Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1891-12-25
A Winter Niglt;;
OR
Found in a Snow-Drift.
OR
CHAPTER V.-CoNTINUED.

81 will do as you wish, Jem, on one con-
| dition, and that Is that we take my child
with us. Far away in q new country, among
fresh scenes and faces, she will soon forget
her father and love me. Her father will
have other children to love, and perhaps
she may be sighted. A stepmother is not
pleasant possession; you know that Jem,
to your sorrow, don't your
Eyes, Ally; but mine was bitter hard
one. This girl is not like that. She has no
vice about her"
"How do you know that? her virtues have
TO be tried, and you confess you know moth
ing OF her; she may be what you call q Bit
ter bad one. Virtuous women are not plenti-
full enough to be picked up like withered
sticks on the high-road. Well you know
my condition, and you know where to find
me. Pm going now, have a long walk be-
fore me, and l am chilled to the heart
came here tonight to humble myself To
him, 10 plead for the only possession / care
for under heaven-the possession of my
own little child; but in face of what / have
seen, l dare not enter his doors, my blood
is up, there would be murder done. Oh,
wonder you can want me, Jem, knowing my
black heart and my bitter past"
$50 do l WONDER" said Jem honestly,
''yet can't help longing for you. l have
loved you all my life, and somehow l think
IL will be that in time-not at first, perhaps,
but L could be patient-you might get to
care for me. Not as do for you, of course,
can't expect that; there is nothing in me
TO love, while you are proud, beautiful and
clever. Oh, my girl! l could give up all
hope OF winning you 10 see you happy and
innocent in your old place as Pierce Pen
folds wife"
FLUSH, Jem! Why talk Of that which is
beyond retrieving? L should do it all over
again if l could live my life afresh."
You did love the scoundrel who led you
from your duty, then, Ally?'
''Yes, God pity me! That was the worst
of ii, that was what made me suffer the tor
ments of conscience. l used 10 have q
warm heart, and could feel impulses Of
good, now | am all evil. You had better
not ask for that which is so worthless, it
may be your lot TO know the misery of a
granted prayer"
The womans great haggard eyes softened
q second, and she laid her shapely hand in
her Cousins.
Poor, foolish, faithful fellow as he press
ed kiss on II a tear blotted the caress out.
why, Jem, thought was beyond cry
Ing for, or praying for. You are good fell
low, and deserve better woman than | can
ever be. Goodnight, would say God bless
you IL was not afraid the order of things
would be reversed and you cursed instead"
Let me walk with you to the town, my
girl; the way is long and dark, and have
nothing TO do"
You ought not to say that, Jem; there
are sleep and rest in your bed, two bless
lngs long denied to me. One is never quite
wretched when one can forget their misery
In sleep"
II would willingly give every hour of ny
rest TO ease you, Ally"
II believe you would, Jem."
Let me hold your hand; You tremble.
Come under the shelter of the house. I'll
get YOU something 10 refresh you"
Food or drink from under his roof would
choke me. Come along if YOU are coming
with me, or else shall be locked out"