The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1890-02-21
A WIFE REDEEMED.
A Pathetic Story Of a Woman'a
Folly and a Mans Heroism.

Suddenly over Uncle Aaron's face came a
strange light, and the blood rushed hotly up
against his white hair. "Rose, Il have
thought of something. Will yer do it fer
me, child? Will ye do it?''
"Not to go back to Jacob"
"But if go with ye," said Uncle Aaron,
rapidly. eye said, if ye was not making
sport of me, that if were by ye every day
ye could be good woman. Rosel Rose
come back to Jacob, and I'll come with
vel Come back to my boy. Come, I'll come
with ye. Think OF the years that he has
loved ye and been left alone. Think of yer
child-will yer come, Rosea"
For moment she seemed to waver, then
shaking her head she said, rather YEARLY:
''No, it would be of no use. couldn't now.
1t is too late. He can not want-I should not
suit him-he could not forgive, and besides
oh, l couldn't! 1t is impossible"
There are times when the yearning of an
intense love has the force Of whirlwind.
Such was Uncle Aaron's great soul now.
He saw the future joy both of his boy and
of this fair woman before him hanging in
save her. His eyes burned, his face was
flushed, he walked erect like king, and
like king he commanded:
Come, want to talk with ye."
Looking up at him in wonder, for across
his face shone quiverng light of strange
sweetness, Rose stopped, hesitated mo-
ment and then turned and walked by his
side. He strobe along down one of the side
streets and out to the edge of the town until
they came TO clump of trees near stream.
'IIet's sit down here" he said. Both
were silent for moment, Rose nervously
punching holes in the soft green moss with
the end of her lace parasol, while Un-
Gle Aaron, laying his hat upon the ground,
ran his fingers excitedly through his long
white hair.
''It's queer world, child, and I don't
pretend to understand it; but there IS
one thing that do know, and l want We to
know it. The only happiness for ourselves
is what we give to others. When l was
younger I didn't know this, and many a
time l cried out at things and hated folks.
was always hungry for what never got,
all my life, till late years, and used to feel
as If no ones heart was quite SO empty as
mine, and no ones life quite so-spoiled.
But, child, here his voice grew deeper
II have found out that all hearts are hun
CRY, all lives LACKS somewhat, and no ones
days are quiteas they would like them. And
so / say, what am l more than other folks
that should have things right to my mind?
And so | say to ye, what are We that We
should spoil two other lives so that yer fancy
be sulted?"
Rose glanced up at him, shivered little,
and he went on nervously punching holes
in the soft green moss. "See that calf
down there trying to poke its nose through
into that other felds He don't see Whv
that fence is there-he can't see why. But
he wants to get on the 'tother side of it
the foolish critterl The field he's in now
has better fodder in tot, but he sees other
critters 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
tied-never satisfied Now, child-tell me
the truth; are you satisfied with your life
now9n
Rose flushed little but answered: s'No,
have often been very lonely"
''My poor child" said Uncle Aaron, SYM
pathetically, his big hand seeking hers, and
patting it gently. go on, tell me of it.''
I'll don't know what to tell," stammered
Rose. 81 am praised and f1attered and ad-
mired, 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"
"Yes," assented Uncle Aaron, "ye are too
good q woman to be happy away from yer
husband.n
II don't think that's it." said Rose, rails
ing her eyes at last and looking at him; II
think the reason that am not happy is be-
cause want something new"
mo-" 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 ye. Ye want to give more of
yerself away and then ye'll 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 5 no heart in me. I'm not like YOU.
I've lived In the cities. I'm old and hard.
You Judge me by yourself You are wrong,n
rising quickly to her feet and walking a few
steps away.
Child" said Uncle Aaron, following her,
and placing two hands upon her shoulders.
''give, and We will be blessed!"
Her beautiful eyes flashed back sudden
comprehension of his thought, and she felt
for the moment uplifted-inspired-w
to do what he wished, but in another
moment the reaction came, and she whis-
pered family: II Wonld-but have nothing
to give.',
Then unole Aaron smiled such a sweet
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 tryl" he said.
"Yes," very slowly and very humbly,
but l am afraid. And besides, 1 am so
tred, so very tired! Iwant some one-some
one-H bursting out suddenly into great
s96s, as9me one like Yeu To comfort me-"
4he ilght OF love uBan Hnele Aapon'a face
asepeAed. nrhere, there, child III never
leave ye again; ye shall have me to comfort
happy ber'
Rose raised her head up from the grass,
whereon she had thrown herself In her
abandonment, and looked at him. "Happyg"
she cried F'''
"Yes," 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. ''Come|
They walked along hand in hand for some
distance, and through Roses mlno tne
words. a0ur Father which art In heaven.
Our Father which art in Heaven" Kept re-
peating themselves over continually: FOR
a few dazed moments she felt as IL 1t was