The record-union., 1895-10-05

release. l determined to have her re-ex-
amined at once, which l did, and to my
great satisfaction she WAS pronounced
cured.
Bertha was overw helmed at this new
proof of my interest in her welfare, and
she would have fallen at my feet TO thank
me had l not caught her in my arms. |
held her but an instant, yet that brief mo-
ment was one of delicious joy, and re-
solved to shield her at all times no matter
at what cost. Placing her gently in a
chair L told her the story, carefully con-
cealing the fact that was actuated in the
matter by any more powerful motive
than that of mere professional inter-
est.
The fact was now obvious that she
could no longer remain In the asylum, so
induced her to accept temporarily the
hospitality OF my home. l had a neat
little cottage on the asylum grounds pre-
sided over by an elderly housekeeper,
who had on more than one occasion
given sheltec to patients who had re-
celved their discharge, who had no home
or friends TO whom they could turn. To
my house then Bertha came, but she had
not been there long when the reaction set
in and she was stricken with brain fever.
For weeks she raved in delirium, and
when the fever was at its hight word was
brought TO me that her husband was
dead.
"A heavy load seemed suddenly re-
moved, and l redoubled my attentions To
the woman L loved. After long strug
gle conquered and brought my loved one
back from the verge OF the grave, weak as
little child, but on the road TO recovery.
L waited until L was sure OF her, then l
told her OF her husbands death. a few
tears welied up from the depth of her
tender heart, but she said no words, and
after that his name was never spoken be-,
tween us.
"W hen she had been an inmate of my
house year, cheering it with her bright
presence, and winding herself more and
more ABOUT my heart strings, she came 10
me one night when | sati my study, and
told me that she must leave. She was
quito strong now, she assured me, and
could no longer accept my charity. She
must do something for herself. She had
q considerable knowledge of music, and
that knowledge she WAS now going TO
make use of. She thanked me for all
had done for her, with little sob IN her
voice, and then as q last favor, begged
that | would speak to my patients in her
behalf and try and get her a few pu
pills.
Il looked at her, and it was by a SUI
premo effort that | retrained from clasp
ing her in my arms. had never seen
her look so radlantlY beautiful. The
hunted. pleading look had left her eyes
and had been suppIanted by one OF Sc
rene content She wore gown OF palesC
blue, while on her bosom lay single
white rose. her jet black hair, which
had been shaved close 10 her head during
her sick kness, lay in soft. curling ringIets
around her slender neck. My silence
must have alarmed her, for she repeated
her question.
"'No, L will not 1 shouted. spriuging
from my chair and rushing towards her.
Enlightened, she shrunk towards the
wall, while |, overcome by the very force
of the love had always felt for her and
and had held 30 long in check, WAS not
to be repulsed. Snatching her hands
covered them with kisses and endeaVored
to draw her towards me, all the time
pouring out my love and alteration. by
q violent effort she released herself and
fled to the other end OF the room. Re-
called to my senses by this action L stood
where she had LETT Inc, unable 10 grasp
her by my mad impetuosity.
"'Forgive me- murrnured. ! am a
brute. L know, but l love you SO we'll that
the very thought of your going away
maddened me beyond endurance. Be
my wife and stay with me always
II held out my arms but she did not
come to me. Instead, she shook her
head sadly.
"'No, no. 1 cannot, l dare not she
cried. Have you forgotten that [ am
fresh from an Insane Asylum? l owe
you too much gratitude Tor liberating me
from living death to so i'll repay it as
to blight your life by linking mine with
it. l love you dearly but l must go and
you must forget me-
''She rushed towards the door. but l
was there before her. and placing my
back against it ] stood with FOLDED arms
and looked upon her, all my love BEAM
ing upon her from my eyes. She stood
before me while q quick blush over
spread her countenance. All at once |
made a rush towards her. / seized her
in my arms. l rained kisses upon her
mouth. her eyes, her hands. l called
her by every endearing name. l strained
her to my swiftly beating heart and held
her there.
"'Iell me you will have me now l
cried. Tell Inc that you will seek any
other refuge save here within the shelter
OF this heart which lives and beats only
for you. Look at me darling l pleaded.
And let me read your answer in your
eyes
For one moment / wait, but | am not
alarmed. | know she is mine-the very
force of MY passion has overcome her.
Slowly the dOwncast eyes are raised and
am more than satisfied with my an
swer. one month later we are quietly
married"