The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1895-02-08

something about his pity for Eer desti-
tute condition prompting him 20 make
her this generous offer, but it was not
possible for her really to believe her
own words.
Genuine love was too apparent in the
young mans earnestness, in everT word
and action.
you have surprised me so, she said
at last. 81 must have time to think.
ANY length of time"
"Then give me week to decide
and please leave me now. "
1t was quite ,.urk, but she sat long
time alone. She felt too bewildered to
think. Overwhelmed with the excite
ment of the day, she began to cry softly
again, yet not hopelessly as before, but
at last with something like grateful
peace forming itself out of the chaos of
her mind.
=
Two days after this Mr.. Weeks walked
down to the little village postoffice for
his letters. There was but one for him.
1t was from an old friend. Among other
matters of interest only to himself he
read:
"By the way, old fellow, how are
your eyes? There is very famous oc-
ulist III this city who has performed
wonders for people whose sight is affect
ed. Why don't you run up and consult
him? Don't you want to begin to see
the world you live in?"
On his walk home this advice was
constantly with him. He now had
new reason for wishing to overcome all
defects. He told himself that he had
never seen the face of the dear little
woman whom he so loved. He did not
even know the color of her eyes. She
was to him a voice and presence and
a graceful outline-that was all.
just here he was joined by young
Hardie, who was taking his morning
stroll. Thinking of the same subject,
they naturally began to talk of Mrs.
Stanton, and Hardie said;
"What n charming woman Mrs
Stanton is! She is looking ever so much
better than she did when she came. I
should not wonder if had made mis-
take in her age after all. 1t is So hard
to tell woman's age. She may not be
more than 40. What do you think?'
II have never thought about her age"
said Weeks little stsa1y.
This casual remark Of Hardie decid-
ed him He would see her. He knew
she was charming, but he longed to see
for himself Next day he took the train
for the city.
Punctually at $3.50 o'clock ON the day
appointed by Weeks for learning his
fate carriage drove up to the door of
the Water = ~. and a Young man wear
ing colored eyeglasses stepped out. He
dismissed the driver and turned into the
grove. With impatient footsteps he
walked to- Mrs. Stanton's favorite seat
Was she there? Some one was-but who
was she2
He stopped in utter amazement. A
lovely young woman, who might possi-
bly, be 25, but who did not look over 20,
was seated upon the bench. Her eyes,
which were raised to his, were a soft
dark brown, her hair, wavy and 1uXuri-
ant, was a beautiful shade of dark gold
en- auburn. She was dressed in deep
She rose hesitatingly as he approached.
Can you tell me where Mrs. Stanton
is, madam" asked Mr.. Weeks, wonder
ing and trembling
ooh, Mr. Weeks, you don't know
mep' answered reproachful voice that
made his heart leap.
Exactly how it happened they never
knew but the next moment Mrs Stan.
ton was in his arms
tfter awhile he whispered to her,
"You are not more lovely than knew
you were, but you are much younger, "
"Well, she said, between tears and
smiles. Hthat is a fault that will do
my best to outgrow, and in the mean
time"--
SIN the meantime" he interrupted,
1--WE will be as happy couple as ever
lived in this happy old world"
And they were.-New Orleans Times
Democrat.