Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1884-02-28
DEARER THAN LIFE.

was man of thirty, turned; old
enough to know my own mind, surely.
had always prided myself upon GER
tain steadiness of purpose and frmness of
resolution, which 1 called strength of
character"
I believe that / had no part nor share
in the proverbial fickleness of my sex,
and when my inclinations and judgment
approached each other in the selection of
my partner for life never doubted but
that my choice was fixed and settled once
for all.
She was gentle, loving creature; not
SO pretty as good, but endeared for her
many amiable qualities to all who knew
her. Not very young either. What does
a staid man of thirty want with Abolish,
rifing girla
Milly was twenty-five, probably, and
thought that the most satisfactory age
possible
l was foreman in large factory where
many girls and women are employed,
and Milly Gray was the ''matron" who
had charge of them.
She earned a good salary. was
prudent man, and am not sure but
what that consideration had full weight
with me. Not that 1 would have hesi-
tated about marrying Milly anyway, but
it is good. surely, for workingman to
have wife who can be practically a
helpmate to him.
People fancied she had little money
laid by, but l knew better. Not but
what she could have had, having
worked in the factory steadily these ten
years and earned good deal; but she
had told me of the use to which she had
put her earnings.
They had gone to educate her half
sister, May Ellis.
"Mother left her to my care" she
said, cat only six years old. am nine
years her senior, and / have been to her
second mother Her beautY-she is
lovely, George-has been my constant
pleasure and pride, and her education
has formed my one ambition and care
"UntiI | knew you, dear, > she nestled
shyly to my side as we walked along-sI
had never known love SO strong as my
love for May. I am sure that when you
see her you will acknowledge she is
something to be proud of"
I thought the little woman who had
so generously devoted her life to this
young girl was much more to be admired
and valued.
/ drew her little hand-somewha
Drowned and hardened by its years of
toil-more close within my arms, and
pressed it tenderly.
~ am proud of youn told her.
Mere beauty or education can never for
moment hold comparison with natural
goodness like yours. Iwould not change
my little, sober Milly for the brightest
beauty In the worldp
Heaven help usl meant it then,
every word. and supposed that | should
never changel
Her soft eyes frightened as l spoke.
I" am glad you love me so, she said.
q thank God for itl'
And you, Milly-you love me as
dearly G'
's AS dearly G''
Her tones thrilled with new intensity,
her quiet features glowed and flushed
into new and sudden loveliness.
~ love you dearer than my lifel
am not eloquent and educated, George
and think I feel too deeply to talk
about it. But though seem to you SHY
and quiet and dull under it all. all the
time my heart speaks, and it says, 81
love you dearer than my lifeF'
/ was delighted with her little limo
cent outburst. / supposed it fattered
my vanity, for l realized fully how much
it meant from one who was rather reti
cent and reserved; she had looked sc
pretty, too, when her cheeks flushed ani
her eyes sparkled Il liked to think thai
could call this glow of beauty int,
life.
:. She win look % always when shs 4