Lawrence democrat. (Lawrenceburg, Tenn.) 1884-1925, 1893-11-17

me? was strong, whereas James was
delicate; and surely God meant the
strong to help the weak along the
weary road of life. The spiritual por-
tion of me spoke aloud. l would be
brave and self-sacrifcing, and James
should never know that, whilst he had
spent the afternoon in sunshine, had
passed it prey to the most bitter
anguish which mortal man can ex-
perience.
Thus resolving, l arose, and with a
great sigh stretched my limbs, like one
who has borne heavy burden and glad
ly lays it aside.
just then heard voices beneath the
window. The beating of my heart
told me to whom they belonged. The
mans voice was very tender, and the
woman's soft and sweet as she made
answer. And then, 1 could hear
sound suspiciously like kiss. /
laughed aloud. Fool, fool that | had
been to think that she cared for me,
when she could forget me so quickly
and easily.
And yet would not blame Mary
She was an affectionate clinging
creature, and James had ways with
him which appeal to woman's nature.
He was not rough and masterful like
me, but of gentle speech and manner
Ahlmy little bird, my darling, if in
the weeks that followed | wounded
you by my seeming Indifference and
reserve, the Lord in Heaven knows
that my intentions were good. /
sought only your happiness, and also
my brothers.
So fierce was the struggle fought
with myself that it proved almost. a re.
lief when, one autumn day, James an
nounced his engagement. | took Mary's
hand in mine, and, forcing a faint
smile, said; "Dear Mary, henceforth
let us be as brother and sister"
They were married in the spring.
Four years passed away, and two chill
dren were born to them-a boy and
girl.
People often wondered why | re-
NAMED bachelor For answer would
take Mary's female child on my knee,
and say: This is my sweetheart. l
want no other"
For many months past trade had been
in most depressed condition, All the
big employers of labor were parting
with their hands owing to terrible
stagnation of business. James and
lived on in constant dread of receiving
notice. Our spirits were affected by
the prevailing depression, and matters
looked serious indeed when the bank
broke in which we had stored our earn
ings
James worried himself into graveill-
ness, Things were bad enough for both
of us, but they were worse for him than
for me, since he had wife and two
children to support.
He had barely recovered when a for
NAL notice to quit was served upon
him. Our employers were obliged to
shut up half their works, owing to
lack of orders, and, unluckily for James,
he had been accustomed to work in the
portion now to be closed.
1t was useless to seek employment
elsewhere, for every factory in the
kingdom was similarly affected. Star
walton stared James, his wife and fam
lily in the face.
AT this juncture l came forward and
offered James my place.
was single man, said, and could
shift for myself The bad times must
surely pass, and at any rate had no
helpless beings depending on me for a
livelihood.
James was profuse in his thanks
The next day he stepped into my shoes
and was left without means of sub
sistence.
One week passed after another, my
little stock of ready money became ex-
hausted, and still was unable to meet
with fresh situation. All! what | suf-
fered God only knows, The pains of
hunger are inconceivably cruel; the
rich have no idea how cruel. Hunger
and became intimate acquaintances;
| grew gaunt and thin. The strength
of which had formerly been so proud
deserted me. was not yet thirty, but
my beard already showed streaks of
gray.
avoided James sedulously Neither
he nor Mary had the slightest idea of
my condition. Once, whilst wandering
eimlessly about the streets, saw Mary
in the distance. ] would not speak to
her. turned and fled as if for my life,
Later on | think must have grown a
little light-headed, for said to my
self: why should she look so pretty
and rosy, whilst am dying for want of
To-day, literally starving? James
has robbed me of everything. First,
he took my love, and now he has taken
my place. have borne enough for his
sake. There arc limits to human en-
durance. Mine is strained to the ut.
most | will go to James house and
once moro demand my own"
1t was a bitter cold evening. The
snow was falling in great white flakes,
and an icy wind blew across the STR ct.
CROPPED my way to the house where
James dwelt My limbs shook with
the cold, vet there WIS fire in my
brain. With uncertain lteps mounted
the stairs.
The door of James sitting-room was
slightly ajar. heard woman's voice
- II Al. A.