New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-04-14

natural, wlld-spirited girl to-alas what was size
now?
Even in this illness Temples darkened and per-
turbed mind held to its resolution 10 conceal her
secret.
She had spoken once. just once, and she could
trust Almina. Oh. yes she could surely trust her.
In that strange. confused space II time atter
that interview with Boynton. Temple had
thought hurriedly that 1t could be but natural and
reasonable that she should wish Richard 10
know after she dead that she had loved him
She had tried with all her strength 20 think
clearly in that half hour. He must not know the
truth while she lived The knowledge would but
be a burden to him. How nobly and strongly he
would try to respond 10 that love- And now I'M
happy he would be because he could NOT.
Such a knowledge would hinder him in his work:
and he loved his work
But 70 know the truth after she gone. II
was not possible there could be any harm in that.
She was sentimental and morbid, yer? likely.
But really she could not help telling Almna
And she could trust Almina.
II would be such good thing fer her TO die
now.
Then perhaps she could forget the evil impulse
that had made her renew her acquaintance in that
way with Boynton.
But the wish to take up her mind had been so
strong. and she sometimes reckless And
Richard had not cared to come bac! once 70 see
how she was getting on. But Richard was right
She had written him that she MAS "a ning every
day. or course. there was no need for him TO
leave his work and come.
Certainly Richard was right. as usual.
And the only way of II all was 10 lie.
She wondered how women could possibly be
amused by any kind Of Irritation. S'e had tried
nd ,ea.s ~
amusement In 1t.
Perhaps IT would do her good - sing. Yes. she
would sing. There would be nothing IN a hymn
that would betray her secret.
While she lived 1t must be a secret. for the
knowledge would trouble Richard. she didn't
wish u trouble him.
1t had been a strange happiness 10 tell Ct her
love- to say aloud TO some one that she Lowell him.
To call him Dearest" That what he was:
Dearest-oh thousands OF times dearest.
But. even II she were crazed. in her Illness she
should not tell that.
And perhaps illness and death would wash out
that foolish sin Of kindness TO Boynton.
Yes he would sing.
But instead OF singing she began 10 recte she
knew not why. She spoke in that hollow but
piercing and insistent voice which is 80 dreadful
to hear from the sick
She fixed her eyes immOvably upon Mrs. Ammi-
downs face
"He turned his charger as he spake
Beside the river shore;
He gave his bride rein shake,
With adieu forever more,
My dear,
Adieu forever more"'
Without taking her gaze from her companion.
Temple laughed slightly as she remarked:
Isn't 1t singular that people seem to regard
those lines as sad? Why. there's nothing so
cheerful In the world. II die. Laura-and l shall
die If it's possible thng-I want you TO have q
little slab. just bit OF a slab Of marble at nv
feet-mind you put it at my feet, so as 10 keep
them down So that they need not follow Richard
and you may put on 1t.
"Adieu forever more
My dear,
Adieu forever morer
THAT will be such good joke Richard will
laugh-R he has time. And now Laura Ammi
down. you are the woman who believes I'm Iowa
and who married for love- That's a good Joke too
That's the best joke Of all To marry for Lowell
But there are people who do It, NV mother did
1t. But wasn't such fool Dear friends let us
pray"
Then Temple prayed passionately beseeching