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

deeply hurt by the imputation. cast
reproachful glance at her, which she
answered by saying: Yes, l know,
Robert-but I must not allow myself
to be selfish and Feep you always by
my side. A time might come when
you would gladly be released, and
then you would find me hinderance to
your freedom and l should feel it. I
must spare you-spare both of us
the possible pain, by doing what is
best now"
"What do you wish me to say?
What advice must l give?" said At
kinson, in smothered voice.
You know what l want she an
swered, with suspicion of vexation
in her voice. You know this man
far better than l can. l felt that in
taking his name l could do so without
losing my dignity, and have brought
myself to think 1t may be best that |
should do SO. 1t remains for you to
advise ME, and will abide by it. p"
Atkinson made no reply, but sat
with his eyes fixed upon her face.
why don't you speak?' said Mary
at length. why don't you
He sprang to his feet, and turning
at the door said: Il must have time
l cam t-good- and was gone.
Once in the street, Atkinson hurried
along, he knew not whittier. revolving
in his mind the blow that had fallen
upon him. Was it possible, he asked
himself, that Mary should contemplate
such thingP 1t was inexcusable. Yes.
she was false to Wales memory. She
was ready to forget him. Then he
told himself that he was hard on Mary.
She was still young enough to enjoy
life, and to expect her to continue a
quiet, secluded existence, such as she
had since Robert Wales death.
was unreasonable-and why should
he grudge her happiness? He set
himself severely to the task of con-
sidering the merits of the aspirant to
her hand, and reluctantly told him.
self that he was worthy of her. He
could not dissuade her from the step,
and he sadly reminded himself what
the future would be. bereft of the COM
partnership of the one woman he
loved
In his agitation he said the words
aloud, and stopped and looked about
him as if they had been spoken by
another.
Yes, I love herr said, as a
new light burst upon him and every
other consideration vanished like
mist-'must I lose her? No. by
heavens! No other man shall have
her." and turning ON his heel he re-
traced his course, ran up the familiar
steps and without waiting flung open
the door and fastened into the room
where he had left Mary.
He SURPRISED her in tears. which she
hastily wiped away as she saw him.
and saia: Il did not expect you
again tonight, R bert ~
II could not wait until morning
Mary. r. he turned away and walked
the length of the room. Returning,
he said: Il can not consent to your
marrying Mr. Crans:on.
''Why?''. she faltered, us he not
not worthy, she was about to ask, but
the look of his face suspended the
words upon her lips.
YES he answered, supplying her
question-''more worthy perhaps than
the man you will marry"
AS Mary said nothing, he added: Il
beg your pardon. / have no right to
play the tyrant. Choose, Mary, whom
you will take. Cranston or me-and
choose mer' he added imperiously. ':for
/ love YOU"
II promised to abide by your advice
and / choose you," said Mary, Civ
ing him her hand. 'for / love you.''
AS Atkinson questioned her further
by look, unable to believe his own
happiness-"Did you not know it?-
What have said?' she cried, her face
covered with bushes. oh. do you
despise mep' she broke out as he
still remained silent. do l seem un-
womanly in your eyes?''
Il owe my happiness to you and ]
love YOU" he said fervently. But.
Mary. have we any right to our hap
pinessp You know best. Are we not
robbing him?''
IF Robert can see us and Judge us, !"
she answered. II do not fear his anger.
Is there any thing one friend would
grudge the other?' D. Whiting,
in Springfield Mass. Republican.
Kentucky's "GameY" Bishop.
A few years ago the Episcopal
diocese of Kentucky appeared to be