The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1883-01-12
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VIOLA----:,
Thrice Lost IN a Struggle for a Name
BY MRS. II. d. EDISON.


CHAPTER XVII.-CoSTISUED.
"Well. now. l am coming to the
strangest part of it. Somethin' like a
month or six weeks ago man came
here to see if could tell him anything
about this Genevieve Mallard. and her
child, and il l was positive that it was
she who sailed with me in the Inflated
lie Brun. And who do you think it
WASP" he cried, excitedly.
M sure L could not TELL" Ralph
began.
"Of course. you couldn't-well, it
was Harry Mont ord. sir, that's who it
was! and he said Genevieve Mallard
was his wife-his real. boRa-fde wife!
And-O, Lord, did you ever!-that
there'd been some terrible rascality,
and. well. can't tell the story now.
But If this is really her-his child
isn't it the very biggest miracle, sir,
that you ever heard of, sir?" And the
excitable Captain brought his fist
down on Ralph's shoulder with such
force that he could scarcely repress a
cry of pain.
1t Is her." Ralph answered. hasti-
~. hnO" uOu-h VA tICt W VIC CtI-
tain. But this Harry Montford has
been reported dead these twelve years.
and where has he beer all this time.
and
20, don't bother interrupted
Waite. There Ii be time enough to
find that out. Wen send for him, nv
boy, that what 1ce'U do, and won't it
be glorious surprise for 'em both pr
- that is if she lives" he added, sud-
denly SOLDERING; 1--WE must attend to
that F.;nt'
But where is he?-returned to En-
gland?"
Il don't know" he said. looking
blank.y at Ralph, "but," Frightening.
well telegraph everywhere, don't
YOU see? and then, of course. we'll Get
him
The next morning Ralph telegraphed
home that Viola was found. but that she
was dangerously i'll OF brain fever and
Captain Waite proceeded to inaugurate
his plan OF miscellaneous telegraphing
in search of Harry Montford.
Three days slipped away. and then
a change came over the delirious girl.
She ceased to rave and toss. and sank
into sort of stupor fr m which it was
feared she would never rouse. The
doctor staid till past midnight watching
for change, but there was none, and
he departed, leaving word to be called
Immediately if there was any. Minna
Waite would have shared the watch
with Ralph. but he babe her leave him,
IN firm, almost stern voice. He felt
as If he mast have her all TO himself the
few little hours she was 10 stav-he
could not bear that another should look
at or touch her-hiS Viola!
Viola had been living quite motion
less, only faint. light breathing giving
assurance of life. Suddenly her ewes
tiuttered open. and were lifted to
Ralph's face. / hey looked at him so long
and steadily. with such 4 strange. visit
full gaze, that passion overcame pru-
dence, and the doctors charge that
she must not be excited if she walked
rational" was utterly forgotten in the
great RI b of love and tenderness that
surged up in his soul. He put his arms
about her and drew her head to his
bosom.
MY love-my darlingr' he cried.
in low, impasSioned whisper.
Dear Ralphr' she said softly, lifting
one little futtering hand and dropping
it on his neck.
You know me, dear9'' he asked
eagerly. almost GREATNESS with his great
happiness
..know uoue o. Ralph
When Minna Waite came into the
room, just as The luminous east was
flushing with rosy gold the soft folds of
the SNOWY curtains at the windows, she
started back with surprise at sight of
her patient lying with her white face
on Ralph Anderson's arm. and her eyes.
tender, and clear. and worshipful, lifted
fondly TO his face.
Was there ever such a morning be-
fore, as was that, | wonder? Was ever
the sunshine so GLORIOUS or the
world so fair? Ralph Anderson was
very sure that Heaven never came half
80 near earth before, and nobody seemed
inclined to dispute him, least OF all the
happy little girl who held fast to his
hand as if it was, dear chiid.-as per
haps it was-the one spar on all the
broad ocean Of life that Kept her from
going Gown. that could bring her at
last to s happy haven. At last tie
proud, rebellious little heart mad Welded
to Loves strong dominion. and the
pretty. tremulous lips had said. very
humbly and brokenly:
al am not worthy TO be your wife.
dear Ralph, but If you ere willing to let
me bear your name. Twill never ask or
care for am other And, if God lets
me live 70 get well, l will try very hard
that You never shall be sorry. could
not have held out as long as did, only
L thought you loved her, and then l felt
wicked and did not care''
L viii lot attempt to give Ralph's
.protestations-sery probably hundreds
pf lovers have indulged in the Like:
only hope he viii never be false to
them as some have been, and don't
think he viii, or L should never have
taken him for my hero, you may be
sure.