The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1883-07-18
her and dream of her, but never again
&ro,61o how with bic nrpcpOpp

her and dream of her, but never again
trouble her with his presence.
He sat down and wrote a~letter, tell
ing her this simply, directly, and with
the great love he bore her breathing
through every word.
The servant had told him she would
not be in for some time, and he took
the note himself up to her room.
1t was a dainty place, bright as I'M
bounded wealth and an exquisite
taste could make it.
lie left the note on her tOllet-taDle'
lingering for a moment to touch ca
ressingly the costly articles that were
| scattered about, all breathing OF her
presence.
When he returned to the library the
early dusk was falling. y servant
came. bringing lights, but he dis
missed him impatientiy, and Il few
moments later heard the sound OF
wheels and the sweet voice of his wife
in the hall giving some directions.
At length the silence became un-
bcarable, and he seated himself at the
piano. In his old bachelor days music
had been his passion, but in these lat
ter years of fcverish struggle he had
found no time for it. But when his
fingers touched the keys all the de-
srair. the pain and longingin his heart
found voice in the rich chords that
filled the room.
He played on, and gradually the
burden was lifted. Music gave him
the comfort she ever gives to those
who truly love her. 1t was no longer
Il wall of despair, but Il pran OF
thanksgiving for victory gained.
So absorbed was he that he did not
hear Il soft footstrp enter the room,
\ hand was laid on his shoulder, ano
a tremulous voice said:
donald"
Ills hand came down with a sudden
discord on the keys. 1t was the llrst
time Jessie had ever called him 10y
that name.
lie turned and saw her standing
there in her dreSsing-gown OF soft
cashmere. The freight was sending
long rays down the stately gloom o
the library, and she looked very beautl
full against the rosy background.
You read my letter, Jcssie:'
"Yes: and | am sorry for your sake
Donald; you have worked so hard fol
your wealth." 49,.
ado not think of me, Jessie. 1t is
not for myself | care. l am not atralt
of poverty. But, oh, my child, II
could save you from its sting! IL II
were at the sacrifice OF my WI lie
as heaven is my witness, l would moi
spare it ,,.,,
She came close to him and laid hel
hands in his.
donald there is Il better thing yol
can give me than wealth can buy
Give me back the love | so madl!
threw away. Let me work with y"l
and help you, and l will bless the da!
that made us poor!
Jessie" he said, care you sure o.
this? DO not try to deceive me. DC
not say it if it is not true. could g
away nov and learn to bear 1t, but tt
open nv heart to this new hope ant
then find | was mistaken would Kill
me-"
"Doaald, do you think l am made O
stone-tnat | could know all YOU
kindness an | patience all these years
and not learn t. love you? On, 81
often | have longed t. kneel at your
feet and ask your forgiveness, but
believed I had forfeited your love b.
my folly"
"And you will not regret the loss o
wealth and luxury?' he said, lncredu
lousy, "and can be happy with onl!
my love?"
"You forget papa and 1 were poo
before I married you, Donald, and
was happier in those old days than
have yer been since l learned to hat
the things that cost me so much, an'
to envy the poorest woman happy II
her husbands love-"
lie turned the sweet, tear-wet 1ac
to the freight, and bent down an
looked into her eyes. -Andthen he tool
her close in his arms.
MY Darlington, my darllng. h
said, softly.
And in their hearts there was a glad
ness that all the treasures OF the worl'
cOlud not buy.