The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1894-03-10

WIG ioou oeyoiu were ueucTiIiillHk Oue
best way to bring affairs to an issue,
for which purpose, accordingly, they
invaded the SANITARY together.
One look at their faces caused Mr..
Copeland to retire behind his newspa.
per--a mans surest safeguard when
family disturbance is brewing.
Mrs. Copeland raised her eyes from
her knitting rs they camein, but she,
too, detected something, and silence
held them all for a moment
Mother" began Amy, in tremb.
ling voice, Roland and have come
tonight to ask--to beg, indeed-that
you will renew your consent to our
engagement which you gave SO long
ago"
Indeed, Mrs. Copeland" added Ro.
land, in clear, firm tones, Amy and !
have tried and proved our affection. Do
not make us waste our youth in wait.
ing. There is nothing to hinder our
marriage save this shadow which you
have raised between us. Let it fade
for the happiness of all"
Mrs. Copeland, at this appeal, laid
down her knitting, and Mr.. Copeland's
newspaper ratified sympathetically.
MY dear children" said Mrs. Cope.
land, much distressed, II wish l could
make you see this matter as / do. II
is the principle of the thing My OBJ
lection is not Il shadow, Roland but
tangible, as you know, and not easily
overcome. Perhaps you think me over
sensitive on this one subject"
"My DEAR" interrupted Mr.. Cope.
land, in a serious tone, "I don't pre-
tend to take sides in this important
question: am too interested in all
parties. Your objection, Harriet, as
you stated it, is well grounded don't
deny that-yet these children are no
less reasonable in their demands. What
amazes me is that you should not re-
fleet that you might be mistaken in this
matter. Memory is capricious and it
may have served you a false turn
Not my memory" said Mrs. Cope
land, with an air of pride, as if in de.
Tending it she upheld the family es.
cutcheon.
"Well," said Mr.. Copeland, Struggling
his shoulders as his eyes returned to
the paper, II have but expressed my
opinion
81 cannot believe it possible, Viii.
liam'-Mrs. Copeland's voice assumed
reproachful tenderness-"that after
all these years you should doubtme."
Not you, Harriet" replied her hus-
band, "only your memory"
Mr.. Copeland was growing philo-
sophical in anticipation of his ap.
proaching triumph.
"'After all these years. was the term
you used; don't you realize that time
weakens rather than Strengthens that
faculty of yours? People at our period
of life may wear well-you do, my love
but we must not expect too much. 1t
is perfectly natural that after its ceas-
less labor the springs of your memory
should be impaired. 1t is only what
we must all look forward to; and,
surely, you do not mind going down
the hill with me, Harriet?"
Tears came into Mrs. Copeland's
eyes, but she did not speak, and Mr..
Copeland continued:
Does not the new happiness, ready
to flower at your bidding, com pensate
be content, dear, to gain point and
lose the solemn joy that uniting these
two lives might grant to you and me?
l don't plead for them; neither do l ask
you to deviate from a principle; only
consult your clear judgment and do
what it dictates"
Without Il word Mrs. Copeland rose
and with an air of rigid calmness laid
aside her knitting.
With Il firm step she walked to tho
bookcase and taking from it the family
Bible she cleared place upon the ta-
BILE and placed it before her husband
"You remember she asked, slowly,
recording the date?"
Indeed ! do" assented Mr.. Cope.
land, heartily.
And remember" "she said, seeing
you set down the day and year, Sep.
tember Z. $50. / tell you this before
consulting the register, for honestly
desire to be fair TO Amy and myself"
Mr.. Copeland actually trembled in all
agony OF conscience. and almost stopped
breathing while Mrs. Copeland turned
the leaves
He controlled himself with great
effort as she reached the fatal page.
liz NdlSiiSi ilCl QOWu
the column, as his had done: he saw
her stop suddenly, and he felt that the
moment Of victory had come.
She did not speak at first, but stood
staring at the date as if her eyes had
deceived her.
Amy, Roland. come here" were her
first words, and as they obeyed her
summons she pointed to the accusing
number.
II was mistaken" she said, simply,
but so pathetic was this bit of rcnunci-
alton that Mr.. Copeland felt tempted
to step forth and declare his duplicity,
when his eyes fell upon the trans.
figured faces of the lovers
No, that would never do; he must be
firm and stand to his false colors for
the good of all.
Mrs. Copeland gradually regained
her composurc. her momentary chagrin
Was counterbalanced by her true ma
ternal feeling, and as for Mr. Cope
land, his satisfaction knew no bounds.
When the young people left them
reflection of their joy fingered behind,
glorifylng Mr.. and Mrs Copeland as
they sat together on the sofa, hand in
hand
william" said Mrs. Copeland break
ing pause, Il shall never remember
again"
'Oh. my DEAR exclaimed Mr.. Cope