The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1890-02-21

of what he felt. 'sDid you go to Goupil's to-
day?" he said.
"Whats Goupils2" said Rose. s'Oh, yes,
did; but that Painting by Kratzer was
gone.'
Then with the fatal blindness of we poor
mortals when we should see, she saw moth
ing, but relapsed into vague and dreamy
reverie of life and love. And life and love
were right there within her grasp, and she
knew it not.
Jacob sat, and looked and looked. Grow
ing restless at last, he arose and walked up
and down. Rose was accustomed to this.
and did not move. Then Jacob stopped his
tramp, and resting his elbow on the mantel
piece, stood-a man of whom any woman
might be proud.
"Rose," he said.
"Yes, Jacob" she answered, with the
Wlstful look that was now her habitual ex-
preston. Eyes, what is ita"
II have been thinking that it would be a
good thing if you and Alice went to Europe
this spring, and spent year abroad She
has never been across the water, and it
would perfect her in her French and help
her in many ways"
Roses heart sunk with heaviness. She
felt lonely sense of desertion, that madt
her think daily: 81 wonder il Jacob fell
like this when left him long ago2 If so,
do not wonder that he can't forgive me-"
1t was some seconds before she could re-
ply, then she SAID, gently: eli you wish IT,
Jacou-if you think it best"
YES" answered Jacob, misled by her
quietIess into thinking that she did not
mid leaving him. "Yes, l think it woul,
be good thing for both of you. 1t would
widen Ailce's horizon in many ways by let
ting her see more of the world, and it would
be change and relief to you to get away
from here and all past associations"
"lt might be of good to Ahce-yes," said
Rose slowly.
"And not to you?''
MY only good is to be near you,n an
swerec Rose, softly.
What is that" answered Jacob, quick
ly. Don't make polite speeches to me
just to please me, Rose"
Il am only speadlng the truth, Jacob
you know that'-gently still.
"Rose! DO you mean to say that YOU
don't want to leave mea That you preferto
remain here where anna"
''Yes, Jacob"
II he had not looked at her Just then and
seen the hopeless droop of her head, per-
haps what happened would have never come
to pass. But he did see it, and, kneeling
down in front of her chair, he put his two
hands on hers, and said, passionately:
'kose, look at mel Here am at your feet
again, asking you if you
"Oh, my husoandr" cried Rose, while
a sweeping wave of color made her face
ag,ow with light; ''you could never love m,
again"
ctn
darling" rising to his feet and clasping her
close to his heart. "Why, Rose; why my
wife, did you think so!" kissing hair anr
brow and lips. My wife, did you think so?'
"Ot course, Jacob, and l could not blanc
you Only have been so hungry for your
love, dear, and longed so to be in your arms
like this, smiling up at HIM through happy
tears. 'And now"
"And now," laughed Jacob, "you will be
here forever, won't you, my dear2i
I'D like to be, but when you send me
away TO Europe said Rose, mischievouslv.
I'll have to come out of them, l suppose
"You humbug! You know better; as if
I'll let you go out of my sight nowr' put
ting her away an instant and looking at her
fondly "Anl my wife! You are little
older! A little silver mixed in among the
gold-but you are more beautiful than you
ev 7 were.'
"May your eyesight be always as bad ms
it is now!" laughed Rose. Then suddenly
raising his hand to her lips, she said, hum,
ply: "Forgive me all the past-can you.
lear!"
"No; love never forgives," putting her
arms about his neck with smile; sit only
owes. Will that answer?"
''Oh, my husband! 1 am not worthy of
1ou-I am not worthy of youm
"Hush, dearest; do not say that. If father
'ould only see US now how happy he woulu
De-"
II hope, my husband, that he can," whis
oered Rose, softly.
There lives now at No. Fifth avenue a
'ather elderly couple, whose daily loving
happiness is revelation to all who meet
hem. Their contentment and Joy is infec
ious, and no one goes to Mr. and Mrs.
Jacob Lanes without feeling the better
it,
1t Is what we are that affects those about |
Is, and there is no better sermon ever
preached than that of happiness.
THE END.