The Press., 1895-01-03

something about h1S pity for her deSti- tute condition prompting him to 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 every word and action.
 "You have surprised me SO, " she said at last. II must have timo to think. ''
 ''Any length of time. "
 ''Then give me a week to decide and please leave me now. " ...
 It was quite dark, but she sat long time alone. She felt too bewildered to think. Overwhelmed with the exGite- 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. It 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 Ill 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 homo this advice was constantly with him. He now had a new reason for wishing 10 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 voice and a presence and graceful outIine-that was all.
 Just here he was joined by young Hardie, who was taking his morning stroll. Thinking of the samo subject, they naturally began to talk of Mrs. Stanton, and Hardie said: ..,-
 ''What q charming woman Mrs. Stanton is! Sho is looking ever so much better than sEc did when she came ] should not wonder if I had made mis- take in her age after all. It 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 stiffly.
 This casual remark of Hardie' s 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.
 P1nctually at 3:3O o'clock on the day appointed by Weeks for learning his fate carriage drove up to the door o1 the water cure, and 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 she?
 He stopped in utter amazement.. A lovely young woman, who might p4ssi' bly, be 25, but who did not look oven 90, was seated upon the bench. Her eyes, which were raised to his, were 1sofi dark brown, her hair, wavy and luz>1ri ant was beautiful shade of dark z d en auburn. She was dressed in deeI mourning; she wore no widows 2 She rose hesitatingly as he approael q
 "Can you tell me where Mrs Stai b1 is, madam?' asked MT. Weeks, vol Br ing and trembling.
 "Oh, MT. Weeks, you don't kAov mel" answered aereproachful voice ltha l made his heart leap.
 Exactly how it happened they n@vei knew, but the next moment Mrs. Stan ton was in his arms.
 After awhile he whispered to {her ou are not more lovely than BneV you were, but you are much youngar, 'i'
 "Well," she said, between tearsS am smiles, "that is fault that wiz d my best to outgrow, and in the mi gan time"-- e=
 F''In the meantime" " he interrupted I've will be as happy a couple as bye lived in this happy old world. "
 And they were. New Orleans Ti1Aes Democrat.