Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1878-07-04

greensward. The flames leapod and
rOared, aud the harmless silvcrv moon
light palcd before their lurid, wrathful
CLEAN.
How did come nere2" asked Louise,
in dazed bewil'lered manner
"Iou have been carried out Of this
burning building, unconscious" Said a
gentlemen standing near. "That person."
pointing t" Redmond; "saved you both.
He has not spOked since"
"Kedmond Clarkr' she said half.
dreamily. He was not here last n. hit
He went to Ashland to escape the food"
and again sank back unconscious.
The three we're carried to the same
house, and in a few days the girls recov-
cred their usual health Redmond's re.
covery was slower He had not robust
health, and the anxiety and extra excr-
ton OF that terrible night, coupled with
cold taken while living IN the damp
grass threw him. into fever, from
which he recovered slowly. The two girls
attended him with thankfulness for the
privilege to show their gratitude fol the
service he had rendered.
Blanche magnanimously rctrained
FROM reminding Louisa of the thoughts
to which she had givcd expression on
that memorable day. There was no need.
Louisa remembered with sharp regret for
the injustice. In Redmond's eve she
seemed to have developed into new
character; she WAS 50 gentle, 50 woman
ly The elixir Of life seemed to emanate
from her presence. The undercurrcnt of
her thought ran thus: "Can ever al .
mire enough his noble courage?'' she
wondered how he came there on that
night. He had not returned when she
retired at late hour, but the matter had
not been mentioned between them. In
his weak state the physician forbade the
least excitment.
/: One day she stood looking at him as
he seemed to slumber on low lounge. to
| which he had been removed from his bed.
~ never thought he would prove such a
hero" she said, half aloud" II
see now how utterly false are appear
apces.' She touched his forehead lightly
with her soft palm and then was turn-
ing to 90. but clasp Of his large white
hand detained her.
II have heard your Words" he said,
looking into her flushed face and unsteady
eyes calmly, steadily. "Will you sit a
moment beside me2'
She obcyed the request. The inherent
power of his nature was rising to the sur
face, and stronger individuality than
her own was making itself felt above
mere physical weakness.
will you say that you love me,
Louise2'
The question was low, steady and firm.
The answer came lower, and with q slight
culver in the tone-"I love you"
II am not exacting debt Of gratitude.
DO you love me Of your own sweet will?'
She looked at him. A new atmosphere
seemed to surround him. He was not to
her the Redmond Clarke of old. She
reached her other hand for him to clasp.
II don't love you through gratitude. If
YOU had saved the life of my greatest
enemy I should Lave admired and loved
you as well.'
She was noble in her surrender, as she
had been conscious in her doubts.
AT last, at last" he said, and with her
hands in his he glidcd into gentle
slumber.
Afterwards he told her of his dream
and midnight walk. She was puzzled.
"Ah, Redmond, we can truly say with
Hamlet, that
"'There are more things in heaven and earth,
Horatip,
Than are dreamt Of in your philosophy
swell, we had fire instead ola food"
said Blanche, who had been gladdened
by the turn of affairs. II suppose we
shall have to call that the ful6lment.
What did tine story mean, anyhow?'
''Half fiction, half truth, like hundreds
OF other things" said Redmond. III shall
never regret the weeks spent at Wood
ville-they brought me the happiness Of
my life"
And his eyes met those of Louisa in
tender, happy smile.