Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1891-08-27

conquest, anu TIC dltCLlDltlC lChC4CLCO
of his bearing toward her that sprang
from the harmony of their souls; but
now her ever ready explanations van
ished. So far from being next Of kin,
no ties of blood joined them; and in the
coloneTs eyes none had ever joined them.
Why, then, that growing interest, that
victorious influence, that scrupulous at
tention, that Difference and kindness,
that wistful tenderness that she saw at
times IN those mysterious gray eyes?
A spirit whispered the secret in her
soul.
at is explained" she said; and then,
at last, the tears came, but they flowed
softly and easily and caused no pain.
And now with this clew she followed
her life through again, and all seemed
very clear.
"He loves me" she thought, "and has
TOT years. IL IS IOVe. nOJ friendship, that
has saved him. But am not TO know
it-for my sake The disparity IN orr
years, our relations, the pain Of dIsclos-
ure, my embarrassment, the claim 1t
would give him, the danger Of gratitude
speaking for lOve-all these reasons shut
his iron lips; and, because he is truly
magnanimous, he will carry his secret
with him to the grave, unleSs"
There was the point. Louise slept lit
tie that night for thinking of that mo-
mentOus "unless." Nor did the morning
bring a solution. But as the day wore
on she found one alternative outlining it
self-they should still be as they had
been, or closer; the truth should not sep
arate them.
To get thus far was progress, and gave
her standpoint on which she could
meet her benefactor with the grace and
outward calm, if not the peace, of yore.
The rest could be postponed; and, as it
happened, she had not long to wait.
That night as-after boiling the world
out-they drew up before the open fire
on the hearth, for the happiest hour Of
the day, the colonel seemed strangely
nervous and i'll at ease. For a time he
sat silently watching the prancing flames;
then turning suddenly toward Louise he
said, gently, but in his firmest manner:
Louise, you will be thirty in March.
1 think you ought to marry"
What did he mean! Her heart began
to throb quickly and unsteadily. She
could not speak or look at him. But if
he noticed her confusion he did not
choose TO heed it. and cortinned:
Professionalism offers no career for
female cenbate. Individual cases there
may be of spinsters who have chosen a
single life and found satisfaction in it.
But 1 don't think you would, especially,
if may say so, after my death"
Louise, who hung breathless upon his
words, now began to perceive their drift
He went on:
81 think you ought to marry. | adj
wise you to marry. And, Louise, recoS-
nize that lam, in this, counselling against
myself. l assume that the marriage
would be a wise and happy one; that
means you would love your husband;
that means 1 should lose you"
"And 1 your exclaimed Louise, i'm
pulsively, drawing nearer to the colonel
Uncle, 1 shall never leave you!"
''No, no." he replied, calm, but so only
by visible effort. mo, you must not
say that, dear! Nc, you don't lose me;
that is different. no, want you to
marry; to taste the sweetest joys and
the finest corrows of life. Two read that
in Corea the male human being who is
unmarried is never called a man, what
ever his age. That is right, and mar
riage is even more to the woman than
the man."
"As to persons" he continued, 81
shouldn't think of advising, though l
should hope TO have your confidence.
But l have been thinking of this young
Mr.. BaSSett He is handsome, honest,
agreeable man, about your own age
"Oh, don't uncleI' she interrupted.
Every well, Louise" he said; 81 see
l pain you. Let It rest there for the
present, and let your heart be your guide.
Fortunately you arc Independent. You
inherited some money, and may as well
say now that at my death my property
will continue to be yours"
''You good, kind, noble manT ex-
claimed Louise, her eyes brimful of
tears. "And yet you would drive me
away"
For your good, Louise"
Uncle, Ishall never leave you!" she
cried, with passionate earnestness.
Never! You are everything to me,
and you shall be always, and if you die
first, which heaven forbid! I'll love your
memory aloueT
"Why, my child" said the colonel,
his own eyes filling, this is extrava-
gance."
''Listen," exclaimed Louise Lately
by accident-no, by the blessed provi-
dence Of God-I learned a secret. Ny
Startling, noble benefactor and friend,
how can thank you for your life long
kindness to a poor, homeless, friendless
xaifi"
The colonel stared at her in conster-
nation. what Is this you say?" he
gasped; and as he spoke suddenly an
ominous change came in his face; his
cheeks and lips grew pale, his features
became rigid, his eyes shone with an I'M
natural brilliancy, and with a stifed
groan of pain he pressed his hand upon
his heart.
Louise was at his side in an instant.
''Be calm!" she cried, herself as white as
death. "Be happy; it is well. Calm
yourself. Livei Live for mer' and,
stopping. she printed a kiss of love on
those firm, cold lips.
@'The vialFs be said.
She few to the desk and snatched
from it the medicine that had lain there
for years, ready for crisis like this, and
With swift hands prepared and offered
the restorative. He took it silently,