Lawrence democrat. (Lawrenceburg, Tenn.) 1884-1925, 1894-06-01

suit. Her place, plainly, was at his
bedside She did not know how long
he might live, but he should die with
her hand In his. Why should she not
wed him before he died? There were
number Of reasons In favor OF that
idea 1t would certainly make his last
hours happier, and, though the world
might regard it as a bit of pure ro-
nance, yet it would make little differ
ence to her. 1t would necessitate a
period of mourning, but Elise had
reached that age when seclusion for "a
time from society was not an unmixed
evil. She blushed violently as the
thought came to her, and then she
said it would be proper sacrifice to
make for the man who loved her.
That was the thing-a sacrifice for the
man who loved her. No one could accuse
her of any mercenary ideaa for she
had sufficient money of her own-no
one who knew her would ever believe
in her acting part for loves romance
but to sacrifice herself for the sake
OF the man who worshiped her would
seem to be in keeping with her charac-
ter; and though the world of society
might throw loves roselight on the
picture for the sake of the outer world,
those who knew her would understand.
She arrived at this conclusion after due
consideration, and decided to act her
part
She was cold and white as she went
down to the carriage, accompanied BY
her maid. She lay back thinking the
whole idea over as the carriage ratified
over the stones, and she alighted at the
hospital as white and rigid as a statue.
She had persuaded herself by that time
that she was not acting. She was afraid
the end might come before her part
was done.
Ushered up the wide stairs by an at
tendant, she was met in the hall by a
sweet, whlte-capped nurse.
you wish to see Mr.. Wharton" was
asked.
YES" answered Elsie, with white
lips. "How-how is hep"
Very much easier" was the reply.
This is his room go right in"
The maid took seat on settee in
the hall and the nurse closed the door
half way so that nothing inside the
room could be seen.
The young giant lay on his back, and
over and across the bed were queer
steel frames. AS Elise stepped softly
out from behind the screen that shut
off the draught at the door the great
blue eyes opened, and then the patient
sweetly smiled.
Elise" he murmured, as though
doubling his sight.
She knelt beside him and took one Of
his great hands in hers, from which she
had removed the gloves.
1T is so awful, Fred" she whispered.
81 have been so miserable"
at is done now" he answered, pain,
fully, land there's no help. 1t was very
good in you to come"
"Why, dear" she smiled did you
doubt my coming?"
"No," he replied, with an effort; "but
l almost hoped you might motor now
my dream is done"
Dear" was her response, pressing
his hand to her lips.
mo one need know of our engage
ment," he continued, land you car
think of me as-as-"
but the world shall know" wills
pered the girl, bending nearer to him
''The world shall know of our love-
for we cannot put it away five would
Think you that | would desert you.
| am yours alone. We will have the
chaplain in here and he will make u.
one"
The eyes of the wounded man grew
bright, and then they filled with tears
do you know what it means, Elise?'
he faltered. Think of the future"
81 have" she answered, fiercely I"
have thought of it we'll, 1t will b.
dark and lonely for me without you
but one is loved but once"
"Dark-lonely," repeated the young
man, slowly, as in a dream, "Yes-in
deed-dark and lonely"
Fred" she cried, softly,
you don't know what it means, my
love-" said he, turning his gaze full
upon her. st is worse than you i'm
agine. The doctor says that I shall
never walk again, but will live for year
to come"
The girl started up and met his search
ing gaze. knowledge and strength
had come to him during those darl
hours of pain.
"For-for years?" she gasped, he
face distorted with an awful suddel
terror, and with sob she fell forward
fainting.
Wharton looked for one moment 4
the black head resting on the bed be
side him, and then with a deep sigl
stretched forth his hand and presse,
the electric button which hung by
string over his head Somehow he un
derstood better than he had the da,
before. -Flavel Scott Mines, in Leslie
Newspaper,
THE CHILD WAS LOST.