The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1879-11-07
HOW WE PARTED.

when all the world seemed naught
lacking the sight of one woman's smile,
aud the sound of one womans voice.
She loved me, too, and nothing seem
cd able to destroy our prospect of mu-
tual happiness, since none could say US
nay. And yet ] sit alone,a sad, broken
hearted man, while she love sleeps IN
her quiet grave, far, far away from me.
Lot mo recall the past once more,and
tell how il came about that | am alone
in the world.
| had just returned from my round
of professional visits, and was sitting in
my study one bright June morning,
when messenger sought mo in great
haste to say that had been sent for by
lady who thought her child was dy-
ing.
lost no time in hurrying to the adj
dress given me-R small house in one
of the qnietest Of our London suburbs,
the door of which was opened by a
young and very beautiful woman.
you are the DoctorP she said, in a
voices of wonderful sweetness.
bowed assent
"Then you will save my darling r
she went on. "You must-you mustr
answered nothing, but dwew near
er and looked down upon the uncon,
scious form of the little sufferer.
He WAS beautiful boy, scarce three
years of age, with the deepest blue eyes,
wide open and brilliant with fever,
which bad also left its crimson stain
upon each cheek, in startling contrast
to the marble whiteness Of the brow.
A few moments professional examin-
alton convinced me that the child was
beyond the reach of professional skill,
and, except to alleviate his suHerings,
my services could avail nothing; but
how to tell the motherl
"You can save him, Doctorl"
The question was an appeal. would
have given all possessed in that mo-
mcnt to have taken her hand in mine
and answered "Yea;" but | dared not
paltc, with the truth.
81 will do all that / can" answer
ed at is but little"
"He will die, you meant" she gasped
out
He shall at least die in peace" re,
piled.
"IIs shall not, must not die" she
walled. 80, Heaven, spare him to me
Spare me my boy!' she prayed again,
sinking ON her knees and claspiDg her
arms about the little form.
\ hour later We unloosened the
clinging touch from the then soulless
mould Of clay. and bore her senseleas Il
her bed. She knew nothing for days
not even when We laid the baby in bis
spotless coffin and bore him to the
graveyard.
When she first recovered conscious.
ness was beside her. She looked
down at her arms; they were empty
| She glanced about the room; il was ri
lent.
"Why did you save me-" she cried
Wien you could not save for me al
| that made life sweet"
But when she grew stronger and
cnlmer she thanked me for my care
thanked nse 10 humbly that l felt
wonlI far rather bear her reproacheS
| Iier child had been dead six months
when / began to understand my hearts
secret, and To learn why l still contin
ued my visits, no longer professionally
required.
| Ono evening as ! entered her rooms
] noticed slight shade of embarrass
inent in her manner.
Doctor" she said, you have neveI
sent me your BILL"
sit is very large" l answered, grave
| ly.
"That does not matter" she replied
81 may not have the entire sum neces
sary at my commando am net a ricl
woman-but in time promise to pay
it all"
81 must have immediate payment,
| answered. ~ cannot be satisfied bu
with the whole"
Her face paled.
''The amountP
But ! could no longer wear M
mask.
yourself my darlingl With this
and this only, will | be content. Yo,
told me the life / helped to restore wa
valueless to you. Let mo gladden. i
with little sweetness. This is the on
ly payment / will have. Tell me, dear
est, will you give it to meg'
"You have asked me nothing of m
life" she said.
81 wish to know nothing" / replied
81 love you; / need no more exceF
your love-"
GLOW good, how generous you are
she whispered.
And softly her little hand stole int
, mine, and | knew that | had game
my treasure. Her mother.heart Wa
; empty, robbed and despoiled. PerhaI
it was for this reason it turned to n
for the comfort which ! gladly gave.
At last our wedding day was fixe'
! when one evening, as / was preparir
to go to her, | heard hurried knoC
at my door, and, ere could reach it,
was thrown open, and Eleanor, viii
and breathless, entered my room.
"My DarlingT said, fastening
i. her side "What has brought y
herel"
y "T'o tell you" she replied, in cali
cold voice, "that I may never be 20
wife,"
"And why7'
:. Because he has come back He
herei He claims mel"
And with low cry she fell fainti
to the floor.
/ lifted her in my arms and laid /