Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1879-09-11

has passed the grave oran insane asylum
will receive her,"
The strong man shuddesed. M
| GAS heaven 10 my witness. SIR, have
only permitted, not exaeted. this sacri-
6ce. She voluntarily took her place BY
my side, and has uncomplainingly kept
step with me.'' - \
'No, she has not kept step. TO follow
your own figure. Unable 70 keep up
with your long. rapid strides, she has
fallen. faint and footsore, by the way.
ftell you. she must have rest for both
mind and body, or / will not answer for
the result. And II would be better
found away from home"
"Yes, begin 70 comprehend, and Il
can be fonnd away. 4 vii lake eBfes
doctor. That you Do not geEsa chance to
administer another such q dose to me-"
Mr.. Streeter went back to the room
where his wife was sitting propPed up
by pillows, aud a gush Of unutterable
tenderness sweIled in his heart as he
glanced at her pale face and almost
transparent hands. He sat down be-
side her, and said, softly:
"You don't kEow how glad I am that
you are better"
Thank you. Yes, am almost well
now-shall soon be able to be m the
kitchen. am sure must be sadly
needed there by this time"
| "No, you are not needed there. By
the way, would you like to have me
put the farm TO rent this summer, and
you take the boy and go back to the old
granite hllls:"
"Oh, could you. May go," and
the voice quiyered with excitement;
then wistfully: "But the expense,
Newton. II would put US back so
much"
Yes, there il is; the old doctor was
right" he thought. And then aloud.
do you know what went to the city
for the day you were i'll"
"Todeposit some money for more land,
think you said," she replied, weari-
".
Eyes, but don't need the land. !
have far more land than can cultivate
now. And you shall have that money
or at least all you want Of it-and go
home and stay all the summer, and try
to get some of your blood back. ] shall
write to-day that you are coming"
Mrs. Streeter could hardly believe it
was not one of her ieverish dreams.
But all came about in good time, and
she arrived safely at home, where she
was petted and cares.el TO her he arts
content.
"You are all trying to spoil me-"
she would expostulate, "I shall never
be Fl, for farmers wife any more"
And thus among loving friends, rid
ing walking. and when home, reading,
music and writing long letters to her
husband, the summer wore swiftly
| away.
And now he had written that he was
coming, and she was counting The days
that must elapse ere she could look upon
his face and be clasped TO his heart
She was eager 10 60 now. Her holiday
was over. Health had returned, and
not an instant did she shrink from the
old life.
And when the husband came and
saw the wonder one summer had
wrought, he again confessed that the
good doctor was right.
A few days were given to old friends,
and then they turned their faces toward
their Western home.
II was evening when they arrived,
and the wife looked with bewiiderment
on the change. A handsome front had
been added 10 the old dwelling; and be-
fore she had time 10 question she was
ushered into parlor newly furnished
and already lighted. An elegant pi-
ano stood in recess evidently con-
structed for its reception.
She turned TO her husband 20 assure
herself that he too bad not changed into
something or somebody else. But the
merry twinkle in his eye told her he
was enjoying her surprise, and slowly
she began to realize the whole situa-
ton. Yes, now she understood his
strange reluctance to mention what he
was doing. and his willingness TO have
her remain, even after she had expressed
her anxiety TO return.
"Come, / have more 10 show you"
and he showed her into large commo-
dious room furnished for her own sleep
ing apartment, even to her baby's
crib.
This is for you. And now lay aside
your dusty garments and prepare for
tea u must have been ready an hour
ago. will 90 and see."
When he returned he found his little
wife sitting m her rocker, and weeping
silently.
"Have I wounded where I wished to
heal:" he asked reprUachfully.
Forgive me" she SAID, smiling; 81
am a goose, but q tiFed-winged one,
you know. And am 50 happy to be
at home in such home, that | have
no words in which to tell my happi-
ness.'A
He stopped 10 kiss the offered lips
what different life it was-busy, not
burdened. Time for the wants OF the
mind as well as the body. Good help
in the kitchen all the time, and choice
reading for any leisure hour.
The farm was an Hnlailsng source OF
incomes full defraying expenses, with
balance in favor.
"Reen improving. see," said Doc
Tor Meeker, as he reined in his light
carriage to the neat fence.
"Yes, doctor. Come IN; want TO
show You ell the improvements. Here,
Mary, the doctor wants 10 see you"
And as she came to greet him, rosy
with health and happiness, he nodded
his head al her husband.