The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1895-05-31
FOR A GIFT, A HUSBAND

"Six years ago to-day! What long
timeI" sighed Maud Merlin, sinking
into the low seat by the window and
pressing her sad white face against
the glass. "Ah, me, how happy was;
but il is all over. l shall never be
happy again"
Her dark eyes overhowed with tears
and her memory went back to the
scenes of her childhood, the great,
rambling country house, with it's spa
cious rooms and blazing fires and
large-hearted hospitality. She could
see the old garden, with its winding
borders and cool retreats, and catch
the sweet odor of the pinks and the
drowsy murmur Of the bees, and there
was the woodbine arbor beneath which
she and Harry had sat SO often to-
gether. How well she remembered
one evening above all others-an
evening in royal June. The air heavy
with spicy odors and full moon pour
ing down its glcrifying light upon the
snowy billows of orchard bloom, and
the long hedges of crimson roses,
weighed down by their own intense
perfume. On that evening she had lis
tened to the story that had been so
often repeated but which never grows
old. Maud, my darling, / love you.
Will yo be my wife?" She recalled the
very words, she seemed to hear his
dear voice and see his tender eyes.
The betrothal ring was still upon her
finger, just as he put it there that
night and beside 1t another, even yet
more sacred, her wedding ring.
And this stormy, desolate night was
the anniversary. Six years ago, and
the old homestead had rung with music
and reverence. Every window blazed
with light and every broad hearth
stone glowed with flaming logs. For
on that night, rcbed in white and
adorned with blossoms as spotless and
sweet as her own virgin heart, Maud,
sole daughter of house and heart, and
beauty and belle wherever she went,
became bride.
Bidding farewell to the old home
and the old friends, Maud went forth
with her husband, thenceforth and
forever to be the light of his Home
and the inspiration of his life.
One year-one short, sweet, happy
year, that went by like some rare,
rich melody, without a single note Of
discord to break its divine perfection,
and then the trouble came. The bare
remembrance Of 1t blanched the wifes
cheeks and made her breath come in
quick, painful gasps. At the close Of
that short happy year of her welded
life, her husband received informa-
tion concerning the illness OF an only
brother residing in California. He was
dying Of slow, but sure disease, and
wished to see his brothers face once
more. Harry Merlin did not hesitate
an instant. The path of duty was
plain-he must go. Maud entreated
TO be permitted to accompany him,
but he was inexorable. The risks and
hardships were tco great.
Left alone Maud was not the woman
to give way to dependency 1t was
her nature to keep her face to the
sun. She kept herself busy with the
duties of her household, and at last
the dreary days went by and tidings
from Harry came. He was safe at the
journeys end, but his brother was
dead, leaving Harry. however, the in
her!tor OF considerable fortune. Just
as soon as his business matters could
be arranged, Harry wrote, he would
start for home. Soon after a second
mail came home, bringing intelligence
that Harry, in company with quite a
party of brother travellers, had set cut
taking the overland route
Maud counted the days with throb-
oinS impatience. The parting had
heen 50 long. She pined to see his
aesr face and hear his voice once
nore, She worked from morn till
night filing the rooms with little or
raments and getting up little sur
'rise5 against his return. She culti-
yated the flowers he loved and sang
no Ballads he admired. Never did
wonan count the passing moments
with such loving expectation At last
..e day came. She had received nc