Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1888-05-31

ne drew the missiye forth, feeling guilty as
| thief, as he remembered how near his
wife had come to detecting him in his
treachery. But when he read her comments
at the bottom Of the page he was stunned.
But he must stop her going. Shame, contri-
tion- fear OF scandal all working upon him
al once, lent rather hang-dog appearance
| to him as he entered his own house. Every
thing was topsy-turvy for the first time
since he was married. He began to realize
too late at least one Of his wlfe's
virtues. Finding her gone, he took the
next train in pursuit and found her in her
| fathers parlor, and there made his confes-
sion and apology and promises to never do
so again-without avail, however. After
hearing him through and listening to his
petition that she return to him, she said
scornfully:
mot for worlds,''
''Not if you could offer ner a kingdom
should she return to you. you rascal"' ex-
claimed her father. '!Ain't you a pretty
specimen of mankind, leaving your wife at
home and galvanting round the country
making mashes on other women! lam able
and willing to support my daughter, and the
sooner you get out of my house the better.
And, mind you, don't show your face here
again. Vamoose,r'
Here he emphasized with7his cane in such
manner that his son-in-law thought best to
retire.
He waited a week. expecting their anger
to cool. then went back again. His father
in-law met him at the gate and threatened
10 have him arrested if he ever came on his
farm again. So he troubled them no more
Eight months later Lucy gave birth to
girl, and, with the inconsistency OF q
woman, named it Louise. Two years later,
she was notified of her husbands apphca-
ton for a divorce, and a little later she read
Of his marriage to Louise. eldest daughter
of Senator Seely" Her father was dead BY
this time so she decided to move West.
Not wishing ever to know or be known by
any former acquaintance, she changed her
own and children's name to Ashley, and
under this cognomen we find them, several
years later located on homestead in West
ern Nebraska as mentioned in the beginning
of our story.
The hired man and girl who worked for
Mrs. Ashley. and were brother and sister,
had been called away the morning OF the
10Th to the sick-bed of their mother; so only
herself and the children were at home.
Julian studied his lesson, and little Louise
practiced her music while the mother cro-
cheted.
The wind howled and the sleet came
against the windows with such force 1t
seemed it would break them. Suddenly, in
the midst of the roaring. there came sound
just outside the window like the neighing OF
horse. They listened, and in minute 1t
sounded again.
at must be one of the ponies loose. Some
thing must be wrong at the stables. Light
the lantern and Well go and see," said Mrs.
Ashley, putting on her wraps.
When they opened the door and looked
out, there stood buggy with two horses
attached, and in the buggy the figure OF
man.
''Hello,' called Julian.
No response.
It's somebody lost in the storm" said the
mother. perhaps he's frozen. It's good
thing left the curtain up; the ponies must
have seen the light and instinct led them to
it. Here, let's see if we can lift him."
They got the man into the house. and the
ponies stabbed as quickly as possible. Then,
finding that life was not extinct, they APP
piled all the remedies they had at hand to
restore him. BY and by he began to show
signs of animation, and after long time
opened his eyes. They wandered around in
a puzzled manner until they lightened upon
Mrs. Ashley's face. Then with glad cry.
the stranger leaned forward.
''Lucyw he cried. SIS it only horrible
dream!'
"a horribly real dream" she replied,
Jelly, recognizing in the man before her, for
the first time, her husband.
Don't be hard with me, Lucy; l remem-
Der now, l deserve every thing harsh, but if
you knew all, you would pity and forgive.
Believe me, Lucy, learned too late, what
jewel you were in comparison with any
other woman l ever saw"
How about Louise" questioned Mrs.
Ashley
Didn't you ever heart She led me mis-
cradle life, and we quarreled, and she used
to fiy at me like mad creature. She finally
ran away with a bank cashier. l wasn't
sorry that she went, either. l had been
drinking and my credit was gone, and l was
so down in the world that didn't care for
the disgrace I've hunted for you ever since
but had given up all hopes of finding you.
l think Providence must have directed me
here. Twas over by Culbertson looking at
a piece of land to-day, and tried to make it
back to McCook. but the blizzard overlook |
me, and the horses wouldn't face it, so we |
drifted here. My money, friends and repu-
tation are gone, and I'm going to take a claim |
and settle down and try again. You must |
help me to redeem myself, Lucy. I've been |
a terrible scoundrel, but I've paid dearly for |
all my misdeedS."
To repeat all that was said by this man |
and woman, who had once been husband |
and wife, would fill volume. The main |
subject dwelt upon by Ashley Winthrop |
was plea for forgiveness and remarriage. |
Had ne returned in the full tide of pros
perity, it is dsubtful whether any arguments
could have prevailed with Lucy; as it was,
however, pity for his misfortune and fallen
the knowledge that he needed her
10 help him in his new start, belief in the
sincerity of his repentance, and the thought
If her children having legal guardian in
,ase of her death, whereas, before they
would have been left to strangers, al
worked in his favor.
The notice of final proof to be made on
Mrs Ashleys homestead entry appeared in
he next issue of the McCcok Democrat, and
he reunited couple began the new year to-
,ether, at Akron, COlorado.-FroHG W. Cal