Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1891-12-18

when saw you like frozen lily lying in
tho snow-drft.
SAY something kind to me. child; can
not bear suspense tonight"
What shall say? love you more than
words can tell. I've loved you ever since I
opened my eyes TO see your compassionate
tender eyes bent on mine. Oh, my love, my
MASTER! our trust Is sweet TO me as your
love, and am not unworthy Of you.
1T will be beyond the bliss Of earth TO be-
long to you, to have the right 10 love you,
10 win the heart OF your little child, and to
lead her innocent soul 10 God"
You will DO the angel OF my home, my
LIES best treasure, the one light to lead my
tagging steps to Heaven! Hark! how tho
joy-bells seem to bless us. How still and
clear the night is, there is not breeze enough
10 watt our VOWS 10 Heavens registry yet
they will be sacredly kept, will they not
sweetheart? There is an old saying that the
lover never loved Alright who did not love at
irst sight"
Still they stood together locked In lovo-
dream, their forms clearly outlined by the
light behind them.
Someone stole out OF the shadows, and
looked upon the pretty picture framed in
ivy, with background OF golden light, and
deep curse was whispered through clench-
ed teeth, and woman smote her breast ia
impotent passion.
In her heart fendish voice whispered
that word Of hate, kill"
The curse of Cain was on the woman she
was seized with envy, hate, and horror in
looking upon the paradise she had once
polluted.
''IIe has put me aside, driven me out OF
1t. 70 -. n 4
thence upon the fair-faced girl who has fill
ed the void i left in his life. Oh, my child,
my little innocent child you could have
kept my heart from further sin, yet l may
not touch your sweet lips, or look upon tho
face that embodies all know OF heaven or
the angels.
II will steal you from him-a mother has
a right to her child. His heart Will be torn
at losing you, for though he hates the moth
er, he loves the child"
These muttered words, too low TO be dis
tingushed, told someone Of her presence,
FOR a strong hand was laid on hers, and
mans voice said in an undertone, hOarse
with emotion:
Cousin Alison, why are you here agalnP
1t is foolish Of YOU"
"Jcm, look at that window. What does
It mean?"
ut looks nightly like love-making to me,
Ally, my girl. Remember he is free to WOO
and wed afresh now. He has been quick
one, and no mistake. Why, he only found
her in the snow week ago. She is q pretty
creature, and perhaps he might do worse.
He wants mistress IN his home; he Is "a
rich man now, you know. Happy is the
wooing which isn't long ADDING seems his
motto. Surely you can't care, Ally? You
used to hate him like poison"
What is poison 10 woman at one time,
Jem, is nectar Of the gods another. Do not
try to read woman's heact, lad, it is ever
changing as the sky above us. Mine is black
as midnight now. Oh Jem, want my
baby. If had the CHILD would care for
naught else. / have money enough, with
what earn, and what that man gives me,
to save me from taking the wages of sim"
,Jem put his big rough hands on the wo-
man as tenderly az mother caresses a
child, and said softly:
II always loved you, Ally; now you are
free, my handsome girl, let me make an
honest woman Of you. You liked me IN the
long ago when we were lad and lass togeth-
er among our own tribe. I'd be so good to
you, my dear.
1--WE saved bit OF money thinking TO
help you some day. Don't deny me, Ally,
Far away in a SUMMER land than this we can.
make our home and begin afresh. 1 shall
seem a cOmelier sort of man when you
can't see me beside yonder fine gentleman.
Shall it be hope and happiness with me at.
last, far away from the shame that cings to
you here? IT'S New Years Day now; say
you will begin afresh with me, and lead
new life in which | may love you"
The woman seemed TO waver; she was
very lonely, and her heart was hot and an
cry. Yet she did not think, welcome as the
words of love were To her deSolate heart
that she coald live the quiet domestic life
he painted. Yet poor Jem had been faith
full lover. He deserved reward, and it
would be sweet to live innocently again, IL
innocence was possible TO one so debased as
she.
TO RE CONTINUED.