Western sentinel. [volume] (Winston [i.e. Winston-Salem], N.C.) 1856-1886, 1881-10-13

der glances he simply wanted
her: would she be his wife 2
Her lips moved to tell him she
did not love him, but, as sl,e let
fall her eyes from the crimson
hearted rose that swung from fhe
vine over the window, she caught
sight of those few lines again.
Married = she said to herself
what can l dc He doesn't ask
me to love him. If I marry him ]
can be true wife to him, and no
body will know that Paul has Hlt-
edzme.'
The decision was made. Her
cheeks were aehy pale as she look
ed up into his eyes and ans Hered
quietly Yes, l will be your wife.
Her parents were pleased that
she was chosen by sowell-to do a
young man SO it was settled, and
they were married the same sum
ner. People thought that she so
bered down wonderfully; more
than thai nothing was said that
would lead any one to suppose that
any change had taken place.
Yes, she had so5ered down. She
dared not think of Paul. There
was no hope ahead. Life was a
time to be filed with something so
that she might not think Of herself.
John was always kind, but she go
SO wearied of his talk of stock and
crops, and said to herself, 4 must
work harder, plan and fuss and
hustle about as other women do, SO
that l may forget and grow like
john
Two years went by. A baby
slept in the cradle, and Martha
nobody called her Matte but Paul
sat rocking with her foot as she
knittedsa blue woolen stocking for
the baby's father. There was a
knock at the half-open door.
will you be kind enough to di-
rect me the nearest way to the vii
fage 2 said voice, and stranger
stepped in.
She rose to give him the re-
quired direction when he came
quickly forward.
paul =
Matte =
His face lighted mp and he reach
ed out his arms. With surprised,
painful look she drew back.
Mr.. Gardner, this is most un-
expected meeting
MIR. Gardner he reported ;
Matte, what do yor, mean 2
'Don't call me Matte, if you
please she replied, with dignity.
MY name IS Phillips
'Phlllips ? he echoed. 'Are you
married 2
'These are strange words from
you. Paul Gardner did you think
| was waiting all this time for an
other woman's husband that !
was keeping my faith with ono who
played false SO soon 2
play ed you false l am come
as | promised you. The two years
are but just passed, and L am here
to claim You. Why do you greet
me thus !! Are you, indeed, mar
ried, Matte Gray2'
She was trembling like an aspen
leaf. For an answer she pointed
to the cradle. He came and stood
before her with white face and
folded arms.
Tell me why you did this
Didn't you love me we'll enough to
wait for me 2
She went ard unlocked drawer
and took ont a newspaper. I'm
folding it and finding the place
she pointed to it with her finger
and he read the marriage notice.
'What of this 2 he asked, as he
met her reproachful look. ooh.
Matte you tloughd it meant me
1t is my cousin. am not married
uOI LII iCNC Will duJ OIC OuC Ous
sAre you telling the truth z she
asked, in an eager, husky whisper
And then, as he replied, 1T il
true,' she gave a low groan ane
sank down into a chair.
'Oh, Paul, forgive me [ didn'
know you had cousin by the same
name. | ought not to have doubt
ed You, but twas there in blacl
and white-and-this man, m.
husband, came, and | married
him =
! With bitter tears she told hin
how all happened. With clenche.
hand he walked to and fro, ther
stopped beside the cradle and ben
over the sleeping child.
Then he tirned5 and, kneelins
before her, said in low voice
Il forgive you, Matte; f; be a
happy as you can.' He took bot
her hands in bis and looked steadi
ly, lovingly into her face. His lip
twitched convulsivsly. 4 have n