The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1891-09-03

Marys words concerning his rival for
her affections had given John much
comfort, for he believed that she was
q truthful girl, and during his Journey
he maintained a cheerful condition of
mind.
After his throat had been thoroughly
examined at the institute, he learned to
his great delight that he could probably
be cured, the chief drawback being
that he must undergo long and tedious
treatment. The expense, he was told,
would be from eight hundred to one
thousand dollars 1t was heavy for a
young man in his circumstances, but he
did not begrudge it. Fortunately he
had been careful and saving, and he
had q deposit of two thousand dollars
in the savings bank at home. He had
sufficient means for his present pur-
pose, although it would be necessary
to defer his marriage for several years.
Buoyed up by strong hope, he applied
himself enthusiastically to the treat
ment, practised the prescribed vocal
exercises, ETC., patiently for hours, and
was rewarded by steady Improvement.
Everything was suspicious until he re-
ceived letter from an acquaintance,
who wrote that Bill Taylor was escort
ing Miss Beverly here and there, and
was evidently finding much favor in
her eyes Filled with imprudent jeal-
ousy, John angered his sweetheart
with letter in which he expressed his
fear that she had not been faithful to
her promise. Her reply was spirited,
and contained the statement that she
did not want lover who could not
trust her out of his sight. John was
then sorry that he had so foolishly
yielded to the promptings of his jeal-
ousy, and became possessed with the
dreadful idea that although she might
not have encouraged Bill Taylor, she
would now probably transfer her affec-
tions to that detested individual. While
the stammerer was in this wretched
condition of mind, he received second
and almost crushing blow. He learned
that the savings bank to which his lit
tie fortune had besn intrusted had
failed on account of reckless and un-
scrupulous management OF the two
thousand dollars he had only two hun
dred dollars left, and he had not vet
been half cured of stammering.
The poor fellow was, of course, filed
with anguish. For time it seemed
useless to attempt to overcome the OBJ
stacles that had been so unexpectedly
placed in his way. But soon his cour-
age began to return. Perhaps by most
persevering and desperate efforts he
could hasten his treatment, and go
from the institute cured before his
money was exhausted. The principal
of the institute was a very kind man,
and to him Anderson unfolded his
troubles. The principal was full of
sympathy, and promised to help his
patient as much as possible, at the
same time warning him that it was
very doubtful whether quick cure
could be effected John felt encour-
aged, however, AID applied himself to
his formidable task with most praise
worthy energy. But he did not inn
prove. Indeed, SO great were his anx-
iety and nervousness that it was inev-
table that he should begin to grow
worse. Perception of the fact that his
stammerin9 was increasing made
him still more nervous, and q more
wretched being than he became is not
often seen. His frantic efforts to i'm
prove, resulting only in miserable
failure, were at once very ridiculous
and pitiable. Meanwhile his pride had
prevented him from sending Mary a
written apology for his jealous letter,
and of course she no longer wrote to
him. He felt confident that by this
time she must have become engaged to
Bill Taylor, and if he returned home
she would treat him with scorn. He
lost his appetite, he grew thin in the
face, his manner became distraught,
and he feared that he might go crazy.
The principal saw what his condition
was, and in a very considerate man.
ner told him not to waste his money in
trying to effect a cure that was impos-
sible under the discouraging circum-
stances The principal advised him to
go home at once, and expressed much
confidence that Miss Beverly loved him
enough to marry him in spite of his
stammering. John thanked his friend,
but would not allow himself to be
comforted. Several hours later, at
nine o'clock in the evening, John wan
dered to the bank of river. He chose
a lonely spot beneath tree and sat
down. He looked at the swiftly flow-
ing and dark waters, and almost per-
suaded himself that it would be best to
plunge into them and. end his misery,
but his good sense and courage soon
asserted themselves. He would go
home and live like a man, whatever
Mary's decision might be. ~ !:
He took the train the next morning,
and at six p. m. arrived at his destina-
home. His heart beat rapidly as he
approached the door. His fate would
soon be- decided, but he had nerved him
self to expect defeat and to bear it
with manly fortitude. He rang the
bell Mary herself answered the sum-
mons. 5
100 john" she cried; and weeping
with joy she fell into his arms
The amazed young man conducted
the clinging maiden to the parlor. 60.
3"I have been 50 anxious, exclaimed
Mary. ''The principal Of the institute
wrote me a very kind letter and
urged me 10 treat you as a true woman
should. know all of the circumstances
and feel SO sorry for you"
s., IF you still love me, there is no oc-
oc-ca-sion for ei-ei-ther of us to be
sor-sor-ry," said John. : ..s;r~ 4 u
II glove you. Now that you are
with me again: am perfectly happy.
But too have suffered much. 4 have
been punished for my frivolity and un-
kindness. I thought how heartless I
had been in regard. to our marriage by
the Episcopal service. It was i who
drove you to desperate efforts to effect
cure I-feared that you might COM
NIT suicide, and l resolved that If you
did do it would do penanee and wear