Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1889-12-05
UNCLE AARON; /;
OR
A WIFE REDEEEZD.
a Pathetic Story OF q Woman's
Folly and a Mans Heroism.
BY MRS. ISOBEL II. FLOYD.
Copyright Issa1
CHAPTER VL-Coxr1NuED.

CHAPTER VL-CoSTIEUED.
Rose glanced up at him, shivered little
ana he went on nervously punching holes
in the soft green moss. "See that cali
down there trying to poke its nose through
into that other feldl He don't see why
that fence is there-he can't see why. But
he wants to get on the 'tother side OF it
the foolish critteri The field he's in now
has better fodder in tot, but he sees other
critters a feeding over there and thinks
they're havin' a better time than he Is.
Human critters are very like him." went
on Uncle Aaron, half smiling; "never salts
fied-never satisfied Now, child-tel me
the truth; are you satisfied with your life
nowl"
Rose flushed little but answered: "No,
/ have often been very lonely"
"My poor child" said Uncle Aaron, sym
pathetically, his big hand seeking hers, and
patting it gently. $50 on, tell me Of it."
'I-I don't know what to tell, - stammered
Rose. 81 am praised and flattered and ad-
nired, and at first it was delightful, but
suppose I've either got used to it or some
thing-but now it don't seem to please me
as 1t used TO do"
eyes" assented Uncle Aaron, Eye are too
good woman TO be happy away from yer
husband"
81 don't think that's it." said Rose, rails
ing her eyes at last and looking at him; 81
think the reason that 1 am not happy is be-
cause want something new"
"No," said Uncle Aaron, shaking his
head, ''you don't. It's dull thing to say,
child, but you want something old. Old as
those hills yonder, and as strongl Obi
that was scollard, and had the words in
my head for We. Ye want to give more of
yerself away and then yen feel rich.
Some things grow by beng used. Ye want
to use the heart that's in ye-"
''Stop!" cried Rose, strangely stirred.
''There's no heart in me. Pm not like you.
I've lived in the cities. Pm old and hard.
You judge me by yourself. You are wrong" "
rising quickly to herfeet and walking few
steps away.
''Child," said Uncle Aaron, following her,
and placing two hands upon her shoulders,
''give, and We will be blessedn
Her beautiful eyes flashed back sudden
comprehension of his thought, and she felt
for the moment inspired-willing
to do what he wished, but in another
moment the reaction came, and she whis-
pered family: 81 would-but have nothing
to give"
smile Of strong faith in her that she felt as
If an arm of strength had suddenly been
put about her That smile said more than
words could Of sure hope and loving conf
dence. "Ye will try?'' he said.
> "Yes,'' very slowly and very humbly,
''but 1 am afraid. And besides, am so
tired, so very tiredl want some one-some
one" bursting out suddenly into great
sobs, ''some one like you to comfort me-"
The light of love upon Uncle Aaron's face
deepened. "There, there, child rn never
leave We again; ye Enall have me to comfort
We. All me' signing with deep JOY, show
happy BET"
Rose raised her head up from the grass,
whereon she had thrown herself in her
abandonment, and looked at him. "HappyG"
she cried
eyes," he answered, smiling down at
her, "for know that ye and my boy will
be happy once more"
"But perhaps" began Rose, with trem-
bling lips.
"Come," said Uncle Aaron, picking up
his hat and holding out his hand. "Comer'
They walked along hand in hand for some
distance, and through Roses mind the
words, "Our Father which art in Heaven.
Our Father which art in Heaven" kept re-
peating themselves over continually. For
few dazed moments she felt as if it was
He who had her by the hand. Then glanc-
ing up and seeing Uncle Aaron's great, but
very human form, trembling realization
of what she had agreed to do came over her.
"I'm afraid" she whispered.
Uncle Aaron grasped her hand still
tighter and answered: "Ye need not be,
child. Jacob has loved We all this time"
Very humbly the beautiful head dropped
again and penitence that was complete
filed her soul
They finally came into the town, and Rose
said, gently; "Win you come to the
Mansion House and wait for mel''
''No," said Uncle Aaron; II have to do
something for Matthew, ye know. Pn
tend to that first, and send him word that
! am going to New York to see Jacob.
He'd be g wonderin,' ys see, II didn't
come back"
This small but practical detail again
made Rose realize what q change was COM
ing to her life, and she trembled again. 81
FORGET every thing but my own miserable
SELF" she said, humbly. al viii see my man.
ager and resign my position, get my things
together, and whenever you are ready come
to the hotel and you will find me-"
"Very well" said Uncle Aaron 'T will
come by noon for ye, child"
He went his way and she went hers.
About twelve o'clock he called for her, and
they took the small boat across the river
to Rhinebeck, where the steamer awaited
them. Here Uncle Aaron sent a telegram
to Jacob: "Rose and are coming to you;
meet Us in the city"
CHAPTER VII.