Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1896-03-05
CHAPTER VIII.
What Have | DCne?"


When the grim mower at length laid
down his scythe there were many we'll
known faces missing in Cantiehowc.
Nevertheless the place soon took on its
everyday appearance again, shop Win
dows began to look bright as ever, the
bercaycd began to miEgle With others
in their daily pursuits; save the nu-
merOus new graves in the ChurChyard
there was nothing to indicate the terri
bic time of terror and grief the town
had Just passed through Already il
all seemed to CHASTITY memory, a night
mare of pain and fear, such as they
never wanted to experience again. The
family had all returned to Birka' after
making sure that the danger was over
and past; again the carriage came roll
ing down the streets of the little town,
with the laird, a reserved but now be
loved man, leaning back YEARLY upon
the cushions and his lady by his side
He had never thoroughly recovered his
health since that terrible attack of dis
ease. of which he had only the pre-
sent up Mrs. Nairn to nurse him.
Doctor and nurse had done their ut
most, but it had been a hard struggle
to pull him through and when at last
the disease abated it left him almost a
wreck
DR.. Noble could not understand the
terrible depression of spirits he
showed, even after his physical recoV-
cry was assured. That Mrs. Marin had
anything to do with tibet depression
the doctor had not the slightest idea.
That she was nurse and a woman Of
the very highest order she had album
dainty proved; and why she could not
be induced 10 stay until the return Of
the lady, who had written a brief
note, addressed to the nurse attend
ing at Brka, thanking her for her
services to MIR. Marin in her absence,
he could not see Nor did Marin him
self seem anxious to retain her.
please don't press on Mrs, Nairn TO
stay" he had said to the doctor; ''ol
course she has other duties. Besides.
it is not as if she were a hired nurse,
If she wishes to go she must go"
1T is YOU Yves thinking of, not
her" said the doctor, apologetically.
That evening Mrs. Marin came into
the comfortable little studio whore the
laird sat She was dressed just as she
had been when she came in three
weeks before Her little bag was in
her hand.
Il am going now" she said, quietly.
YES, Margaret" he answered.
There was a pause and then she
said:
Il think you will get along nicely
now; the gardeners wife is downstairs
and she will see to your wants,
Good by"
She held out her gloved hand to him.
He took it in his and held it fast.
"Sit down for few moments, Mar
garet | want to ask you something"
She sat down in a chair near him,
but said
You won't keep me long? | have a
great deal 10 do when l get home to-
night"
Il cannot thank you in formal words,
Margaret, but You must understand
how | feel. You have SIM Wy slain me
by your magnanimity. May | ask you
what YOU intend doing now? l mean,
what are your plans for the future?"
Mrs. Marin mused a little before an
swering
My future plans we'll, they are
rebulous as yet, | confess, but the way
will shape itself. 1t always does whom
one bestlrs oneself in earnest and VITA
a motive"
VIII you do me one last favor
Margaret"
THAT depends. she said, with a
faint smile.
Allow me to provide for you as
ought 10 do DO you never feel what
q terrible burden it must be on my
mind? You earn your own precarious