New Ulm weekly review. [volume] (New Ulm, Minn.) 1878-1892, 1883-12-19

Then he told me the truth at last.
He loved Phoebe Carroll.
We sat there in silence after he had
told me all, trying to stitle q feeling
of jealousy. It never seemed possible
that he could fall in love.
''Havc you ever asked her Philip
ssMother!''
"Why not?''
''Ask her to devote her life to poor,
helpless wretch like me? would die
sooner!'
philip, do you think I have ever
felt what I do for you burden?'
He raised my hand to his lips.
s.Hush, mother; that is different.
There | have told you the truth-all
my folly and madness; All these
months 1 have been struggling to crush
it out-with what success? Mother, we
will 60 away. Help me, and I will not
yield again to the longing to be near
her. Let us go!'
Darling, do you think she guessesW
''She does not. In that, at least, I
have been strong"
The next day but one I went to
Phoebe Carroll.
''Phebe,'' l began, with futile en-
deavor to control my voice, Il am in
trouble
In an instant her arm was around
me, her soft cheek against mine.
"Can help your" she whispered.
''Tell me what I can do
1T is about my boy
els he ill?''
"No-yes. Phoebe, he has learnt to
| love some one; and he is blind!'
She turned very pale and her head
sank on my shoulder
"Poor fellow / am afraid she does
not care for him. But if she did, what
would his blindness matter? She would
| feel it the greatest pleasure to wait on
him, to make him forget his loss. If
she did, he would be ten times dearer
for his very helplessness.
''For time perhaps, Phoebe.
''For always. am certain of it.
''But do you think she does not care
for him?''
| II feel sure she does not.
"Quite sure, Phebe?'' and [ drew
back and looked scarchingly into her
eyes.
Her lip quivered, and rush Of color
flooded her face and neck.
''Do you not mean Alice Vores?'
''Phnbe, mean you. He loves you,
dear; he is wearing himself out with
fighting against it. He has told me
how it is, and have come to you. Can
you help me?''
| ''Howp'
She was trembling, and kept her
face away; but l knew the truth.
| 1 took her straight back with me,
and together we entered the room
where Philip was sitting.
''Whom have you there?" he asked,
for Phoebe was too much agitated to
speak.
Phoebe l said. "My boy, 1 have
told her.
''Mother?' he cried out, reproachful-
ly, starting to his feet, and then cover.
ed his face with his hands.
She ran to him and drew his hands
down, to hold them tightly in hers.
''Why did you not tell me, Philip:
have waited SO longr'
He tried to draw back, but she would
not let him. I crept away
A week after this Nelson Vores came
again.
"Where have you been all this time?''
Philip asked him, after the first greet.
ings were over. Il have missed YOU.
And what's up? Your voice is not like
itself.''
Il have been out of sorts, and il
seems too bad to you to bring the blues
here. But thought I would come
to-day to see if your patience and cheer.
! state of mind.'
"What is it Nelson? Money trou.
! bles?''
mo. I'll be frank with you, old
man. have been dreaming Of making
a home of my own, with the sweetest
woman the earth contains for its mis-.
tress. But it is only dream after all. -
He walked up and down the room
once or twice, and then resumed his
seat.
1T may prove reality yet" said
Philip.
''No. There is some ono else, she
says. There, don't say any more about
that. I am not the first who has been
roughly awakened. And you look so
contented, Phil, almost think it must
be a blessing to be blind"
1T seems strange" said my son,
thoughtfully. 'Here you, with all you
have to offer, are refused; while l with
nothing on earth to recommend me,
have won what never dared to hope
for. am going to be married.
.'You are? am very glad. Lucky
fellow!"
ITO Miss Carroll Philip added.
1T seems an awful sacrifice on her
part, but am human
Nelson Vores started as though he
had been struck, and his very lips turn
ed white. His eyes met hine, and he
saw that understood.
A minutes pause, and then he said,
quietly
Il congratulate you with all my
heart''
When he went away he beckoned to
me, and followed him into the hall.
'Never tell him." he said, in whis-
per- 1T would only sadden him.
Promise me?''
And promised.