The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1893-03-31
succeeded in making him speak oat

l know how much you 40 suffer, ado
you have no longer right to decline
my sympathy and pity.
Il do not want your pity, ho ex-
claimed angrily.
Il understand that much, she said
The bashful poor decline show OF
compassion. but ought they to refuse
true sympathy which need never be
spoken but is proved in thought and
deed 2
He took her hand, looked at her 81
lentlv for moment and then changed
the subject OF conversation. Soon
after he had himself wheeled to his
lodgings AMI stopped at home the rest
of the day. He tried to read, but look
after book was thrown away, and fin iiy
he leaned back in his chair, help"
victi IN to- his exciting thoughts. 1t VIII
the image of Millie that occupied lis
mind. He felt clearly that he loved
her. He had for weeks believed that
she loved him also; the conversation OF
the morning had convinced him, with
out leaving chance of doubt. But
could he possibly entertain the passion?
Would it not lie crime, in his con-
dition of broken health, to chain
young and healthy and beautiful crea-
ture like Mile to his rolling chair ?
No, he could not think of it. The
feeling must be forcibly repressed.
What Go you think of my condition,
John % he asked his footmau. DO you
think am improving any p
No, you amt, sir, was the reply.
Il do not think these waters are doing
you the least good.
Il am of the SINE opinion, John.
guess we had better go home"
The next morning he informed Mrs.
Mellows and Mile that he would leave
Hot Springs at the end of the week.
Both ladies looked more disconnected
at the news than he had expected, and
the conversation of the party was more
lively Mrs. Mellows soon went away
to make call, leaving Mile alone
with Frank.
Il should like to try my strength at
that chair Of yours, said Mile, smiling.
And before he could make answer she
sent the footman away instrnrting him
not to watch her in her awk v al move
ments, but to keep at distance, which
he did in remarkably dociie manner
She had wheeled the chair few step
when she leaned over to Frank. wht
could not see her face, and whispered
into his ear : ''Yon will leave us so
soon ? I am so sorry. There was so
much yet I had to tell you. And is
there nothing you would tell me ? Not
question you would have to ask ME ?
If you have, would it not be better to
do so by word of mouth p
The hint was clear and Frank under
stood it. She had made up her mind
to sacrifice her young hopeful life to
him-to be his sick nurse to the end of
his days. A strange feeling came over
him it was to him rs if he should turn
around and clasp her to his heart, to
thank her for her exceeding love.
Involuntarily he made q movement
as if to turn about and fell back, unable
to stir. An unspeakable feeling OF
wretchedness overcame him (; he felt
heat in his eyes, as if tears would force
their way out. But, with q great ex-
ertion of his will, he repressed every sign
of discomfort, and, after few moments,
was able to retort loosely: rs the
answer to my question prepared al
ready 2"
IF you ask the right question it is, y
was the calm but subdued reply.
Miss Mile, he answered, with an
irrepressible trembling in his voice,
'let this theme not be discussed between
MS. Never would fasten youth, beauty
and loneliness to wretched wreck of
humanity that ought to go out of this
world, the sooner the better. The
heart mast be silent. My reason COM
mands peremptorily that ought not to
discuss questions which never become
facts"
You will not get rid of me so easily"
she replied. Reason is splendid
guide to moving force, but it is not
force itself. The force of life is in the
heart
81 am wreck" he replied, "Lovo
and happiness is for the healthy; it is
not for me.
1T is, it is" she said in voice
in which love and pity and supplica-
IIoli Nctc ga lltSSei' iOhC 10 Aup EluCHo,
and love bears all. If you find love,
though it appears strange and almost
not realizable, do not reject it. Allow
nature 10 have her way, and all will be
well in the end"
as it true? Can l believe it? Should
heaven have blessed my wretchedness
by rs marvellous thing?" he cried in
ecstasy. But recovering his equanim-
ity Immediately, he added: mo, it
can not be. 1t has cost me- days and
nights and weeks of struggle with my
own feelings to form the resolution to
resign myself. The resolution is formed,
and has to be carried ont. A man of
conscience can not act otherwise. Love
is forbidden fruit to me"
"Oh. cruel reason" she exclaimed.
us this the heavenly light that destroys
the luck of two people by a cruel word
when they might be truly happy"
"Millie, he said tenderly, don't be
angry with me- Will you continue to
be my friend p
Il will, to the end of my life," she
said, and turned away.
John had been wheeling his master
some time. when lie said : Its pity,
sure, sir that you are a cripple"
"Why, what makes you say SO ?"
"Oh, 1 was merely thinking of the
young lady y answered John.
DO you think she would refuse me,
John p
e L