The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-10-11

her postscript. 'NTary is sick, and besides being
driven l am anxious"
This letter was in my pocket on that day
when Angelina and | went together to the bazaar
for the benefit of the church of st. Matthew
After we had roamed about the bazaar and
bought all sorts of knicknacks l escorted An
geine to seat, and there sat down to wait while
one of the ladies' who, ION this occasion only,
was doing good onerous hard work, brought US
a tray of refreshments.
As we sat there slipping our coffee two women
sat down at the next table with their backs to
u.s.
Il am very tired are you not, Mrs Russell|
And the other answered.:
Eyes, am tired. don't think that it is worth
the while to come all the way from Vale OF
Cruix to Glasgow sight seeing"
This was the voice of Stevenson's nearest
neighbor, and l liked and respected her. yet did
not feel quite sure how Angelina would like an
introduction, and so refrained from looking
round and making myself known.
81 think we'd better have tea, said the voice;
its more refreshing than coffee. Oh, how is
Mary today Think of my never asking before. Il"
MARY is poorly" said Mrs. Russell. "Oh
Mrs. Cullen, what pity it is that flirting young
minister came down to the Vale of Cruix. l
don't know what Mrs Stevenson was about, to
counting Mary. She did, poor child. She just
loved him dearly. And the day before he went
away he told her he was engaged TO some girl In
Glasgow. I'm afraid it's broken her heart. She
IL.
said, L know 1 ought to be ashamed, but L can't
help it. He seemed to like me so. l hope l
shall die of this fever, for life is nothing to me.
Ashamed Why, it is he who ought to be
ashamed. OF all the things a minister to be a
cold, cruel hirt. And that is what Hugh Mac
taggert is"
l listened, but l could not move or speak. I
felt as though my heart also was breaking; and
oh, the time | suffered! The women drank
their tea and left, and then Angelina turned to
cold
Il see by your face that the little story is per-
tectly true, Mr.; Mactaggert," she said.
Angelina" faltered II have done nothing
that should give offense to you"
Nothing but love another woman" she
answered. Love her, and let her see it, mean
ing to marry me! Don't think I'm hurt; indeed
| am relieved l should have kept my word to
you but for this; but not so gladly as l once
man, but on the whole you don't suit
me. 1 met Mr. S. at Millport, and he does
Frankly, have been thinking what pityit was
that must decline his offer. AS for this-Mary
is 1T not!-wouldnt she make a very good minis
ters wifel"
1t came to my mind that she would-that she
was the only wife for me; that Angelina, SPLEEN
did as she was, would never have made me
happy
But only said, Miss Melville, if you desire
to have your freedom nave no choice"
Il desire it greatly" she answered.
TT is yours said, with bow
AIler JnaU Inlnk we were DoIn happier imam
we had been for days, and we shook hands when
we parted,
That night went up to the Vale of Cruix
and l told Mary that my marriage was broken
off, and that she was the only moman had
ever loved. She tried to summon up her pride
and refuse me, but failed in the attempt, and
let me take her to my heart. To-day l am pas
tor of the church at the Vale of Cruix. Mary is
my wife, and we are as plain and quiet pair as
you could fancy, l even help my wife pick cur
rants, and have taken turn at the garden
when help was scarce. But L do not envy Mr.
S: his wife nor pine for the luxurious POSSIBLE
ties that lost with Angelina. Mary and my
little home content me.
But one thing is my conscience / have
never been able to ask myself the question
odd flirt with Mary9' If not, what was it!