Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1878-11-27


efmy own innocence Of any intention Of
wronging her. My heart ached for both
for his generous devotion, his involun-
tarv falthlessness; and for her-oh, how
I pitied her-hls wife and mad!
But had my task now-to conquer
the miserable love in my own heart, tC
tear away, one by one, the sweet dreams
I had cherished of the time | woult
break down the barrier that separated
US, and win from Ralph the assusanc'
of his loye. l would not cross a grave tt
my own happiness, and what but deatf
could free him?
I would not love him. but oh, how m>
heart ached for his misery If only he
could be my brother, that | might as
sure him of my sympathy, comfort him.
give him some womanly care in his des'
olated home. l would wake sobbina
from dreams ofhis pain. l stole often
to the hedge in the garden and watched
how he grew paler and saddcr, and my
PRAYERS for him were more earnest than
they had ever been for myself.
1t was after the New Year festivities
and | had shaken hands with Ralph at
my reception. and smiled into his has-
gard face with what l felt was yer, :
wintry imitation of joyous greeting l
mad crept away to weep after all my
quests were gone, and Mrs. Latimer
had told melt was quite perfect, my
dear, but you look pale and tired You
had better sleep late tomorrow
And IL had tossed slccplessly till
dawn. A bright winter dawn, with
the sun beating on the hard, frozen
and not a breath of wind STIR
ring. Twas up carly and cut. The
room Seemeu W stillO iiO'
1 stole down stars, before even the
servants were out Of their rooms, and
wrapping myself in heavy cloak and
with heecy white scarf about my head
went to walk. Perhaps this feveris h
unrest would be qiieted IN the crisp
winter air.
struck into a grove Of trees that
stood on my own grounds. and was pa
cling slowly forward, when l heard a
stealthy step beside me, and turning
ouicxiy. saw A woman keeping near me-
watching me.
Ny very heart seemed to cease us
pulsat.ons. for she was richly dressed III
a loose. flowing garment OF silk Quilted
and warm, but bare-headed, and with
only thin slippers on her slender iee',
Her eyes, restless and wild, told oil
mental wanderi lc, and her hair heavily
streaked with gray, her wrinkIed eneeKs
and bent figure seemed to tell an elo'
ouent story Of premature age and suffer
inc. Every detail confirmed me- in my
recognition of Mrs. Dalton.
Hush y she said, coming close 10
ma IF YOU make a noise they Will
find me aud shut me up. And l can
not 90 to Ralph if am shut up Day
and night he calls me to come to him
and the doors are barred so that can
not co.
[ put my hand upon her arm, saying
gently:
But if you go home Ralph is there
No. he went away long ago-so verl
long. They told me he was dead, sh'
whispered. Did you hear he wa
dead 2
NO. he is not dead,' | answered.
why does he not come, then"
heard, still far of, stcpl knew
we'll. .
Perhaps he will come soon,' said
Shall we wait here for him?'
The step came nearer, then turne'
into another path.
Docs he know we are here p she ask
ed. with wlstful, pleading eyes.
Suppose you call, l an'wered'
In a moment she obeyed me.
Ralph, dear Ralph, l am here" sh'
cned.
Quickly the steps followed the voice
ana Ralph Dalton came towards us.
But the woman clung to me. sobbng
out.
ne will shut me up!
Then Ralph spoke, gently, tenderly
Mother, you will be i'll again! Come
home with me.
Mother! Ills mother! | could no
help il. My heart gave such gla'
bound, my lips would follow its dictates
oh, Ralph, is this your mother?
cried.
Yes. he answered, gravely, my wild
deyed mother, who searches iii vain 70
her husband, dead ten years ago.
He is not dead = Mrs. Dalton cried
How could he call me ifhe was dead
You told me he was not dead, she said
looking at me.
L thought she meant you, answer
ed to Ralph's questioning eyes, 'wheI
she said Ralph
Twas named for my father he an
swered.
Come, mother, come with me-
But she clung to me, and | whispered'
Lead the way; we will follow you,