The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1884-07-29


brain; she had wished to die; would it
not he better for Harry and for herself,
yes, and for that other woman, II she
we're lying under those cold smiling wa.
ters In q dreamless sleep1 1t was only
a moment-ber soul was too white and
too brave for more; she recoiled with q
start OF horror; but, sh the bank was
worn and smooth; her little feet slipped
on the edge, she threw out her hands to
stop herself, but the frozen grass slid
through her fingers; there was one short.
sharp cry, and pale sweet face lay still
among the rushes in the silent moonlight.
1t Was dark aud warm and deliciously
restfut- when abe knew anything again.
She heard Harry's low voice before ever
she opened her eyes, and felt his clasp OF
her hand-Harry's hand.clasp, there Was
no other like it anywhere-and thought
1t must be heaven and was glad she bad
done with earth, since this vas 90 much
better. And so che slep, again.
| And when next she woke she knew
that the clouds she seemed to lie on
clouds soft and billowy, were her own
bed, nothing more ethereal, and she was
aware 1t must be, earth still, but felt 1t did
not matter since IL could be 80 like heav.
en-, for Harry's voice and Harry's hand
we're still there; and she slept sgain,
smiling gently.
But the next time she woke the hand
and voice we're missing and only Harry q
back Vas visible 10 the room beyond aa
she raised herself on her pillows. And
as she rose she caught sight Of herself
10 the long Psyche glass opposite, and
started ct the reflection, for all her taugle
Of brown hair was cut short, aud there
was NO pink-and-whi,s pret,iness now,
only great dark eyes and small white
face. And as she fell back on her pillow,
ha.f from surprise and half from weak i.
ness, for she was very feeble, the bells
burst out clear and sweet and mystical,
10 perfect carol Of exultant joy.
"Cbristmas belief is It. Christmas :"
she said. "Why, it was November when
died" .t~,.
And as Harry turned and hurried to
her side she smiled up at him and asked
again: -r'
"Cnristmas Is It really Christmas,
Harry :" but be only bent to catch her in
mis- arms. 20
She yielded to his kisses, then sudden.
ly she tried to push him from her. 'Har.
~, you must not-you must Eot!" she
said.
Eyes, must" he said: "my little
darling, my blessing, my life! The doc.
tor says may tell yon oil about 1t for
the worry will hurt you more than the
talking: and, oh /! how l have waited for
this moment to come! II has been one
long nightmare since the minute heard
you ecream and ran up jast in time to see
you sink"
"Then ii was you who found me Oh,
Harryw
"Yes; you must hear ii oil Icame to
your room five minutes after you must
have left 1t, and there was the timetable
open and your little note, bless il! and
so ] just set OF for the station as hard as
l could 60 ] had almost reached the
park gate when that cry came-off to the
right-snd turned just in time"
His voice was broke aud be bent his
head down to hers.
"Nesta, it WAS all lie-a vile, iufa.
nous lie, whoever told it. Gladys TIaf.
ford and l we're always dear old boy
aud-girl friends, nothing more ] knew
my cousin Wilfred loved her, and I al.
ways thought she had something to do
with his going 10 Australia, years ago
1t wss only that night she confessed to
me that they had been engaged all these
years, and Wilfred was trying to make
fortune for her sake. told her would
soon put ell that right; and then scold
ed her for never having told me before.
when / could have saved them both oil
these weary years-cf waiting. Nesta"
for her face was hidden aud she was
sobbine softly-"you will not doubt me
again ?"
''Never, never. never! not IL yoa told
me yourself. But, Harry" in q whisper
which scarcely reached his ear, "did you
reallv marry me out Of pity Pr
Eyes. my sweetheart-,he very Sin.
cerest pity for myself" -
AK Nests never asked any more ques.
-