St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1888-03-24

WHO WAS HoI 81 yOuuS 'sS AuSy oAolS "
but she was quite as charming, with
more richly-endowed nature. and
what fixel her hus bands regard, the
wisdom to foster instead of disco urage
the friendship of the two man. Atkin-
son became what he declared he had
always felt he had great fitness for,
a house friend, and was in and out
at all seasons. consulted by the wife
as much as the husband.
Time, which sewers every thing
most precious, snapped the bonds of
this friendship also. An accident re-
moved Robert Vale without a moment
granted in which to bid farewell to
wife and friend.
1t was to Atkinson that Mary Vale
turned in her sorrow, and her grief
was lightened of much of its heavi-
ness by his brotherly devotion. At
kinson assumed all her cares, and as
years went ON time softened the first
grief, and Atkinson accustomed him.
self to what at first seemed impossible.
He never forgot V ale, and loved the
memory of his friend as much as he
had his presence. and his name was as
frequently on his lips, and formed the
subject of many twilight hour talk
with Mary Vale.
Years came and went, and Akin
son passed his days in security.
Changes were in store, however, and
from clear sky thunderbolt fell.
One evening as he came in to pass
an hour with Mary, he thought her
pre-occupied. and felt, rather than
saw. a difference from yesterday.
She sat by the fire, playing with pea
cock fan; and only looking up to
greet him, resumed her contemplation
of the blazing coal.
Atkinson. as he stood leaning
against the mantle, thought he had
never seen her look so we'll. Always
handsome woman, increasing years
had but added to her charm. He
noted with admiration the quiet ele-
gance of her dress, the fitness of her
few orn aments.
Presently she looked up. do you
remember, Robert, it was thirteen
years ago to-day that Vale brought me
to this house? 1t was on such an
evening as this that we three gath
cred around the first fire lit in my new
home"
Il remember" said Robert, with
sigh; land how proud Vale was to in
stall its mistress, and what happy
evening we spent"
Yes said Mary; Il have been
thinking over all that is past We have
had many joys and sorrows here-and
shared them together Here my chill
dren were born. and died. That was
bitter blow, but Robert helped me
bear it,
Atkinson said nothing. respecting
her sorrow, and there was silence
again until Mary. rousing herself
from o reverie into which she had fall
en-. said:
You had known him long before i
did. He was always the same noble,
unselfish man knew him. was he not?
Oh, yes, I know what you will say
but love to hear you say it,
You and know what he was, Mary
the best, the dearest fellow that ever
lived''-and Atkinson went on to re-
capitulate incidents that showed Vale's
integrity, his generous spirit, and all
those endearing traits which both so
fondly boosted in him, ending with:
IF he could only have been spared to
us, Mary! There was not SO happy
house on earth as HIS
Yes. we were too happy, and it
adds to my sorrow now" said Mary.
mo one would have been SO panied
to see you in sorrow. as Robert" said
Atkinson. ''But surely something has
to sadden you, Mary" he
added, with hope that he might help
her.
She CLAN ced up at him; then resum-
ing her contemplation of the fire, said:
Il have been reviewing my past life
and my present-and-you and j, Rob-
ert, are singularly alone in the world.
/ have not near relative living, and
neither. think, have YOU"
No" said Atkinson, mot one,
now"
Had my children been spared me-"
pursued Mary Vale-'but l am very
lonely"
vale would be sorry for that. but
how can it be helped9" said Atkinson.
You know you may count on me-"
Eyes. know. No brother could be
kinder than you have always shown
yourself; but changes may occur Who
knows what may happen-and-Rob-
ert, need your help, your advice
now.
you shall have it, Mary" said At
kinson, wondering much TO what this |
was the prelude, but far from guess
ing.
Mary shifted her seat little. SO that |
her face was partly averted from At |
kinson's glance. and said: ''You know
Mr.. Cranston-Mr. Charles Cranston
well, I think?''
oh yes. certainly"
what is your opinion of himp''