Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1892-01-18
TIE CRISIS.

Theodore Nelson stood in the center
OF her room. She was doing nothing, 1t
seemed to her she was thinking of moth
ing. But kind of soundless voice
within her kept repeating the last
words Mr.. Granger had said to herr
1T is an offer, Miss Nelson, which
yon would do well to give some thought
to-"
By-andby she began to think OF the
time at which she had first entered that
house. Homeless, friendless, almost
hopeless, she had applied to Mr.. Gran
ger for situation as governess 10 his
little daughter, just left motherless.
She had no faith that she would obtain
the situation, for she brought with her
no intercession from others, she had no
introduction; she possessed nothing out
her capabil1ty and earnestness.
She thought of the first Christmas
that she had lived there, and Of the
grateful pleasure which filed her heart
when Mr.. Granger put into her hands
tiny Florentine watch, while the next
iGatont little Lora spAng forward with
beautifully cut cameo-her Sif~
present before III all her life!
So two years had passed, and no
daughter in the home Of her father was
happier than this orphan girl.
Then a certain guest came often to
the house. He was doctor Laming-
ton, one Of the ablest practitioners in
the city. He had seen Theodore first
at the bedside Of little Lora, when the
child had an attack of sickness. He be-
came interested in her-paid court TO
her-fnally offered her his heart and
hand. Than it was that Mr.. Granger
had Said
1T is an offer, Miss Nelson, which
you would do well to give some thought
to-"
1t was the crisis of her life. Alone
in her chamber she commenced the
struggle which should decide her desti-
ny.
She faced the bare, painful fact that
she loved Mr.. Granger. She loved him
as the source OF all her happiness. And
his words had shown her the gulf be-
tween them.
The fine, grave, dark face came up
before her. She dropped her face upon
her arm, murmurlng:
81 would die for him.-ah, l would
die for him!"
Her happiness was all past. 1t would
never be the same again. She could
not stay there. Where should she GO?
Night came and pressed heavy
backness against the windows the fire
died down.
81 have decided" she said.
She went down stairs and softly open
ed the library door. Mr.. Granger look
ed up from his book.
well, Miss NelsOn?"
81 have decided, Mr.. Granger"
"About Harrington? Well, how, may
1 ask?"
II shall not marry him."
Mr.. Granger sat looking quietly at
the anthracite of the CRATE.
care you sure that you comprehend
the advantages Of his offer?" he said, at
last.
81 am sure that do not love him. I
do not need to know any more"
There was a silence.
"Mr. Granger?"
"Well?"
81 find it desirable to change my po-
sition. My quarter is finished to-mor-
row, and shall be obliged to leave you
then"
He bowed; she spoke in a tone which
required no more. Then she turned TO
the door. She had opened it when she
heard her name pronounced as she had
never heard it pronounced before.
Theodore"
She looked back.
"WiH you come here?" Mr.. Granger
said, putting out his hand.
Unconsciously she went to him. He
took her hands and drew her down to a
little foostool at his side.
"Theodora, he said softly, twill you
not stay as my wife?"
'sDo you love me?" simply.
$50 help me God, as never loved be-
fore in my life"
The blessed words! She chung to him
with little cry.
The crisis of her life was passed, and
she was at rest.-NelC York NelOS.