Loading...
The Wingham Times, 1894-01-12, Page 6THE WINGHAM TIMES,JANUARY 12 1894» fcon-rndoxne never once thought of this, as ht to have done at the very first," hTta mother mine. Because you :tad er have been occupied all day* intry- to minister to the unfortunate and yev'ara, and knowitfg father wished to tail axperisea as expeditiously as passu- e ooulcl do no less than to begin at tap points belonging; to our individual a the course of the conversation Ralph oecasion to hold up Rose's hand cease attention to a blister, saying she beau sweeping d dusting p g tin b ng the 1i: - !try herself: eel ever mind the hand," his sistersee,4, Kenn& ,"That will soon become acGus- d to shell work, bit I am sore mane - will say I have done my work well." Asper here impatiently interrupted. by looking et her band and protest - with, much temper against anything o kind uguin. oCtle, conte, Jasper, don't you bean - enable. That Iittle blister is of no eauence. I really enjoyed try play, tt ;yet it has been Clothing more, But at would you have me do, Sir Impa- Iee? Sit on the sofa and let my ;alter and sister do what must now be le --work? You dare not caravel that t" dear Rose. But, 'Mr. Newton, r hind friend, tet me beg that you will , old to my wishes. Let me make Rose r wire before you leave this her first ' 101e." 4c.: port" exclaimed Rose. "How dare I t name such a third; after those two ! awful examples of hasty marriages to ? ail the inconveniences of a limited in- I ae which we have just witnessed? rid you see me as heartless us the Le TonerThat sloes not follow, Rose. The aid I could render wouid be but little t aparatively, and I cannot see yon I op tolabor when a home of ease and i nems is waiting for you," , *twee!. "Whatever say mother and sus- 1 eu'ir'do.}vithout degradation will net ; r mo in the estimation of any right rided person, Eustace has no fears of " 'an being degraded, and he can also her a home of ease, but ho knows t for the present her first duties keep with her parents. If your pride re-' is at my using a broom or engaging my of the domestic avocations that to my mother's lot, then should I hue share your fortune your foolish I le will be just as much wounded to , ee all of us continued to labor, as we , ` it probably will," t i OOh, no, aiuVer, Rosel Yon do me in- ! e. It is but natural, loving you as ) that I should long to protect you alt hardships. Your friends, though It lsgraced byeabor, would never have i „ht it as an advisable change. Con - 1 to an immedi to marriage, darling. ! ion will but yi' d to this request, I • f er 'I not refuse. I that your at wz 1 lart axle take you to my mother, show our beautiful hongee .and when your stats are settled we will visit them be- 1 : I install you mistrdfss of the little ego now building far you." I le parents, Georges 'and' Dunbar, all ' t leg without , intorruptian and with ; ,. g hearts, for they felt that the cru- t i 'as not far distant, and Etoso'"s un- .ral pallor indicated a stnle in her mind beyond and distinct from that al to her lover's petition. The id - was but for a moment, and then, li her cheek was deadly pale, her wits firm and clear, but its birdlike were wanting. ' per, let this subject rest for the Yon know well, if you will do ! Wee, that I do not thwart your from any foolish 'coyness. We young, and our youth was the by my parents and your own ! ur union. deferred two years, and gnized the wisdom of their unit., tit. Six months only of that ve passed, and instead of my Pa- sses changing thoplan first adopt- espact and filial affection snake ,perative duty. I should do- , and so would you in a short I' yielded to your present im- t to avoid what you call hardship/ ''bit X name pleasure. 44 interrupt me, my frit anything else which I must A eter- 1 our settled Hear II, sal event Ionger'r and she t 3ajs hand while she' trembled a metre loaf, "de ,+Jasper, hear r. hest a not outlast you d you of late. :: your who el heart so full that no local attachments tom swerve. i3ut within a I ask no question, new. I will, 1 ttrxsti, ui, and to prove ill • ;, I protuuise, wad 1 eiteteez tits must hear zee patientl , perhaps Weeks, will ewe is to continue i Vigil this question Imams say own deed-ge, `tau.d this"bitterness end, in war, no matter bow soon, lay brothers Will, 1know, bo ready to enlist in the first cal—and you?" ,Aha whocould re- sist the pleading look of agony she bent upon that face, disfigured by so many conflicting emotions? ".fraud you, beloved, will spring to arum* with neem to fib14 together under our dear old Bag for justice and freedom, Wille all say heart I will bid yon god. speed, and, father, the day my brothers and Jasperer march to the rescue I solemn- ly promise to become his wife!" "Amen! with all our hearts," said her parents in one breath, but Grenville clasped her a moment to his breast, es clauniegi "Rose! Rose! You tempt and try mit fearfully, but this is idle enthusiasm. There is no war, probably will be none, unless the north" --- "Oh, let us drop, this subject," said Rose. "You understand me. And as I have said, God is my witness, so will 1 do. When the time of trial comes, and conte it will, you are too good, too noble, to be found wanting." "But hear me, Rosel tton must and will! Should we be involved in war, why must t join in the contest? Consent to be mine now and let us revisit to- gether in the old world the scenes you have so often described." "And this to me! To met Oh, Jasper!" And clasping her hands tightly over her eyes—in tones so childlike and piteous— "but I did not understand you. Idream. I did not hear you. you did but jest to try me. Let it pass. You need not ex- plain," she continued to moan. A moment's pause, and then a great change passed over her. With hears erect and eyes as keen and resolute as a mar- tial artial hero elle said: "There needs no more words. You must know I would never join bandit with one who could leave his country or remain idle in time of peril, A scorn equaled only by what I should feel for a traitor would annihilate every emotion of love from my heart. P rpt r ngest say good night to all. Ren: u• deal r'lg her hand tenderly on Jas isle sed, know this is but sport, rat! popir,.-el, but I trust you all the same, an\, .,:twill not fail nue when the trial co es. For my sake let me ask that no more be said on this sabjeot tonight" Grenville rose as sho left the room, evi- dently with the design of replying, but waving a good night kiss to all she passed from her friends to her own chamber. An awkward pause succeeded, but among the gentlemen each face wore a look of mistrust and scorn, while Mrs Newton and Lillian's heads were bow in sorrow. In vain Jasper tried. to assume care- less and indifferent air, and soo .. utter- ing something of a forgott engage- ment ha departed. A few minutes of gloo y silence fol- lowed his departure, Rose's request was constantly in th�4 inds, and no aI- lusion was made t.. , e painful scene, but that in their arts ho now stood re- vealed there co d be no doubt. Mr. Newton made t w remarks about some business, and t 'n Dunbar took his Ieave, and the farm separated for the night. As Ralph pa sod from the room his fa. ther'noticed/his greatly excited manner and said set bw soothing words to him and earnestly enjoined upon all the ne- cessity of. strict self government for Itose's sake, assuring them that it was in his opinion the better policy to wait pa- tiently for the final result, which could not be far distant. Poor Rose! As soon as the closing door hid her from view all excitement died away, and like one stunned and be- wildered by some fearful blow she crept up to her room and mechanically seated herself there. With handstightly clasped in her tap and stony eyes, she sat as pale and motionless almost as the dead till her tender mother's Mee roused her from this sad stupor, and she found relief ina passionate flood of tears. ill With hands ifahtip clasped in her rap. "Be still hopeful, Rose, my pre iiouit Otte! All will yet belight." "Yes, 1 know it," *he said wearily, "but please let its net speak of it. Kite zee food night, dear mether. 1 will rs. t CHAPTER X.3oenac', th`i tlxit we was awing nem. The next morningBose met the family which znustcompel a full separation of at breakfast, paler and more quiet than the "sheep from the goats" and dell in trumpet tones to alit "Choose yo this usual, but perfectly self possessed. The loving hearts around her needed no words to teaelt theta that all allusion to the painful eonversetions of the previous evening should be avoided. Lillian proposed that Rose should ac. company her mother on the exploring expedition, alleging that Roso'ataste and judgment would be more adapted to the taste of the whole family than her owu. The proud girl divined at once her sin, ter's real meaning, and with heightened color and eontraoted brow shrank as from a blow. Her Mother came to her rescue, remarking quietly she preferred Lillian should go, as Rose could more advantageously aid in superintending various changes et home that should be arranged at once and in which her brothers could be effective assistants, judging, with her usual sagacity, even laborious employment for the comfort and welfare of the family would be the most certain cordial for her wounded spirits, ThEn a sent to spy out the Land re- turned in the afternoonand brought. back a most enthusiastic report of the beauties of the place, its great capaoity for profitable employment, the conven- ience of the house and outbuildings, so arranged as to e,save much labor, and therefore peculiarly desirable in their estimation, as it was well understood they must dispense with servants. In- deed, Mrs. Newton told her husband it was the facsimile of such a place as they had often dreamed over. The prospects this glowing repot, opened tvereso in unison with the nattiral taste and good judgment of the whole family, giving a field for the workingof each individual and peculiar talent, tat nothing remained butte hasten thebusi- ness arrangement between Mr, Dunbar and rir, Newton and enter at once upon their labors, The good wife and mother thought that no repairs were necessary but such as could be better attended to when on the ground. Mr. Newton then offered to take a lease of the property for a certain nuznber of years, paying a rent equal to that paid in the vicinity for farming property, the papers to be at once drawn up and possession taken im- mediately. Dunbar, on the contrary, urged that he should so soon deprive them of Lillian's aid it was only fair that rent should be considered but a proper equivalent from himself and his Lilly for the loss of their valuable services. He was interrupted by an outburst of merriment, started of course by Ralph at Eustace's elpense, for his high esti- mate of their capabilities, in which even Rose joined with something of Icer usual sparkling repartee. But Dunbar was not to be silenced, even though his gentle. Lilley was leagued against him. Mr. Newton finally replied that no argu- ments would avail. Ho must enter upon his work according to his own ideas of independent action or not at all. A few days saw all the changes oom- I pleted. The splendid mansion where the Newtons had passed so many happy hours was transferred to other hands, without natural regrets, but without a murmur. Selecting such articles as would suit their altered circumstances, the family removed immediately to their new home, leaving such property as they could claim to be sold at auction. When all was sold and fully settled, Mr. New- ton was thankful to find that between $4,000 and $5,000 clear remained in his hands, besides the unpretentious furnish- ings of the farm home and the expenses et removal. Part of this money he at once safely invested, reserving only what would supply their wants till they might hope to receive something available from the farm, having also purchased from Eustace the stock and farming imple- ments he had secured with the place. A very honest and efficient farmer, who had for some years lived in a little cottage near by and superintended the work, was also retainer, Mr. Newton being award that he should economize by securing trusty and experienced farm laborers till such time as ho might hope to acquire the requisite knoweedge I1im- self. During the coming winter, while engrossed in such preparatory labor as every farmer understands is essentialfor summer operations, he would at the sande time become familiar with both theoretical and practical agriculture. The stormthat threatenedRose'speace had quietly subsided, and her spirits rose often to their natural tone, but at tunes a discordant note told too plainly that y avhozn yo wzll serve.. If the Lordbe God, then follow hire, If Baal, then Whew hire." That strong affection which shrinks so naturally from giving pain to the beloved =Isis not always the wlsost counselor, but the good parents, although not satisfied with the uncer- tainty that Itung over their child's fu- ture, avoided any word, that might force Grenville into an avowal of bis senti- ments until it should be settledpast con- troversy whether it was to be peace or war with the south. Fears lest Rose's peace was endangered and apprehensions for their country were the only shadows that fell across their pleasant life, Both these perils caused at timesgreat anxiety, but like the dreams of the night they soon vanished, for to American minds the idea of a war, or any attempt at real disunion, had so little tangibility it was not strange, ons grossed as they were with so much that was novel in their own situation, that it should be difficult to realize the danger. Their minds were not aroused by the in- tense excitement the4 city residents ex- perienced when morning and evening papers and frequent bulletins kept the brain in perpetual tumult. Mr. Newton could not mord either time or money for such luxuries or an- noyances. But their one weekly paper or some intelligence brought by Duncan in his frequent visits to Lillian and the friends at the farm often roused their indignation almost beyond control, show- ing that under all the peacefulness of their present' life a fire smoldered that needed but a spark at any time or mo- ment to leap into an inextinguishable Same. When Dunbar was present, the coun- , try's prospects wore the constant theme, but of late Grenville, who once was ac- ctistomed to meet Dunbar that they might walk together every evening to Mr. Newton's house, now apparently avoided him, for they seldom met and never called together, While Jasper was with them those topics that were of the greatest interest were never mentioned. The family ,ventured on no questions, and he volunteered no remark. He was unwearying in little acts of kindness, apt to devise topics of general interest or amusement, and to Rose never was town so devoted. If Rose was only waiting patiently for unmistakable revelations of his feelings and intentions or had really been lulled to rest by his unceasing kindness and tenderness, neither her parents nor broth- ers could understand, but they had be- come painfully certain that he harbored in his heart a purpose that might at any moment "sweep all her hopes. like sand, away." It came at last, that fearful day, just as the cold, stern winter had departed and spring was full of promise—Stutter surrendered. For some days groups of men were seen standing on the corners of the streets in earnest conversation, and "expectation stood aghast with hor- ror." The excitement spread all over the country. At Montgomery farm the peace and quiet of the winter were dis- pelled by stern and resolute watchful- ness, waiting impatiently for the signal to spring to arms. Dunbar was with them every evening of the previous week to lamp them posted and arrange for in- stant action whenever needed. Gren- ville came not at all. Rose moved about her work mechanically, repelling any indication by word or look that seemed like sympathy with an impatience, an irritability', so foreign to her nature that it was too evident some concealed fear or sorrow was hidden in her heart. On this eventful Sabbath Grenville made his appearance in season for din- ner. Ile apologized for his absence the past week on the plea of slight illness, ` telling Rose ho would have sent her a line, but each morning he felt sure of be- ing better before night, but found him- self mistaken. Ho had, however, em- braced the first moment of convalescence to comp to her. So wretchedly pale and haggard did he look that her heart re. proached her for the doubts which she had tried in vain to conceal, and even her friends were so struck by his misera- bly changed appearance as to be almost ready to hope they had misjudged him and carefully avoided remarks that might disturb the Sabbath by bitter feeling or unguarded anger. Eustaco had failed to be with theist in the morning or to attend Lillian to church, and knowing such unwonted ab- sence was significant George, with his her heart was not fully reassured. The father's consent, after dinner was just young man meanwhile was assiduously starting for the city when he espied the trying to banish every cloud front the truant riding rapidly' up the lane and d sweet errs brow, and ell ,ills really cgs hastened to meet him. As the friends cellent qualities were called into action met Eustace exclaimed: It is war now, war of complete ex- aaul his hasty temper and natural hau- ' „ tour were wisely controlled when at the :termination or submission. "Stay a moment, Ts Grenville with fafemi t,, which by no means was infra- you? „ 'talen• leas been here but q And so, Xtappy in their new Teatime time and see either ill or ill great mesntal discontent, tions, without ennui or sach actively employed dewing the day, look. Have you heard anything :th ing forward with even ere. than anxiety. the more of his movements?" old exhilaration to the peaceful evenings, which always gathered them together to ,mingle in pleasant conversation or in- structive reading, the winter, glided cheerfully on, Fearful of another otplosion from Grenville the family had all been very careful not to hazard any remark in his presence with reference to the intense public; feeling which by this time was fast culminating toward a crisis. The ,i;fet .M. rbi.d=btedx tlIestriotyek. "Yes, indeed! Enough to destroy him! Our poor Rose! "The southern sympathizers in the city are wildly jubilant over this first aggressive step of their brethren and. ' now feel safe to speak out. Horton told nae exultingly that Grenville was heart and hand with Blom: that he had just received a letter from his father urging; him to break away from, all ties here at once and hasten to join them, sayina th•1t his fathers in.iluence with hie paity bad seoured for Itis sori'a high position in the large army they are rais- ing. Morton says he saw the commis- sion, and that Grenville had accepted this very morning and was confident that when Bose saw that his mind was fixed she would yield," "Ah, how little he understands our darling! Or rather, be understands too well. What he said, to Horton was spo- ken in a moment of excitement, and his dispirited wanner sines he came proves plainly he dare not even broach the sub- ject to her, He must have known of this news yon bring, and yet not a word. has he spoken." "But, oh, George, how will the dear girl bear it?" "It certainly will not bo half so heavy upon her as the torturing suspense under which she has for some weeks been pin- ing. I think we have been unwise to comma l our knowledgo of his intentions so long. But I will at once unmask the villain! My sweet darling sister!" When the young men entered the house, all gathered anxiously around Eua- tace, for, his face once seen, there could be no doubt he brought tidings of great importance. The talo was soon told. The fearful step had been too long antic- ipated for any great surprise to blend with the excitement and indignation it caused, The color fled from every face, but the lofty courage and stern resolu- tion stamped on each feature needed not words to tell how willingly they would offer their lives for a country so dearly loved and bitterly insulted. "And. now may God bless us and speed us to our work," said Eustace, while with his arm thrown closely around Lil- lian ho read with pride and admiring love the unselfish spirit with which she laid her heart's life on her country's al- tar, Mr. Newton raised his hand to heaven and solemnly blessed them, while Mrs. Nowton, with more than a Roman moth- er's fortitude—a Chaistian heroism -- yielded her brave•boys to her country's service. But when Alfred sprang to her arms with an imploring look and the one word—"Mother"—she pressed her quiv- ering lips to his noble brow. unable to re- ply to that unspoken entreaty. But his father laid his hand lovingly on his head, saying: "My boy, I am too old and you too young to enter into active service for our land, at least for the present. Should there be pressing need, neither age nor youth shall keep us back at such a call. This good mother will yield. us without a word of remonstrance." While this was passing Rose, forget- ting lover, self, alI but her country's peril, had listened svith compressed lips toad eyes whose heroic light might have led men to the cannon's mouth. George saw that a spirit was roused within her at this moment that would austain her under the coming revelation, So, turn- ing suddenly to Grenville, he said: "We must endeavor to be all enlisted in the same regiment, and by going into town tonight we can enter our names early tomorrow and be on hand to march at' any moment, This precious, darling sister will have little time to re- deem her pledge of last fall." Without a moment's hesitation she passed to her lover's side and laid her hand timidly on his, then raised those eloquent oyes to his face with a look of earnest, pleading love, at the same time carrying into his inmost soulthe convic- tion that every word of that pledge wee well remembered and would be truly acted upon in every particular. He threw his arms convulsively around her and said: "Oh, Rose! My own Rose! Be mine now! Consult your own heart and. not your prejudices. In two days a steamer leaves for the old world! Seel I will give up all for your dear sake. Leave ' Cho strife and bitternesshere agadwander with me through gay, beautiful France and sunny Italy till peace is once more restored." For one instant Rose gazed into his face, with scorn and contempt quivering , in every lineament. Then dashing his arm from around her and springing to her father's side, her head erect and oyes whose burning light should have blasted the traitor where he stood, she cried: "Do you hear that man, father? Do you understand what he asks of your daughter?" "S fear 1 do but too well, my sweet child. Grenville, it is high time that all duplicity on your part should erase. Nay, check your passionate reply. 1 have not been as folly blinded es you had hoped, but for some tianehave feared that, while apparently ono with us, yet in your heart you were joined to the south in all her wicked designs. If have misjudged you, with all my heart 1 beg your pardon, but under the present circumstances I feel entitled: to demand i an explicit avowal of your true emit - merits." • "Who has warped your judgment and your affeetion to me? What proof have you that, though leas enthusiastic, I stn not really as loyal' to any country as • yourself?" demanded the young tnau. with much temper and embarrassment. ":here subterfuge," cried George. "I did not think you would stoop to suck miserable quibbling. In your heart yott have a meaning that your words do not reveal, You all the south your coon - try, but do net recognize the north as such. and theta talk of your loyaltyr "Again I ash, what proofs have you of 1111'3' bis asscrtiou?" "01u, ,tctspenl Dear Jasper!" cried Rose, once store starting to his side and • clasping his hands. "Wo ask no proofs but your own words. Only assnre tris you are true to our united country ready to light with my brotltera funder the eters and stripes, and we ask no fur- ther. Your love for your birthplace may ; have warped your judgment, while all , was uncertain and the strife had been but u. war of words, but now that the crisis has come you can no longer halt between two opinions with honor. Why do you hesitate? I cannot eudure this suspense!. Speak, I entreat you, and end this misery!" "Ho cannot do it, my dear sister," said George, leading her to a seat beside her mother. "He is joined to the south heart and soul and has been from the drat, yet at the same time concealing it from you, my Rosie, Dunbar brings the proofs such as he cannot gainsay, lie strong, my ;darling, He is not worthy so noble a heart," Dunbar stepped forward, and placing a letter in Grenville's hands said: "This is from your parents, I presume. Horton requested me to bring it to you and at the same time boasted that you were pledged to the cause he advocates, The letter contains an ofilcor'e commis- sion for you and a summons to return south without delay," "Curse him!" exclaimed the young ' man. "But I have no wish to conceal my sentiments, only so far as I wished to save my darling Rose from the pain I know she must feel, Yet now that the south has taken the step she should have done long ago I must act with her. I love you all and ntanymore atthe north, but I do most heartily detest the princi- ples she would enforce. But, Bose, my dearest one, hear me." "Not a word! I have no fellowship with a traitor!" "And no love for me, Rose?" "No more for you as I know you, Oh, I thought you all that was pure, true hearted and noble and fondly enthroned you in my heart and worshiped you. How fearfully am I punished for nay idolatry now that I ani awakened to the deformity of that -which my blinded vi- sion saw once so perfect! Oh, jasper Grenville, what desolation have you brought on one whose only fault lay in loving you too well!" It were vain to describe the agony of these young hearts. By turns he raved and entreated, appealing ono moment to the parents and the next to Lillian, who each repelled his attempts to enlist them in his behalf. Ralph's passionate deft ante, George's manly remonstrance and Mr. Newton's earnest and touching ap- peals to urge him back to duty were un- availing. He argued that he was acting from solemn convictions of duty and that nothing could be more convincing proof of his convictions than the fact . that by this step he destroyed every hope of happiness ho had in life, and if Rose cast him off he should bo a martyr to a cause he had espoused believing it to be right. On the contrary, Mr. Newton assured • him, from facts which be could net gain- say that his mind had been poisoned . from earliest childhood, and now, being called into vigorous activity, was leading him to destroy his own peace and happi- ness and bring misery to those who had so loved and trusted. him. It was distressing to witness the young man's wretchedness when he tried to • say farewell, As he approached Rose, in whose whole attitude scorn, disap- pointment, insulted affection and earnest entreaty were all unmistakably mingled, Ralph started to his sister's side, throw- ing one arm around her, and with the other waving him of; '° d•• •x•rrxr-sn.l Ctifrord Mae kman A { oston Boy's Eyesight Saved—Perhaps His Life ley Hood's Sarsaparilla—Blood Pole soned by Canker. Bead the following from a grateful mother: little boy hada Scarlet rover when 4 years old, and it left him very weak and with blood poisoned with canker. Tics eyes became so Inflamed tliatlrls sufferings wore Intense, and for seven weeks Ito Could P t Opon NIS Lyes. 1 to.* hint twv me rittg that time to sho Eye awl ler Thar yon Ole 'les street, but their r: ssu:dties is .,t to do Id the faintest sbadety rd good. I mime?dt giving islet hood's Sar;ttpnriilta , .1.1 1011 'cured him, I have 103....1. dont) .,i it $0vrdd his sight, even v •p ire. von may 0815 tier teiy ty ny you choose. I ant always re :fly los sun t t se Iaralsa of Hood's Sarsaparilla 1,reause of the wontterfnl good nett! r.ty son," An1N1. 1ILLr, list .ti., 1..lSSi lvttAiin .tott Sty 11es1.mt, Mass, '(1:•t ilc1UD'S. Hob's Pit,4a are hnar't made, and are pot, feet In composition, stmotaes salt appe&taaa6, H ihnnuti ht,mt•tl i