Beverly banner. [volume] (Beverly, N.J.) 1877-1964, 1890-03-29

pshaw I'm ready to break down and
she's been away only a day. | must
brace up and be man However, |
can't live without eating I'll go to
the restaurant, and after supper have
the boys come for game of whist.
Esther will be here tomorrow.
With feeling almost of cheerful
ness he went to his supper. Then he
started out to hunt up his friends and
found they had all gone to the theatre.
He did not care to 60 there, so returned
home, Opening the piano he began
drumming on the keys.
"Poor Esther" he said, chow de-
lighted she was when | made her
Christmas present of this p
A tear dropped upon the keys.
George Winthrop, | believe your
heart is weakening. How nicely she
plays, and always the song | liked the
first of any"
Then he began to play Esther's
favorite piece, but before it was finished
his head bent low over the instrument
and heavy sighs rent the strong mans
frame.
Esther arose next morning with
heavy heart. She regretted her hasti-
ness of the night before.
"Well, sister, how do you feel this
morning ?" asked her brother.
"Not very well, Ned"
"You don't look well. But cheer
up, Esther, George will miss you
enough to call and get you"
"No, Ned, he'll never come. | left
him, you know"
mo difference; he'll miss you more
than you will him, I'll wager"
Hell miss me, of course. George
never was hand to get on alone. If
I'm gone but day he's all frustrated"
"Why doesn't he treat you right,
thenY'
ooh, he's good at times, and before
he joined the club he was as kind as
any man could be. Now" and Esther
began to weep.
Ned dreaded the sight of woman
in tears, and bidding her to be cheer
full, hurried away to the shop.
Don't cry Esther, you'll make
yourself SICK" said Annie.
81 didn't even bid him good-by, An
ME; | should have done that at least."
"Let me give you little advice, Els
ther, will you?"
Certainly, Annie"
''Go back to him at once"
"No, Annie, | cannot !"
"Of course you can. Just make up
your mind to it and 60"
81 couldn't face him now, after what
he said.''
dts hard, l know, but quarrels
make people say things that they
wouldn't at any other time. You said
you'd leave, and of course he told you
to 90. Take my advice, sister, and 60
to your husband. Marriage is too
sacred thing 10 be trifed with"
Esther was silent.
"Do so, Esther" continued Annie.
"Try at any rate, and if he is cross,
you may return again"
ooh, | cannot 60, Annie p
"Nonsense, sister; you can't live
without nina blind man could see
that"
Esther smiled, family.
That's it, cheer up and when Ned
comes home this evening We'll ask his
opinion. Ifyou conclude to go back
which you will-he'll 60 with you"
George got up from the piano and
paced the floor several times. He
looked at the clock, it lacked minute
of eight.
"How the time drags!' said he, with
sigh. 81 would give my right arm
now rather than speak as | did. An
orphan at that Pm not a drinking
man or I'd charge my meanness up to
the habit
He went to the door and left it ajar,
to cool the over-heated room. The
clock struck in solemn tones that sent
chill through the form Of the repent
ant man.
at is like death said he. Oh,
Esther come back p
He again returned to the piano and
PLAYED the piece his wife loved so well,
and again grief overcame him. Heavy
sobs rent his heart, and leaning upon
the instrument, he allowed the tears to
flow unchecked.
A pale face looked in at the open
door, but he saw it not. Nor did he hear
the light footsteps on the carpet near
him. In bitterness of his heart he
heard nothing, saw nothing. A future
life of misery and ruin held his thoughts
George whispered sweet voice.
The wretched man did not look up
If he had heard it, he laid the sound
to fancy.
Again the sweet voice sound
George!
Surely it was not fancy Leaping tc
his feet, his face haggard with the tor
lures he had suffered, he saw Esther
standing near him with down cast
eyes.
"Oh, Esther, my love!' he criec
; with joy, forgive me.
Ned had come with her, and seeing
the loving attitude of both, quietly
slipped away and boarded a passing
car.
They're all right, now" said he
cheerfully.
And they are all right. George il
himself again and Esther is happy
The club friends come no more. Mrs
Little, however, drops in occasionall,
, to remind George that her HUSBAND
never spoke cross word to her in hi
! life. and she was "never afraid to tell ;
! person to their face what she thought.
But her advice is not necessary
, There is no more rending of hearts il
, that happy household.