Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1885-05-15

ing that /, her husband. would supply
1t When this was arranged, farewell
forever.
As soon as had finished my pre-
rense at breakfast, / walked across to
the house where Pauline lodged As
yet she knew nothing of my purpose.
held her hand rather longer than usual,
and by desperate effort forced words
to my lips.
Il am come to say goodbye. 1 go to
London to-day"
She answered not a word. but / felt
her hand tremble in my own, Hereyes
could not see.
Yes, 1 have loitered here long
enough, | continued, attempting to
speak easily; "a great many things call
me to town"
Pauline was not looking in the best of
health this morning Her check was
paler than it had been since my arrival
She looked languid and depressed.
Doubtless my presence had worried her.
Poor girl. she would soon be relieved of
that,
Seeing that 1 paused for her to speak
she found her voice. but even that
seemed to have lost some of its freshness
and tone
when do you go?'' was all that she
said. Not word about my return!
by the midday coach. have still
some hours left. As it is the last time,
shall we walk to the Clearing togeth-
err"
do you wish its''
''lf you have no objection. Besides,
lwant to speak to you about yourself
about business matters added, to
show that she need not fear the inter-
view
Il will come" she said, quitting the
room hurriedly.
l waited. Presently Priscilla APP
peared. She was looking daggers at
me-undeserved, at least from her
Her voice was harsh and raspy, bring
ing back to my mind familiar sound
of early childhood, when l had COM
mitted some petty crime which excited
her ire.
Miss Pauline begs you will walk on
and not wait for her. She will join you
at the Clearing presently"
took my hat and prepared to do as
commanded. Priscilla had said moth
ing which showed she knew of my APP
preaching departure, but as | was
passing out of the house she said, in a
tone of whitening scorn:
Master Gilbert, you're bigger fool
than thought you were"
Such an observation, even from an
old servant, could not be passed by. 1
turned to demonstrate. Priscilla sim
ply slammed the door almost against nay
| nose.
| walked away-the thing in the face
of my other troubles was not worth a
thought. Of course could not expect
Priscilla to enter into my feelings and
appreciate the delicacy of my position.
Besides, must see her and have long
talk with her before left.
The Clearing, as we called it, was a
place on the hillside, not far away. We
had stumbled upon it, almost by acct
dent, during our walks. A seldom
trodden path through the wood led to
spot from which the trees and under
growth had been cleared From it there
was delightful view of the opposite
hills and the stream winding through
| the valley. 1t was favorite resort of
mine. Here L sat for hours talking to
Pauline, and here in my dreams l had
poured forth the words of love | longed
to speak-and here l was to say good
bye forever.
My frame of mind was sad one
when reached the Clearing. 1 threw
myself down on the sloping ground and
turned my eyes up the path by which
she must come. A fallen trunk at my
back formed a rest for my head-the
trees around were rustling in the soft
] breeze-the monotonous rush of the
stream below was soothing and lulling
"a few white clouds sailed slowly
across the sky. 1t was drowsy,
dreamy, beautiful morning. l had
scarcely slept for the last two or three
nights. Pauline fingered. Is it any
wonder that my eyes closed and for
awhile all sorrow and disappointment
were chased away by the sleep so
sorely needed?
Was it sleep? Yes. because one must
sleep in order to dream. An! if that
dream were reality life would be worth
having. l dreamed that my wife was
beside me, that she took my hand and
pressed her lips to it passionately, that
her cheek was almost touching mine,
that could feel her soft, sweet breath.
So real did it seem that turned on my
hard rustic pillow toward the dream,
and then Of course it vanished.
/ opened my eyes. In front of me
stood Pauline. Those grand dark ewes
of hers no longer yelled by the lashes,
but open and looking into mine. l saw
them but for second, but that was
long enough for the look had sur
prised to send the blood throbbing
| fhyO1 rprt, 70
to my feet-to embolden me to take her
suddenly and swiftly in my arms-to
cover her sweet face with kisses, eiacu-
lating the only words that one can find
at such time: Il love you! love you!
| love your
For no man yet has seen in a
woman's eyes the look | saw in Paul
ines unless that woman loves him
above all the world.
g Pauline! Pauliner' / cried; do
you love me?h
A trembling which 1 knew was of
joy passed over her.
DO l love you! love you!n she
said, and hid her blushing face on my
shoulder The words, the action, was
enough, but presently she raised her
head and pressed her lips 70 mine.
Il love you-yes. I love you, my
husband!'
When did you know When did
you remember?
For moment she answered not. She
broke from my embrace; then, opening
the bosom of her dress, drew forth a
blue ribbon which hung round her
neck. Upon it were threaded the two
rings. They seemed to sparkle with
JOY in the bright sun.
She detached them and held them
toward me. Gilbert, my love, my
husband, if you will that 1 shall be
your wife, if you think me worthy of
it, take them and place them where
they should be-"
And then once more, with many a
kiss, many VOW, l placed the rings
upon her finger and knew that my
troubles were at an end.
:. But when did you know-when did
| the memory come hacE?'f