Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1877-04-20


"Bella," approaching her, "you know
what wanted to ask you"
IL suppose so, Frank" said Bella,
quietly, but looking rather pale. II
wish you wouldn't ask it, though"
30 Bella, II you knew how love
you'll" pleaded Frank. Cant you love
me little, dearf"
"Listen to me, Frank" said Bella,
forcing back the tears. It's impossible
for us to marry; 1t would make too many
people unhappy. Think Of your family,
What would they say" faint smile
crossing her face, "to your making a
poor shop.girl your wifeY And on my
side are dear Uncle Joe and his wife"
bella, you don't know my mother
and sisters. Worldly as they seem, they
have warm hearts, and they couldn't
help loving you and your dear little boy.
AS for Uncle Joe and his wife, they shall
suffer no loss. Our home shall be theirs,
my darling; we will care for them to-
gether."
Frank, Frank, that generous heart
Of yours is always getting the better of
your head. If my conscience would let
me bring such burden on you, do you
suppose Uncle Joe and Aunt Nancy
would be willing TO give up their little
home and live dependent on anotherY"
Then they needn't leave their home,
Bella" persisted Frank. 81 will find
some one to take your place in the store,
though that sha'n't hinder your
being with them as much as you please.
We will both help them in every way"
" Frank, l tell you it is impossible. If
we are to be friends you must never men
ton the subject again. And now," in a
softer tone, ~ really can't stay any
longer. Good night, Frank; shall al.
ways wish you we'll"
There was slight break in her voice,
and, turning, she went quickly out Of the
room. Frank looked after her mo-
ment, then, with white, set face, he
picked up his hat and walked off.
"Heartless little thingI" he muttered,
as he strobe fercely homeward through
the rain. "Ill never give her another
thought. All, WE'LL l can't help loving
her; she's the only woman in the world
to me. Poor Arno hadn't it in him to
love her as do. Oh, my darling, how
can you be so hard TO meY"
Could he but have seen Bella half an
hour later, as she sat crying in her own
little rooml
81 do love him-I dol" she sobbed out.
" The dear, generous-hearted, noble fell
lowl Oh, wish he hadn't gone away so
angry with mer
"There, darling, take this from man.
ma. So, now; she will sit by you and
hold your hand"
Nearly two weeks have passed since
Frank and Bella parted. She has not
seen him since. 1t cost her many tears
at first, but for the last three days she
can think of nothing but her boy.
Archie has diphtheria and is very sick,
the doctor says. He has gone away now
for while, and the child lies exhausted
on his pillow. How livid and sunken he
looks You would scarcely know the
blooming face that lay here few nights
ago.
Poor Uncle Joel He could not keep
still a moment, but hovered about the
mother and child in a nervous flutter of
fear.
Whose step is that at the door? The
old man looked up, and flash of joy
passed over his face. Going hastily to-
ward the new conner. he seized both his
hands.
"Thank God you've come, Frank
The child's been very sick, but think
he's little BETTER" following Frank to
Bella's side.
She looked up, with her white face
and the fearless anguish in her eyes.
% Frank" she said family, putting out
her hand.
Clasping it gently, he said, in tone of
mild reproach, Why didn't you send
me word, Bella?"
i" It's diphtheria; you mustn't stay"
whispered Bella, motioning him Off as he
bent over the crib.
But I'm going to stay, Bella" he re.
piled, with such mild decision that she
felt remonstrance was useless.
Wearily the time passed by. The doc
tor came and went, leaving little conso.
lation behind him. The old man, worn
out with grief and anxiety, slumbered
heavily in his chair.
Bella felt she could hardly have gone
through that night without Frank She
scarcely knew her ardent, impetuous
lover in him who sat by her side, so
strong, yet so gentle, quick to anticipate
her slightest wish, and ministering to
her and Archie with the tenderness of a
woman.
"Can't you close your eyes few mo-
ments?" he whispered once. 81 know
just what to do now and you look so ex-
hausted."
:" No, oh no." said Bella, resolutely;
and he urged her no farther.
Midnight was approaching and great
hush fell upon them both, for the doctor
had said there might be a change at that
hour. Bella sat, her eyes fixed on the
child, never stirring except to give him
his medicine or the stimulants the physi-
clan had ordered. Frank, motionless as
statue, watched the little face with
her.
At last Bella raised her eyes inquiring-
ly to his. There was a CLEAN of hope in
her look and in the one that answered
her.
" His breath seems little easier" she
whispered. Frank nodded silently, and
there was another long pause.
A gentle moisture was breaking out
over the child's face and body; his
breathing seemed easier and his express
sion more natural. Frank and Bella
hung above him, scarcely daring to in.
dulge the sweet hope that had sprung up
in their hearts.
About three o'clock the doctor came
in. His tired, jaded face frightened the
moment he saw the child.
" Yes, he seems BETTER" said he; "but
we must not venture to hope yet. Now
let us look at his little throat again"
His throat looks BETTER" said he, as
he rose to go.
Bella followed him to the door, "The
symptoms are favorable, said he, in an
swer to her imploring glance. 81 will
call in again before noon"
Bella turned to go back to her scat.
As she did so she met Franks anxious
loving glance. 1t was almost more than
she could bear.
80 Frank" she said, eff God will
only let him live" and for the first time
the tears fell over her cheeks. Frank
mt his armo gently round har apd oh a