Wichita eagle., 1889-02-14

down the softly-carpeted stairs, cogitating:
a wonder what her sorrow may be-" she
murmured, running her hand thoughtfully
along the heavy walnut balustrade. " 1t
must be love trouble, for every time st.
Valentines Day comes aroundrshe grows
paler and keeps her room, wanting to be
alone"
And the observing Jane was correct in
her conclusion.
Truly the blaze was all the company Miss
Seymour cared for tonight Of all nights, for
out of the cleaning west seemed to come a
tenderly uttered " Goodbye, Hepsie; can
never forget"
And tonight, as the dusk of Valentine
Eve deepened around her, Hepsie Seymour
sobbed up against the wiudow-pane: II
think he still remembers. | have remem-
bered until my heart is cankered through
with the bitterness all its own"
The stars were coming out now, one by
one, and great shadows trailed through the
shrubbery and crept around "The Oaks
A panied face seemed to rise out of the
night and search her soul with it's dark, yet
kindly eyes, as once, on a Valentine Eve,
six wears ago. She turned to the hearth
with sigh once more. "How l sufferr'
she moaned, rocking to and fro, with the
blaze for company.
So the time which brings loving avow-
ais and sweet remembrances for the world
of happy-hearted youth, and warmer pulsa-
lions to the hearts of the elderly lovers,
only brought an agony of regret to the
heiress of Oak Hill
This was why, then, that in her elegantly
appointed rooms, with arms folded over her
bosom, she rocked YEARLY to and fro, re-
counting the brilliant and saddest of life's
memories.
Up from the valley came a chime Of sill
very, musical notes. She paused. "Wed-
ding bells" she murmured, impatiently, go
ing back to the window and throwing open
the sash to listen.
'Six years ago tonight" she continued,
81 sent my hearts truest and best away be-
cause he was poorl o, that could recall
the past and welcome Horace back once
more; but can not; woe is mer'
The bells ceased ringing: but Hepsie,
needless of the cold, wintry air, stood
silently clasping her hands, and gazing far
down the shadowy vale of st. Catherine
and time together.
YES" she said, presently, Il have writ
ten, and, though he may spurn my confess
sion, coming so late as it does, l am glad
sent the letter He has made no sign; per-
haps even ROW he hates me for the wretched
past.
mo matter. have borne great deal;
can bear more.
Il can bear TO be ignored by the man
whose love means life to me, because de-
serve il, but God pity mef'
She closed the sash and went back to the
fire, kindled " for company" and sat down.
The glow of the CHEEKY flame hickered over
the soft. satin gown and touched the tear
stained face dreamily.
40, that he still loved Ile'' She clasped
her hands passionately and continued: "An
the wealth Of the Oaks might go at one
sweep of fortunes wave did the returning
tide but bear Horace Winters love to me.
But, alas l eau not undo.
"God only knew; and with Him all
things were possible II might Re yet-and
tonight was the auniversary-what is il,
John?" r-.,r.-.
The polite servant stood al the open door
with cap in hand.
There's an old man at the gate as wants
q cold bite, ma'aIn, and cravin' shelter
from the bitter night"
AN old manl Well, bring him into the
sitting room below and Will see about it,
Hepsie sighed again, this time almost con-
tentedIy-if she could not comfort herself
she would comfort anOlner-duO, 1CAOWlnC
John downstairs. she waited. A tramp,
possibly she said, YEARLY; "but tramps
have souls"
An old, gray-haired man followed John
into the pleasant comfort of CHEEKY warmth.
You are hunCryi'' Miss Seymour said
the words with a mist Of sympathy in her
dark eyes. Before her sat Answering man,
with the snow-Aal1es sprinkhng his whit
ened locks and poor attire. Despite his
rough exterior, she felt instinctIvely that
he was man of culture and HAD seen bet
ter times.
Yes, ma'aTl. and very cold The world
hasn't great deal it can spare TO the I'M
fortunate" Ee put his hand to his head
and looked thoughtfuIly into the CRATE.
depSle ordered something to eat and made
no reply Somehow the words opened
wound she had fondly hoped was healed.
drawing aside the heavy crimson curtain
she looked out once more into the night.
And tomorrow is Valentine Daylr She
said this Inroluntarily in an undertone n
herself; but the old man by The hearth was
listening. He covered his face with his