The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1886-12-18
HER SACRIFICE

Pretty little Grace Wentworth listened
eagerly for her husbands coming home.
She had been married but year, and
that evening was the anniversary Of her
wedding.
"He will bring me that exquisite dia-
mond ring, I'm sure. Linnette Osborn's
husband gave her an elegant pearl CROSS
on their anniversary. Harry knows I'm
just wild about that ring, and-ahl here
he comes now" she said.
A moment after quick, firm step came
through the hall, the door opened, and
Harry Wentworth came forward, kissed
the bright lips held up to him, and,
taking off the wrapping, held forward an
exquisite bouquet Of rare exotics.
"Here, darling" he said, i" wanted to
bring you something different to-day, but
I dared not do it. We must wait for bet
ter times. This day, the anniversary Of
the very happieet of my life, I thought to
have brought my little wife something OF
greater value to express my appreciation
and love. But these flowers must speak
for me-"
Grace took the flowers, pressing them
10 her lips to hide their quivering, but
che could not hide from the loving,
watchful eyes of her husband the look Of
disappointment all over her face.
"There, there! never mind, love. /
know you are disappointed; but cheer
mp, little wife. trust this sad state of
affairs will not last very long, and then
you shall have your diamond ring" Har-
~ said, gently caressing her.
At mention of the ring Grace could re-
strain her tears no longer. She sobbed
right out.
"Four days ago, Linnette Osborn's
husband gave her lovely pearl cross
and chain, and-and told her what
hoped for. She will think it 80 queer,
and will be so mortified. What can I
say? She will surely ask me. And Har-
ry, don't think Will Osborn is doing
any better business than YOU"
Harry Wentworth's fine face grew very
grave, and he said, in slightly reproach-
full tone:
al did not think my wife would grieve
10 about really unnecessary article.
believed you would understand that some
very good reason prevented my giving
you this pleasure. I, too, am disappoint-
cd, DEAR But don't measure or weigh
your husbands love by his gifts, Grace.
But 1 must not be severe. You are
scarce more than child-loving, petted,
spoiled child. But now listen, dear. 1
might have bought you the ring. 1 could
have paid for it or gone in debt"
"No, no; I would not have wished
that" Grace said, wiping her eyes and
trying to look satisfied.
"If ] had paid for it, dear, it might have
been at severe cost. But We will not say
any more about it. Kiss me, and then
we will have one of our duets, love. 1t
is SO long since we have had any music.
These times have almost driven all the
music from my nature"
"These timesI" Grace said to herself.
al am heartily tired Of hearing those
words. And it is too bad that should
have to suffer for other folks misfor-
tunes or misdeeds, / am not sure which"
All, little did Grace Wentworth know
the meaning of the words she used.
Graded in luxury, reared in a home of
affiuence, what could she understand of
suffering?
The week passed by, and Grace tried 10
Danish the disappointment from her mind.
She did not return Mrs. Osborn's call, as
she had promised.
"I could not endure the look of aston.
bhment she would fix on me when, in
answer to her inquiry, L should have to
answer, Only bouquet" Grace said.
The bouquet was still very beautiful
and fresh, although quite week old.
Indeed, it seemed possessed of a perpet-
nal bloom. Grace was changing the
water in the vase when Nora, the Irish
girl, came in.
What is it, Nora?" Grace inquired, as
the girl stood hesitating beside her.
"Could have an hour or SO this morn
ing, phase? Aud would you spare me
dollar? Sure and it's not for meselt I'd
be asking, but me brother. The childers
are sick, and it's not clint they have,
and it's half starving 1 found thin last
night" Nora said, the tears running down
her face.