The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1896-03-28
A WIDOWS LOVE.

IL was steamer day" at Sitka, and
amid all the joyous stir and excitement
that tho monthly boat Brought was one
forlorn. unhappy man. Tom Douglas
watched his friends as they eagerly
opened their letters and listened with
assumed interest TO the bits Of news they
were anxious to share, for at SitlSa the
population throngs 10 the wharf when
the steamers whistle is heard and waits
tho coming Of the ship and the distribu-
ton OF the mails. The people crowd in
10 tho tiny postofiico ON tho dock and
watch impaticntly for tho longcd for
home letters.
But Toms home letter was not a
comfort 10 him "Well, she IN really
coming. he thought, "a month from
today II tho steamer is ON time. l will
be a married man; worse luck How
can / ever tell Natalia, dear little girl
wouldn't willingly hurt her tender
feelings for 81. 900. 600. rs hard mp IA l
am. And Tom whistled ruefully.
Tom Douglas was naval officer and
before being stationed at Sitka he had
been ON duty winter In Washington,
whore ho plunged into society with that
gay abandon that only sailor knows.
for after three years at sea young fell
low Is quite ready for the rush and
whirl OF the gay capital All houses
were open 20 the handsome lieutenant,
but there was one where he was espe-
oially welcome. Tho hostess was pref
ty widow Of some 80 or ~ years OF age.
Her husband. who had died soon after
their marriage. seemed not TO have had
q very strong hold ON her affections, for
after mourning him decorously for a
yenr she blossomed into the gnyest Of
the gay. and her house became center
for the Young officers who had been the
friends OF her husband
II was there that Tom spent most OF
his time. He dropped in during tho
morning and discussed the newest Cos
sip or tho latest magazines and came In
for "A cup Of tea In the afternoon and re-
manned till her coy parlor was empty
save for himself and her.
Are you going TO the assembly to-
nightf' he would ask.
"Win you be there, TOMB" Mrs. Deer
ing had such good fellowship way Of
using her friends first names
Yes, presume so "
''Wcll, then, l am going" tho little
widow would reply.
And that was the way the winter
passed, Tom running in at all hours.
privileged TO smoke or read, to talk or
lihicn, the most INDUCED of all her
callers When his orders came for his
az. -.
The document IN his pocket and went us
ural a. the ehccry home Of Mrs. Deer.
ing. Ec told her the news and was real
~ surprised and flattercd by her rccep
tion OF II. She took both his handc in
hers, and tho tears gathered in her bright
eyes
"oh. Tom, " she said. "Ihate to have
you 20.
Now, AZ never occurred e. Lieutenant
Douglas before, but at this moment the
idea did come 10 him that no was in
love with tho widow. He drew her to
him and kissed away her tears. and be-
fore he know it he was engaged to Alice
Deering
He left soon after arranging 20 have
Alice join him later in the summer, but
owing 10 tho luss Of "a distant relative.
the heir ~ whose modest estate she was.
her coming had been greatly delayed. 1t
was now moro than a year since Tom
aud she Ind parted in Washington. In
the meantime Tom had whiled away his
leisure hours In the somewhat narrow
circle cf Sitka society. but in that mar
row bound he had found "A fair Russian
flower that he knew bloomed for him.
Though Tom had not made love to Ma
talia--he was too honorable for thot-
they had been together constantly, and
each knew iustinctively what was in the
Others hcait
Il believe III go aud tell Natalia
all. Tom continued 10 muse. fright
now, for Of course AS gentleman and
officer am bound 70 keep my word,
and my word is given 60 marry Alice
hang i'll ! wish had never been born.
She, too, poor girl, may discover that my
love has somewhat cooled. IL it ever
was love, it never was the same feeling
have for dear little Natalia, bless her
loving heart.
So Tom went TO Natalia and told hei
that he was engaged. and that another
month would see him married
Her delicate face whitened, but con
trolling herself she said:
Il congratulate you, Mr.. Douglas >
Then, bursting into tears, she turne,
away. The sight of her tears was to-
much for Tom. Embracing her tender
ly, he said; II love but you, Natalia
darling. Oh, that l had met you first
Ny fondness for Alice was but feet
ing thing, and my love for you will
last forcfcr.
Pressing warm kisses on her lips
he held her close.