Marshall County Republican., 1872-10-31

"What can / do? He doesn't ask me
to love him. If marry him can be a
true wife to him, and nobody will know
that Paul has Tilted me-"
The decision was made. Her cheeks
were ashy pale as she looked up straight
into his eyes and answered, quietly,
I" Yes, will be your wife"
Her parents we're pleased that she
was chosen by so well-to-do young
man; SO it was settled, and they were
marriei the same summer. People
thought she sobered down wonderfully;
more than that, nothing was said that
would lead any one to suppose that any
change had taken place.
Yes, she had sobered down. She
dared not think of Paul. There was
no hope ahead. Life was time to be
filed with something, so that she might
not think of herself. John was always
kind, but she got so wearied of his talk
of stock and crops, and said to her
self: q must work harder, plan and
| fuss and hustle about as other women
do, so that | may forget and grow like
! john
Two years went swiftly by. A baby
slept in the cradle, and Martha-no,
body called her Matte but Paul-sat
| rocking with her foot as she knitted
blue woolen stocking for the baby's
father. There was knock at the half
open door.
81 have got into the wrong road; will
you b. kind enough to direct me the
nearest way to the village?" said voice,
and a stranger stepped in.
She rose to give him the required di-
rection, but stopped short, while he came
| quickly forward.
"Paull"
! "Mattier'
His face lighted up, and he reached
out his arms to draw her near him.
With surprised, painful look, she drew
back.
"Mr. Gardner, this is most unex-
pected meeting"
"Mr. Gardner?" he repeated. "Mat-
tie, what do you mean ~
"Don't call me Matte, if you please n
she replied with dignity. "My name is
Phillips"
"Phillips he echoed. care you
married?n
"These are strange words from you,
Paul Gardner; did you think l was
waiting all this time for another wo-
mans husband ?-that l was keeping
my faith with one who played false so
| soon p
"Played you false! l have not.
am come as promised you. The two
years are but just passed, and l am
here to claim you. Why do you greet
me thus? Are you indeed married,
Matte Gray?'
She was trembling like an aspen leaf.
For an answer she pointed to the cradle.
He came and stood before her with
white face and folded arms.
"Tell me why you did this! Didn't
you love me well enough to wait for
me?"
She went and unlocked drawer and
took out a newspaper. Unfolding it
and finding the place, she pointed to it
with her finger, and he read her mar
riage notice.
"What of this? ?" he asked, as he met
her questioning, reproachful look. "Oh,
Matte you thought it meant me. It
is my cousin. am not married, nor in
love with any one but you"
Are you telling the truth?' she
asked, in an eager, husky voice.
And then, as he replied " 1t is tue"
she gave low groan and sank into a
chair.
"Oh, Paul, forgive mel 1 didn't
know you had cousin by the same
name. l ought not to have doubted
you, but twas there in black and white
and this man. my husband, came, and
l married him.
With bitter tears, she told him how
all happened. With clenched hands,
he walked to and fro, then stopped be.
side the cradle and bent over the s'eep-
ing child. Lower he bent, till his lips
touched its wee forehead, while he muir
INJURED to himself, " Mattie's baby
Then he turned, and, kneeling before
her, said in low voice: 6 forgive
you, Matte; be as happy as you can
He took both her hands IN his and
looked steadily, lovingly into her face.
His lips twitched convulsively as he rose
to his feet. ~ have no right here
you are another mans wife. Good-by
God bless your
He turned as he went out of the
door, and saw her standing there in the
middle of the room, with arms out
StCACO. Lie WSAt anu
his arms around her, pressed one kiss to
her cheek, then left the house, never
looking back.
And she went down on her knees be.
side her sleeping baby and prayed for
strength to bear her great trial. They
never saw one another again.
| Seventy years oldl Her stalwart
sons and bright-eyed daughters remem-
Der her as loving, devoted mother, he1
gray headed husband as most faithful
wife.
Never was woman more patient
and kind, and as good housewife as
ever was" he said, as he brushed the
back of his old brown hand across his
eyes as he looked down on the peaceful
face.
And not one of them ever knew Of
the weary heart and broken hope that
had died in her breast, nor evel
dreamed of the sad load she had borne
through life.
The Nautical Drama.
An English actor beQueathed $4,000
in 1866, to found prize for the " best
drama on nautical or national sub
| iect - The first cOmnat;tion waS ir