tion, not merely because of my success, but
because my laborous industry had coun-
teracted the evil of my nature and made
me better man. When at the end Of
three years, l prepared to return, said
nothing of the reformation of myself,
which knew had taken place. They
loved me as l was, murmured to myself,
and they shall find out for themselves
whether am better worth loving than for
merly.


picked up many a token from that land
of romance and gold for the friends /
hoped to meet. The gift for Mary Moore
selected with beating heart; it was
ring of rough virgin gold, with my name
and hers engraved inside-that was all.
and yet the sight OF the little toy strange
ly thrilled me as balanced it on the tip of
my finger.


TO The eyes of others it was but small
plain circle, suggesting thoughts. per-
haps, by its elegance Of the beautiful white
hand that was to wear it. But not to me
how much was embodied there-all
these things were hidden within that little
ring of gold.


Tall bearded, and sun bronzed, !
knocked at my fathers house. The lights
in the parlor window, and the hum OF
conversation and cheerful laughter. showed
me that company was assembled there I
hoped that sister Lizzie would come to the
door, and might greet my family when
no strange eye was looking carelessly on.


But no, Il servant answered my sum-
mons. They were too merry in the par
lor to heed the long absent one who asked
Tor admittance. A bitter thought like this
ran through my mind as heard the sound
from the parlor, and saw the half sup
pressed smile on the servants face.


| hesitated moment before making
myself known or asking for any OF my
family. And while stood silent. q strange
apparition grew up before me; from be-
hind the servant peered out golden head,
tiny delicate form and sweet childish
face with blue eyes. so like those Of one
who had frightened my boyhood. that I
started with sudden feeling of pain.


What is your name, my pretty? ?" I
asked, while the wondering servant held
the door


MARY Moore"


And what else?' asked quietly.


She lifted up her hands to shade her
lace. had seen that very attitude In an
other, in my boyho many and many .
time-and answered in sweet bird-like
voice.


MARY Moore Chester" ass
My heart sank down like lead. Here
was an end to all the bright dreams and
hopes of my youth and manhood. Frank
Chester, my boyish rival, who had sften
tried in vain to usurp my place beside the
girl. had succeeded at last, and had won
her away from me. This was the child
1 II. : 4