The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1894-05-23

But really, Louise, tl1is IL unpardon-
able. / ask the most serious question
ever asked any woman before, and
you answer by questions about Arthur
Winston
ST beg your pardon, Mr.. Van AL
styne," 1 returned, humbly, for if
lost his interest altogether, I
tremb1ed to think of the prompt pay
Ing pupils whom he might influence
TO leave me- For even then / COM
pretended the extreme selfshness of
the mans nature.
His face cleared.
''You Will give me your answer
soon?" he asked eagerly. ''Here we
are at your doom Let me come to-
night, Louise?"
I shuddered. Upon that one point
had always been as adamant. / had
never permitted Mr.. Van Alstyne to
call upon me. 1 never would, unless
II felt a cold chill of aversion run
over me-
''Oh, no; not tonight" cried. Ell
sic is not well; and besides, L never
receive gentlemen callers, Mr.. Van
Alstyne."
''Then. when am to look for your
answer2" he persisted
81 have answered you, sir. do NOT
love you, and, of Course
''Stop! Reflect little. viii leave
you alone for a week-a whole week
During that time I shall expect you
to make up your mind. To-day Ia
Thursday-next Thursday you VIII
give me your answer"
every WE'LL" returned, but feel.
ing quite well what that enswe1
would be.
-
respite and relief from his presence.
1 went into our shabby sltting-room
feeling almost glad. I came to a halt
in helpless horror. Elsie lay upon
the worn sofa very i1l-that was evil
dent at a glance. 1t was diphtheria-
that dread scourge. The landlady
gave me immediate notice to have my
sister removed to a hospital where
such diseases were treated. I could
only obey her, and the transfer was
made at once BY Offering my SER
vice free, was received at the insti-
tuition to nurse my sister and assist
about the building. My pupils, Of
course. were lost TO me forever, and I
took up my place at Elsie's sick bed
thoroughly crushed in mind and body.
Days passed in this dreary retreat.
The seventh day of my reprieve had
come and gone, but Mr.. Van Alstyns
did not trouble me with his presence.
He did not call to inquire after Elsie,
or to ask me to become his wife. But
Arthur Winston was one of the visit
ing students at the hospital, and
soon learned to find in him help and
a comfort. He remained at the hos
pital altogether, and gave all
his time and attention to diph-
liberia cases. and especially Elsie's
case. Under his care and skill she
began to improve; and, strange to
say, I did not take the disease.
Elsie looked upon Doctor Winston
as he was called-with reverence, for
she knew his skill had saved her life.
And II had long ago began to look
upon him with some thing more than
reverence; for all the love of my heart
was poured forth at his shrine
knew that he loved me, but we were
both very poor, and marriage seemed
folly for us to contemplate.
One day, while going to the nearest
drug store on an errand for Elsie, I
met Mr.. Van Alstyne face to face He
recoiled-then held out his hand.
''She is better?" he asked 81 could
not risk my own life by coming to
you, Louise, but now that your sister
is better
ALL" interposed haughtily. "YouF
conduct has proven your selfish base
ness. And, besides, I detest you, and
would not marry you were you aha
last man in the world"
He fell back with muttered irnpre-
cation. But 1 waited for nothing
more, and fastened back to the hospt~
tai.
met Arthur Winston in the hall
outside the ward where Elsie lay.
Something in my face made him startp
then he took my hand and led me into
a private room.
''Here, dear, sit down and rest
yourself" he said, in that sweet,
gentle way which always wins
with q woman. "Something has
occurred to annoy yo%A- Tell me. viva
you?"
And did. 1 began at the begin.
ming, and told Arthur my whole story.
His face was very pale when 1 had
finished.
my love of lovesp' he cried. ooh,
Louise, have loved you so long and
dearly. I have loved you ever since
the time-how long ago it seems
when we used to meet ON the street.
That Van Alstyne is q wicked man
There is some Interior reason, some
hidden object in his asking you to
marry him am convinced of it,
A golden hour followed, and when
we parted I had promised to be
Arthur's wife-poverty and aI1-in
days time. Elsie was nearly we'll
all danger over; no reason for delay
And besides, was afraid Of Mr.. Van