Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1873-11-13
WOODSTOCK, VT., THURSDAY, NOV. 13, 1873

bewitching smile "am not going
to marry him q
81 hope not"
-'Sir!" and even the widows pretty
frown captivated him."
II beg your pardon, he added, crest
failed, Il meant that came to talk
the matter over with you. Do you
think the match is altogether q good
one?"
Il see" and her eyes dropped ap-
propriately, "you object because I am
comparatively poor
"lndeed | DO not. The financial
aspect of the affair has never been
considered by me.
The widow here pierced him with a
look Of gratitude.
"It was the difference in. ill"
he stammered.
In social position p suggested the
widow.
"Ah. | see. You mean in age p
Yes he replied, shecpishly. you
have deyined the reason. and | will be
perfectly frank with you. My son is
very dear to me, and it has been the
dream Of my life to see him happily
married to some beautiful and loving
woman"
Here the widow turned her glorious
eyes full upon Mr.. Anson, and manag-
ed to show her arm, which happened
to be enclosed in loose sleeve. 1t
was a particularly round smooth arm,
and as white as possible.
81 beg your pardon;' hastily con
tinued Mr., Anson; II know you are
good, beautiful, and lovable, but
but | am too old am thirty.
Not so very old either, although do
feel older than Robert. My love for
him has been largely of the guardian
sort | have petted and admired him
as a mother might And he loves
me--"
"But not exactly as he should a
wife. He loves another woman
not handsomer or better woman. my
dear madam-bnt one younger and
better suited to be his wife. :"
The widow burst into tears-pre-
sumably, at least, as she buried her
eyes in her handkerchief, and her
bosom rose and fell tumultuousIy.
The widowers courage quite torsook
him at this to him unexpected crisis.
A pretty woman in tears is melting
object, and the effect upon the widow
er was all that Mrs. Morrow could
have desired. She sank down on the
sofa in her grief. very close to him.
He wanted to console her, and he
: took her hand. 1t WAS white. soft
and warm.
Please don't cry" he said; Il have
offended and grieved you. Pray for
give me"
There, don't pity me-" said the
widow in trembling but musical
voice 81 can bear it. ] have only
Roberts welfare and happiness at
heart-if he can be happy ought to
be contented."
Then you release him p
"Certainly."
And lose a tortune-you are a no.
BILE woman"
"W hat is money to me am
alone and unloved-I shall try to be
happy in the consciousness of having
sacrificed myself for your son."
"IIe will appreciate your sacrifice"
and Mr.. Anson wiped tear from each
of his eyes.
Here Mrs. Morrow wept atresh,
and her head sank back upon the
widower's shoulder His form shook
convulsively, and he put his arm
around her waist to support her.
"My dear madam" he said II can
not find it in my heart to take Robert
from you,'
"Robert," she sobbed, Il shall new
er see him again. | have nothing
left to desire except your respect and
esteem. Without those / should in.
deed be unhappy"
Mr. Anson drew her closer to him
so close that she lay trembling on
his breast, and he pressed n kiss on
her forehead.
"You have both and my deepest
admiration"
"Then am content. Let Robert
marry the girl of his choice. only
claim the privilege of retaining an in
terest in his welfare, and a corner in
; your esteam."