The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1888-05-19

worn from constant travelling but hand
somer and stronger than ever.
| In front of him upon the handsome
ly engraved writing desk q number Of
letters lay unopened. He was glancins
over them carelessly and with little in
terest
But he opened one and read soane
thing which made him start It was
from his cousin who had been very
negligent in her correspondence with
him while he was across the waters.
"Of course you remember Mamie
O'Nel," she ran on in the breezy
fashion that most girls have. 'she was
considered the handsomest girl in our
set year ago. and now she is a perfect
wreck. She has been growing more
and more frail all the time, and no one
seems TO know what is the matter with
her. Her parents have tried the best
physicians but to no purpose. Her
health does not improve in the least
Poor girl. she is seldom seen at par
ties any more and when she does appear
she seems only ghost of her beauti-
full SELF"
Will Harding dropped the letter and
leaned his head back against the chair.
He seemed lost in deep thought for a
moment.
How well he remembered Mamie as
she looked the last time he saw her. SO
beautiful, with the blonde hair thrown
back carelessly from her white brow
and the rosebuds at her throat. What
picture she had made in the quaint
gown with the laces and the ribbons all
about her. 1t was picture he had
carried with him through all his trav-
els, upon the rivers. among the noun
tains. in matchless moonlight nights
upon Italian seas-everywhere--in rain.
shine. in daylight and in darkness.
And no beauty among women however
rad iant. had ever, for one moment ef-
faced that sweet picture.
In all those months he had suffered,
suffered as only strong men can who
set their hearts upon idols He had
complained not But now when he
thought that she had suffered, the
wrung his heart. So is it
ever with unselfish love.
He proceeded listles sly to finish his
mail.
why what is this?" HIS fingers
as he broke the seal of the
last one. Surely that writing looks
fam liar"
He opened it eagerly--and saw-a
bunch of pansies.
Could it be trueP He rubbed his
eyes to assure himself he had not fallen
into day-dream.
But no, he was not, there they lay.
beautiful and perfect, pressed against
the shaded card.
At the sight of these flowers the heart
leaped within him. Was it not the
token of love and forgiveness. The sign
that was between them.
1t was not many hours before he was
ascend .ng the steps of the o Neil resi-
1ence.
He was shown into the drawing
room.
Somebody in pure white was reclin-
ing upon the sofa. She rose as he en-
sered. but catching sight of his face
Tell back with an exclamation of sur
prise.
Before she could speak. however. his
arms were around her.
don't faint" he said. smiling into
the VIII te face. care you not glad to
zee mep"
Eyes. the trembling lips faltered
-''but l did not know you were in
town."
"But you sent the flowers
Eyes, to be forwarded to you across
he sea-
"But is this not better to see me in
person, to know from my own lips how
[ have longed for one sight of your
ovely face"
81, too, have suffered" she said
simply.
"Can doubt itp'' He replied look
ng tenderly into the sweet face SO worn
With its silent sorrow.
'.And you know all now and believe
nep' he asked.
Yes l know that you were honor
lble-that you were not engaged to Eva
Noble, when you asked me to become
vour wife. But oh, was so blind and
proud in my folly that night I would
rave believed anything but your truth
md honor. 1t was not until months
that learned the truth from
Eva Mobiles own lips, that 1 believed
,our story. Can you evey, ever for
Rye meP"
You were forgiven long ago." he
aid kissing away the tears from her
yes.
From that day." she continued. 81
vas wretched, growing day and night.
remembered my promise given to yoL
hat if found out your words were
rue would send back tho valentine
ou gave me-but. oh, 1 was too proud
o do that. 1t seemed to me I could
Iot and. besides. how did know but
THAT you had met some one else whom
on loved better than mep'
"Oh. no. no! that could never be-"
Ie kissed the white hands he held in
is own with passionate protestation.
But what finally induced you to
end me the tokenP" he asked pres
ntly.
The fact that your cousin told me
GU were coming home shortly aud
lone. / knew then you had not
hanged and l sent the card hoping il
Gould reach you before you sailed from
England. But 1 suppose now that it
vas detained here.
Eyes, as I came home two weeks
arlier than expected. But whether
got it here or there makes little differ
nee. 1t is JOY TO me to know that ]