Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1889-10-24

ly sinking too, and then even that was
lost sight of in the horrors around
him.
For brief space there were confu
sion and awful uncertainty. terror
stricken men and women impeding
those who alone could save them-a
fearful scene; and, for Paul, CHASTITY
descent from the heaven in which he
had been living.
Ii was almost relief when the first
strain was over and all knew the worst,
for with that news the panic subsidized,
and in the presence of death came a
temporary hush.
Having found his way TO Helen. he
took her hand quietly and waited; with
her he would face death as coolly as
he would life.
Helen was the first TO break the
silence. Is there nothing can be done,
Paul?n
He shook his head. NO Not till
they begin to lower the boats. Then
you must be ready; they will put the
women in first
"And you, Paul, you will come. too?"
''Once you are safe, can save my.
easily"
But meant for all these others. +"
and she shivered little. while her
eyes filled with tears.
He followed her eyes and felt some
thing of her fear, though he tried not
to show it, 1--WE can only wait-and
hope.
They had not to wait long; before
many minutes there was quick muir
muir OF excitement, and change came
over that crowd. Those who had stood
ready to die would have met death
bravely, but with chance OF safety
before them a panic set in.
Before a boat was ready to be
lowered there was rush OF ten
for every vacant place; the hope OF
life, newly awakened. carried every
thing before il, and there was strug-
Cling OF men and women for foremost
places-a sickening. awful sight
the gathering darkness. and. in spite
OF all his efforts, Paul was unable 10
secure place in one for Helen.
II will not go, Paul" she said once
vehemently, ''let these others go 6rst, :"
but he dragged her forward fercely.
you must, Helen, for my sake.
Then, when the last boat rOwed out
into the night, he came out of the
crowd to stagger, almost carrying her
to the side. ''GOd help us now" he
said, with white lips. flor He alone
can"
She looked up at him with swim.
ming eyes. "a am glad did not go,
Paul. Think, il had gone, should
have taken some ones place some
one would have been left To save me.
don't. Helen" he said. agonizedly,
''you don't know what you are say ing.
Is this to be the end of all our wait
ingP"
What would you have done. Paul?
she said, unheedingly. IF had gone
In that boat?"
II should have tried to save myself,
for your sake-if it came to the worst.
to keep ahoat on the chance OF being
picked up"
Then that is what you will do now, "
she said with lightened face.
II don't think | undo stand you,
Helen.
Il mean you have duties mot here.
Your mother and sisters will
they say. what will they do? You
must think of them before you think
OF me-
He only kissed her upturned face.
Remember that saw all it meant
for you-that it was harder for you to
live than for me to die. Won't it be
enough for you that understand and
sympathize? How could | wrong your
mother and sisters so. and let you
throw away your life for mel who
am SO unworthy?n
Are you sure you quite realize,
Helen" he asked, slowly, what it is
you are asking me to do?"
And she answered him: "Yes.
That is enough then. If il should
come to that, will do it.
The last scene drew near, and each
knew it, though neither spoke. Once
he lifted her hand absently, and looked
at it as though something were want
ing.
You never wore ring for me,
Helen?n
She glanced down. mo; it didn't
need that.
Slowly he drew off an old-fashioned
signet ring that had belonged to his
father, aud placed it on her finger.
she watching dreamily the while, with
her head on his shoulder.
I'VE will have it now" he said;
that is our understanding, and then,
so near TO death, could find no words
to say. With all our capability of ex-
preston, it is sad at times how little
we can do. After all, our language,
perfect though it may be, is singularly
incomplete We feel its narrowness,
and know how impossible it is to ex-
press all that we could wish. There is
nothing we say but what may be mis-
construed or misinterpreted, and, were
1t not for that higher communion be-
for which lips are mute, perfect com
prehension would be rarely possible.
He stared at her in dazed way.
What is it you are asking me to do?"
IL want you to promise me that, be-
fore the last, when it may become inn
possible for us both TO be saved, you
will leave me and take care of your
SELF
81 can NOT promise that, he said.
NO to make me happy?"
1T is asking too much, Helen" and
he turned away from her pleading.
after all these years you are mine
now, even il only for an hour. and
dare not leave you"
And yet you must, you must !
want you to do what is right. don't
want you to choose the easy way be-
cause it is easiest. Doesn't its very
difficulty show you that the other is
right?"
You are asking too much, Helen.
Life would be unbearable afterward. =
But don't think Of that. she said,
only whether il is right now
II can't think OF any thing but you;
it's impossible, impossible."