The age-herald., 1897-09-05


 seems like she was onct''--
 "Child, I am your mother-your own, only mother, as tols you beforei" exclaimed the woman. Then with sud den abandon she elasped little Ann's face between her hands and kissed her once, twice, thrice. The child shrank back, frightened, while Jim coolly in, terposed his own bulk between them, saying:
 ''Thar, now, tharl Ann's ways and mine air turrible defer'nt from your'n now, and we mout as well git outen yer. Ye hev get yer money, and little Ann and me hev concluded that we jest p'intedly don't want any smidgeon on it."
 "But, Jim, Jim, think what money can dol want your love. I want my ehild's love, don't deserve it, but my heart yearns for you both. And--and I can make your hard lives so easy and pleasant now. It is all yours"-
 That thar'll do now" It is notice able that while she called him Jim re- peatedly he never mentioned her name Were purty poor, me and Ann, but we're honest, and we hey got little mite of pride left yet Ye needn't loom off any more on that subjeck, I reckon. Ye did yer level best ter bodacioushus- ly ruin both on us, but the good Lord hoped us ter git through somehow We uns hain't got nary grudge in ye, yet we p'intedly can't take up with yer projeck. "
 A momentary silence ensued, while the man and woman surveyed each other. In the long suffering blacks1nith's eyes the wife read no answering tenderness to the seductive appeal that glistened in her own. Then gradually came the con- viction that all these years of neglect had quenched forever the old love and hardened patience into indifference.
 As she realized the futility of her efforts her heart sank within her. Tho longing that had brought her 5000 miles to repair the past was merged in greater pain than any that had yet come to her. But the pride she had long nursed came to her assistance now. She resolved to show her weakness no more where humility invoked only reproach. Her gaze grew cold and collected, and she withdrew step as she said indiffer- ently:
 Well, sir, you doubtless know what is best for yourself and--our child. I feel that I have no right to insist on anything that is repugnant to you. Be- lieve one thing, though-it was not for myself alone that I have offered you wealth and ease, but" her lip would quiver though she bit it fie1cely, "i6 was to make amends to you for the sake of her..
 She pointed to little Ann. Jim be- came embarrassed, though he knew not why. While he stood fumbling at his hat the lady, with sudden movement, kissed the child, and as Jim was about to speak said hurriedly:
 "Say no more. I cannot bear it. Leave me. If you are ever in trouble and need money-for her-here is an address where you can always obtain it while I have it. Go-now, please.
 She pointed rather imperiously to- ward the door, Jim hesitated, cleared his throat, spit recklessly on the carpet, then took Ann's hand, saying:
 "Le's go, honey. She air right Hit air the best all round, reckon" Then to his wife: Don't think as I ain't pestered about ye, or that we uns wishes ye any harm. But I jest can't hope doin what I believe ter be right-I jest can't hope it. Goodby, Darthuly."
 It was the first time he had called her by name. She almost broke down, and c., .z1- did, Jim leading little Ann, who still looked back uncomprehendingly
 AS the door closed behind them the wretched wife and mother stood like one in trance until the shambling echo of their footsteps had ceased to sound along the piazza; then, with long, tremulous moan, she sank to the floor and buried her face in her arms upon the sofa.
 In an hour came the summons to din- ner. She rose, dressed herself with care and glided into the great dining hall, vision of cold, superb and indifferent loveliness. By the next afternoon tho rich Colorado widow" was gone, some said back to Pueblo, others to the White Sulphur Springs, others to this place or  that. No one seemed to know, and soon no one cared.
 Meanwhile Jim trudged on home be- side his steers, with little Ann coiled up in the hay at the bottom of the wagon. Pap" said she after all hour or go of silence, ''pap, who is that thar fine lady? l jest know haven't got nary mother, hev I, pap?"
 Jim flicked his goad gently over the nigh steers horns before he replied re- Actively:
 "Waal, no; freely can't p'intedly jest say as ye hey. honey, and yet''-
 Jim hesitated, and Ann again asked: "Waal, pap, who is she after allp"
 "Durned if can tell ye, child"
 And he never did.
 THE END