The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1893-12-12

sion OF happiness which self martyrdom
brings. But when she came TO consider
now uncalied for her sacrifce had been
her spirits began TO droop and she was
troubled with the knowledge that she
had IN this way committed a great
wrong not only against her woman
hood but had sOwn seeds of discord and
failure IN Jonn's life. She washaunted
with the thought that some day some
woman would try to fill the place she
should have filled as Johns wife. No
III else could love him as she did No
one else could do for him what she
could, for love nakes dusy a pleasure
and lights the way 10 successful effort.
Love whispered to her that whatever
the woman might be that John would
marry, he never could he as happy
with that woman as be would with her,
despite weakness and faults, for she
loved him SO that love would inspire
her with strength and wisdom.
Time passed on And how rapidly
to Nellie, for she felt that both her own
and Johns happiness and futu e well
fare were in great peril. He must
know that she>loved him. No matter
what the embarrassment, the chagrin
TO herself, he should know that his
love, his superior worth was appre-
ciated. Yet, how could she confess
now? Had he not grown bitter and
banlshed his love and respect for here
Perhaps he would scott at her advances
to gain his love. H would at least be
indifferent. Despite her practical vie vs.
Of the matter the wish to let him know
grew stronger, for down deep in her
heart she knew that they loved truly.
And h had a secure feeling that all
would yet be we'll, yet she as forcibly
felt the impression that she must do
her part.
She was a reserved woman and
trembled at the thought of the letter
she was tempted to write. But her
faith in his love for her, in his noble
character. was strong, and when
Thanksgiving week came, wa and
bright, as if to cheer and warm human
ity into a feeling of forgiveness and
thankfulness, she no longer resisted
but sent to John a modest letter Of
confession. John was dumbfounded,
then slightly inclined to indifference,
then had a faint thought of the sweet
ness of revenge, but it was not long
until his love fully revived and was
the more healthy for the shocks it had
received. During the days Of waiting
Nellie had but few misgivings. She
had now b ,en true to herself, to John.
The outside world was nothing to her
in this.
Thanksgiving day found John and
Nellia again together. All was serene,
though somewhat embarrassing. Mel
lies eyes looked into his with shy
frankness and John and she knew a
Joy they had known before. His
hand clasped hers, his arm supported
her and she no longer wondered how
women could entertain the thought of
marriage, but gave thanks that the
blessing of Johns love and companion
ship had been given her even though
she must give up many precious
theories and selfish aims. Nothing
that could interfere with their mutual
interest or Johns welfare could now
fail to interest her. John never calls
her queen Or Wi hes her like other wo-
men. Nellie is sure that she never
could have learned to love anyone else.
She could not help loving John and be
ing interested il his welfare. So once
more a happy home was established.