The Chipley banner. (Chipley, Washington County, Fla.) 1893-1943, 1897-07-24

back 90, Now he cannot know; he csn-
not understand that I would sufer any
palm for O moroent Of consciousness TO
| tell bin am sorry. God will not grant
me even that--not even that.
-why will you think OF all these
thingsf" he asked. presently. lie " not
human TO be little unkind eometimesf
Then look at the other side also.
What you have done for Brian. We
must not bewail the past, but 60 on
brayely to meet the future, promising
ourselves always to do better and bet
ter. You want to 60 In now?' [.
yes, Doctor, feel stronger, and
thank you"
The days passed, bringing but little
perceptible change In Brlan's condi'
tion. But the crisis came OF last.
Gradually the fever spent Itself, and
the tired frame, weArled with Its long
struggle, sank into q stupor 30 death.
like that only the faint heart beats
told that life was still there.
Margaret knew that he would either
Waken with new lease OF life or pass
Into that deeper sleep that knows no
waking on this side OF eternity. She
watched and waited, and prayed for the
long hours to pass.
The shadows OF night, which seemed
to have held the anguish OF years, gave
place to the light Of dawn. The lines
Of blue grew deeper and deeper In the
: - Using run rested
upon the brow OF the hits, and the dis
tant Growing OF a cock, welcoming the
opening day, came like clarion note
through the silence.
1t reached Brian's ear. He turned
uneaslly. Margaret was on her knees
In second, affecting half Joy, hall fear
clutching at her hoart. She bent her
face close TO his.
Perhaps he realized her presence, for
no turned again and moaned slightly.
His waking mind was struggling for
comprehension, his keyelids trying to
throw of the heaviness that held them
down. At last they opened slightly,
then wider, and their slow wandering
gaze fell upon Margaret's face, o face
white and drawn from long and anxious
watching, but revealing story OF love.
Those eyes were not slow to read.
Thank God" murmured Brian, with
an effort to overcome his intense weak
ness. Margaret, you love meat
last?"
With a cry Of passionate Joy she buried
her face upon his breast.
'Oh, Brian, SO muchl 30 much that
could not live without you. 4
Thank COL" he said again, In
voice scarcely above a whisper, yet
vibrating with such inexpresslble happi-
ness that 1t reached Wilson, as he stole
silently from the room.
"You.have found your true place at last,
my darling, my wife. Your true resting
place. 1t is weak defense now"
1T Is my chosen rest and support,
she answered, with brimming eyes,
and holding In its place the
weak arm that had tried to clasp her SO
lovingly. 1T Is weak now, but 1t will
be strong soon. Let me lean upon it's
strength always. Let me have your
heart, as you have mine, fully and en-
tirely. Oh, II you could know how /
tried to tell you this, as sat by you
during those hours when you could not
how often laid my heart
upon yours, hoping you might hear its
beating, and maybe realize that 1t was
full OF love foe you! You did not know
then, but you know now, and-you may
kiss your wife,"
Brian could not speak, but his eyes
filed with something strangely like
tears, as she held her loving, blushing
face for the long. tender kiss he left
upon her lips.
Neither spoke again. With his hand
In Marsarets, Brian was content to lie
still until overcome by weakness he
slept.
irO DE CONTINUED