Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1891-10-25

will hurry to spread their fair covering;
and Donald was not one who would keep
the soil of his sorrows forever pIowed up
afresh. Ever in the background Of his
life that grave must gloomily hold its
place; and often in the twilight-those
sweet hours of idleness that had so long
been given to Anita, in which the
thought of her was inextricably fixed
he must perforce look back with tear
blurred eyes, passionate regret wringing
| his heart. But what then? Could his
lost love be raised from the dead with
cries or paltry curses. And was love-
less life so rare q thing that he could
esteem himself as more unfortunate
than the majority of his fellows?
Little by little his first fierce anger
burned itself out, and at last he was
ready, in his healthy, wholesouled way,
to look up and take account OF the good
that was left him. If Anita loved her
cousin-and Doland could have no doubt
Of that-she was still bravely trying to
do her wifely duty by him. That she
was not happy he could not but know,
and the time was when seeing it he had
been filled with sharp resentment; but
now, in a way, he had come TO pity her,
approaching the more the patient effort
of her exquisite housekeeping. No hus-
band was better cared for than he in all
material things, and he valued the COM
forts Of his home at their worth, and
was grateful. Because he had had his
cake and eaten it, was he to find no ap-
petite for bread and cheese? Though
the sweet, foolish love Of the honey
moon might be gone, there was no rea-
son, he told himself, why they should
not be friends.
"There is going to be splendid bed
OF Goals presently" Anita idly remarked,
settling back comfortably in the low
chair. "We might pop some corn"
He looked up, boyishly pleased at the
simple suggestion. 1t seemed that, after
all, she might be willing to meet him
half way in the effort to bring the home
life to friendlier footing. "We might
and we will" he cordially agreed, ir-
releyanty adding, That's an awfully
pretty dress, Nita."
'I think it is rather success myself, p"
smiling up at him well pleased. Why
could they not always be like this, so
sociable and friendly? All, we'll, he was
spending this afternoon with her OF his
own accord; this was something.
81 have just heard rather a good
thing" she began, drawing toward him
In a coy, confidential way. "Katie has
friend visiting her in the kitchen, and
thew were trying their luck with wish
bone. From the china closet happened
to overhear the remarks at the close OF
the contest. Now, Annie, tell me what
you Wished said Katie. We'll, wished
| might go to heaven. And what did
Won wish?' well, Annie'-wth her
convulsive little giggle-did you ever
see anybody giggle as that girl does
Don?"
"Neyer. But what was her wish?"
"sWell,' said she, Il wished l might
be the first TO get married, Armies?
while Annie capped the climax by re-
torting, We'll, II that amt just like you,
Katie Rice! I'll risk you to always
wish the best for Yourself!"
Donald laughed long and loud at this
Joke. He was in mood to make the
most of the smallest pleasantly. MAY
each get her wish!" he piously ejacula-
ted. "And so they agree that marriage
is rather better than heaven, on the
whole?" -.
son, decidedly better, twould SEEM"
turning to him a bright, mirthful face
How pretty and girlish she looked In
that easy attitude, her face flushed
with the warm freight, her hands
clasped around her knees in careless
abandon! And it was remarkably pleas
ant chatting there in that coy old-time
fashion. Donald wanted TO keep the
ball of conversation rolling, not caring
much what was said.
"Who is it who says that marriage Is
like city besieged-all those who are
ont want to get in, while those who are
in all want to get out?" smiling COM
fortably across at her. All the bright
ness was gone from her face on the in
slant.
"a volume OF truth in the observa-
ton. is there not?" she returned icily,
taking up a paper. A personal item
caught her eye the next moment, "Dr.
and Mrs. Rogers are spending a few
DAYS in Denver" All, yes; that ex-
planned Donald's presence at home on
this particular afternoon. Mrs. Rogers
ALWAYS kept open house on Sundays.
81 hope you don't think that | meant
any reflection; I'm sure you could not
make any personal application OF that
stupid quotation" poor Donald dun
dered awkwardly.
"Why. certainly not; how could l?''
with sarcastic little laugh, the ugly
red he had learned to know so well
flaming in her cheeks. "0f course we
could not possibly want to get out. We
are so happy together, you and l."
II most certainly don't want to get
out" said Donald sturdily, poking the
fire. "And, by the way, that reminds
me" not explaining the connection; Il
beg pardon, but really forgot to give
you this letter. 1t came this morning. "
"From Gray" she exclaimed, sur
nrised. as she took 1t from his hand.
She had heard but rarely from Gray In
the months since he had gone at her
bidding. He had proceeded down
into Mexico, looking up the old
hacienda where she had lived as
a child. and several letters he had
written at first, counting conf
IDENTIFY on her interest In the familiar
scenes, but Anita never answered.
She sat for q long time now absently
twisting the unopened letter in her
hands, thinking Of all that had hap
pened since Gray had said, "He will
teach you to know the worth OF love
like mine" Well, she had learned the
lesson, as he said she would. Strange II
She bad not through all those days OF
smiling GOODNESS, when Donald and she
had striyen to Guido the other in the