The Benton record. [volume] (Benton, M.T. [Mont.]) 1875-1879, 1877-02-02
Selected Story.
AFTER YEARS.

1t don't seem much of a story to tell
though it was tough one to live. You
see, it was more than twenty years ago that
my twin brother and sold out our home
stead in New York, and went to California
to seek our fortune. All the rest of the
family were dead, and we Two were the
more attached to each other for that
Well, we tried mining, and we tried
everything we could think of, but nothing
seemed to prosper with us, we only grew
poorer and poorer.
Finally, we thought of the idea of separ-
oting, so as to work two fields at once, he,
fore the last of our capital was gone
There was great tall; just then Of some
new gold region; and we agreed that one
Of MS should 90 there and try bis luck,
while the other stayed in San Francisco,
and carry on little business we had start
ed there
Of course everything was in partner
ship; never thought Of an interest sepa-
rate from his, aud he, knew felt the
same
Well, the question arose, which Of us
should go? 1t wasn't very tempting, the
mining life, and neither ofus was anxious
for it, and 50 we drew lots to see who
should 60.
The lot fell to me.
There was another reason why I didn't
want to go, besides the uncomfortable life, |
but would not tell Bob; for | would not
drive him off to the mines, and | knew his
generous heart so we'll, that was sure he
would insist on going, if he were aware
of all.
But-wcll. The truth is, in word, was
in love, and couldn't bear to leave my
dainty Susy to fight the world alone--she /
was a music-tcacher; poor thing nor for
other fellows to fall in love with.
However, submitted, ofcourse, to the
lot, and made my preparations to go. It
Mas sad heart that bore around to Susy's
rooms that night, and / couldn't bear to
tell her; but, bless you she no sooner saw
my face than she knew something was COM
ing, and she braced herself up to meet it
before she asked mc a question, After we
had spoken of the weather and the book
had brought her The day before, at last she
said, quietly:
"WcH Ruiph, what is it? / know YOU .
have bad news for me- F..
Its bad for me; Susy, and I'm afraid it
will be bad for you; though you know
l couldn't go on, and she spoke again
brave as sh2 always was.
"Ralph, you know I'm used to missor !.
tunes Tell me at once. J
So | told her and she bore it nobly-as
knew she would--though | was the only :, :
friend she had in San Francisco, except
herpupilS.
But had thought of another plan to :
make my going little easier, That was
to make her my wife before left, so as to .
leave her in the care of Bob, and relieve
her from the hard life she was now liy- "
ing. g
After some persuasion she consented to = :,
it. cf
80 day Or two afterward we three II
had told Bob-went into a quiet church,
and Sosy Was given to me to cherish and Y
protect till death.
Brave little woman! How trustingly
soe gave me her heart, and how basely II
alIed her! How ready / was to believe :
but let me go back. | took her to our e
SoSe3 boarding place. which was indeed Y
nome to lis, installed her as its mistress,
MADE every provision that love could sug- II
ESS' E lor her comfort, enjoyed the bliss Of 4 =
=" hours honeymoon, and then i left
ineedn'tspeak of that tt was hard, / SCI
tell you. 50
All, we'll l am an old man nov-older
y sorrow than BY years but / shall nev-
= = ioFget the fresh, dainty look Of my dar- y
ing as left her On the steps that bitter
@ay,-a y, bride in TIE morning, widow at
~ rsa'' And l never did fergetit through as
j, l. 'ne black years, though it seemed as if 9 ]
as very memory Of It would drive me
col
f,i,ts aeli, ! vent e the mines, and | tried We
N. ,,4ally, eagerly, for ny heart vas long
.,o : set back to her But could not be-
~ Mails were not then established thf