Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1874-10-23

herself. John was always Klno, puo eip
got so wearied of his talk OF STOCK an(
crops, and said to herself, Il must Wori
harder, plan and fuss and hustle about al
other women do, that [ may forget ant
grow to like john"
Two years went swiftly by. A baby SLEPT
in the cradle and Martha-nobodY called
her Matte but Paul-sat rocking with hel
foot as size knitted blue wooden stocking
for her baby's father There was knock
at the half-opened door.
II have got on the wrong road will you
be kind enough to direct me to the nearest
way to the village % said a voice, and
stranger stepped in. She rose to give the
required direction, but stopped short,
while he came quickly forward.
| PAUL"
"Mattie ~
| His face Eghtened up and he reached
out his arms to draw her to him. With a
surprised, panied look she drew back.
"Mr. Gardner, this is a most unexpected
meeting.;'
'sMr. Gardner ~ he repeated, Matte,
what do you mean ~
Don't call me Matte, if you please, !"
she replied with dignity. "My name IS
Phillips
phillips p he echoed. care you mar
ried P"
s'These are strange words from you.
Paul Gardner Did you think [ was wait
ing all this time for another woman's hus-
band ? That | was keeping my faith with
one who played me false SO soon ~
Played you falsel have not. have
come as promised you. The two Years
are but passed, and [ am here to claim you.
Why do you greet me thus ? Are you in
deed married, Matte Gray ~
She was trembling like IN aspen leaf.
For an answer she pointed to the cradle
He came and stood before her, with white
face and folded arms.
''Tel me why you did this? Didn't you
love me well enough to wait for me ~
She went and unlocked a drawer and
took out q newspaper, unfolded it and
finding the place she pointed to it with
her finger, and he read the marriage notice.
what of this 2" he asked, as he met her
questioning, reproachful look. 'Oh, Mat
tie, you thought it meant me. 1t is my
cousin [ am not married, nor in love
with anyone but you"
Are you telling me the truth ~ she
asked, i'll an eager, husky voice.
And when he answered, sit is true" she
gave low groan and sank down into
chair.
ooh, Paul, forgive me! | did not know
you had a cousin by the same name. /
ought not to have doubted you, but it was
there, in black and white, and this man,
my husband, came, and [ married him.
With bitter tears she told how it hap
pened. With clenched hands he walked
to and fro, then stopped beside the cradle
and bent over the sleeping child. Lower
he bent till his lips touched it's wee fore
head, while he murmured to himself, "Mat-
ties baby"
Then he turned, and kneeling before her
in low voice: ~ forgive you, Matte, be
as happy as you cam" He took both her
hands in his, and looked steadily, lovingly
into her face. II have 10 right here-you
are another mans wife Good bye-God
bless you.'
He turned as he went out the door, and
saw hcr standing there in the middle OF
the room, with arms outstretcheG. He
went back, and putting his arms around
her, pressed one kiss on her cheek, then
left the house, never looking back.
She went down on her knees before the
sleeping baby, and prayed for strength to
bear her great trial. They never saw each
other again.
y =
Seventy years old Her stalwart sons
and bright-eyed daughters remembered
her as a loving, devoted mother; her gray
haired husband as most faithful wife.
seNever was a woman more patient and
kind, and as good a housewife as ever
was,' he said, as he brushed the back OF
his old brown hand across his eyes, while
looking down upon the peaceful face.
And not one of them ever knew OF the
weary heart and broken hopes that had
died in her breast, nor even dreamed of
the sad hopes she had borne through life.