The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1894-05-03
to the lake, but would be back very

So I went to my room to rest and
dress, and being somewhat overcome
by the heat and fatigue, fell fast asleep
on the large, old-fashioned couch When
opened my eyes it was getting dusk,
and there was Il pleasant sound of glass
and china and other preparations for
dinner in the little house; while toward
it, borne upon the wind, I heard COM
ing Roses light laugh and ripping
flow of words. I reused myself hastily
and went to the window. Slowly, but
merrily, up the little avenue, lined with
blossoming cherry trees, came Mrs.
Whitney and Rosc-and Frank Eliers.
[ was almost shocked; and yet, why
should 1 be? 1 dressed myself slowly
and carefully, feeling just bitter en- ough
to make them all understand 1 was
mistress and must b. waited for Then,
when 1 went down, 1 was sorry had
done so, for NJ rs. Whitney and Rose
were so glad to see me, and Frank
said The had been up to my house in
the city in the morning to ask me to
drive, and that finding where I had
gone he made bold to follow"
asked no questions. I was only too
readily satisfied and pleased, though all
the evening l noticed Frank was pre-
occupied and thoughtful. Next day be-
ing Sunday we all went to the little
Dutch church in the morning, and after
an early dinner Rose, Frank and went
to the lake. 1t was little sheet of
water, of small circumference and mar
row width, but it was shaded with
trees, and in some places of great depth.
I do not know what possessed me, but
I suggested a sail. The boat lay at the
| little jetty quite convenient, and Frank
| took one ore and Rose the other. AS
for me, I sat and watched the shadows
on the lake and on Franks face, and
listened the while vaguely to their
voices, mingling with the sounds of
country life and the rush, of an ap-
preaching train. AS it came near Rose
jumped up in her pretty, impulsive way
Ito see it shoot in and out among the
Trees" she said, and somehow can't
say why or WherfOre-but we were all
| in the water
] Neither Rose nor I could swim, and
I was too proud to call Frank. He
hesitated just second and then he
caught Rose. And I heard-well, no
matter What-it was only two words,
but they seemed cruel as death war
rant. sank twice before Frank could
place Rose in safety and return for me.
but I did not feel a bit grateful foi his
efforts just then; for of course knew
that if the accident had happened fur
Their from the shore I might have
drowned while Rose was being saved.
felt very hard that night, but pride
was the shield with which I met this
inevitable sorrow and modification.
Both Rose and Frank felt the impossi-
bility of an explanation; acknOwledg-
ment was now the only grace left for
them. I never asked whether 1 had
been Intentionally deceived, or whether
in that moment Of fearful peril Frank
had first read his own heart I &C
cepted. as soon as was able, the truth
so cruelty forced from me, and I tried
honestly to interest myself in the prep
aration for their marriage.
1t was not. after all my sacrifices, a
happy marriage Mere personal beauty
can never satisfy a man of capacity
and cultivation, and Franks home sooI
became an ;lnspeakable WEAKNESS tc
him, his marriage q captivity without
refuge or reputation. He became idle
and dissiDated, and Rose fretted an6
complained, and once prevailed on me
to see and reason with him. Ten years
after his marriage Frank died. dom
wish to say how. but closed his eyes
in public hospital, and promised him
there to take his children and love anC
care for them as my own. For shame
as we'll as poverty had come to his
home. Rose had left him three years
before, and of her future life oblivion
is the kindest notice. There were three
children, a girl and two boys, and
found them rich legacy They gave
me back my youth, my energy and m!
hopes. I had something to love AM
care for; some one to provide and plal
for.
And the child love once planted il
my heart grew wonderfully. Thes
three could not satisfy it. I pitied TO
! their sake every naked suffering littl
one My farm has become a home TO
homeless children, and I have fOun,
again my own happiness in makin
happy those poor "unmothered' waif
of sorrow and poverty.
I have done no great deeds; hav
, written no immortal words, but hav
! tried to bring sunshine into others lives
and in helping those around me l hav
helped myself.
Has Him freed.