Bozeman avant courier. [volume] (Bozeman, Mont.) 1872-1882, 1875-03-26
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nearest way to the villager" said voice
and stranger stepped in. She rose I
give him the required direction, but stop
ped short. while he came quickly forward
I ''Paulr'
''Ma.tie!"
His face lighted up ana be reached ou
his arms to draw her to him. With sur
prised but pained look she drew back.
''Mr. Gardner, this . most unexpected
meeting"
"Mr. Gsrdnssi" he sspsassd. ~Nattis
what DO yos ulsoses s2 ~. ~ -
"Dont call me Matte, II you please,
she replied with dignity. my name il
Philips"
''Phillipsr' he echoed. '.Are you mar
ned?"
"Those are strange words from you
Paul Gardner. Did you think I was wait
ing oil this time for another woman's hus
band-thst was keeping faith with one
who played me false 50 soon:"
'Played you false l have not. have
come as l promised you. The two years
have jnst passed, and l am here to claim
You. Why do you greet me thus! Are
you indeed married. Matte Grayv'
She was trembling like an aspen leaf
For . answer che pointed 10 the CRADLE
He came and stood before her with white
{ zee Add 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 newspaper. Unfolding it. and
finding the place. she pointed to ii with
her finger. and he read the marriage
notice.
''What of this?' he asked. Is be met her
Questioning, reproachtul look. "Oh, Mat
tie! you thought II meant me. 1t is my
cousin. am not married, or in love with
any one bnt you"
"Are you telling the TRUTH" she asked,
in an eager, husky voice.
And then As he replied. 1T is true," she
gave low groan and sank down into .
chair.
.'Oh. Paul! forgive me! didn't know
you had cousin by the same name.
ought n I 70 have doub ell you, but 'iwss
there in back and white and this man,
my husband. came, and married him.
With bitter tears she told how it hap
pened. With clenched hand he walked to
and fro. then stopped beside the cradle
and iHnt aver the sleeping child. Lower
he bent. till his lips touched its wee tore
head. while murnured to himself, Mat
tie s baby"
Then ho. turned, nsIyf kncrffng DeTuIe1
her. said in low voice, Il forgive you.
Matte; be as happy as you can" he
took both her hands in his. and locked
steadily. lovingly into hei face. HIS lips
twitched convulsively as be rose to his
feet. Il have no right here-you are an
other mans wife. Good by-God bless
you!"
He turned . he went out Of the door :,
and saw her standing there in the middle
IF the room, with arms outs:retched. He
went back, and putting his arms around
her, pressed one kiss on her cheek, then
left the house, never looking back
And she went down on her knees beside
her sleeping baby. and prayed for strength
70 bear her great trial They never saw
each other again.
Seventy years old! Her stalwart sons
and bright eyed daughters remember her
ss loving and devoted mother. her gray
haired husband as faithful wife.
Never va. woman more patient and
kind, and Is good ahousewife as ever waa. y
he said a. he brushed the back OF his old
brown hand across his eyes. while looking
iown or the peaceful face.
And not one Of them ever knew Of the
weary h'art and broken hope that had
lied In her breast, nor ever dreamed oD]
The sad load she had borne through life.