The Topeka state journal., 1897-12-02
A SENSE OF DUTY.

A woman was riding quickly across a
rough, half cleared psddOck She was
seated sideways on a mans saddle, ard
kept her balance with the ease born Of Gus
tom On two sides stretched heavy forest
On the other two the country swept away
In gentle unduIations, heavily wooded.
till it merged with low line Of hills into
the blue horizon
About the woman the few hundred acres
of clearing looked raw and unsightIy-
new fences, blackened trees and logs,
stretches Of land Uttered with feIIed trees
and scrub, drying for burn EveEywheEs
was the first desolarion Of clearing
The horse stopped abruptly ae the slip
rails His rider pulled them down with
out dismounting and urged him into
brisk eautsr along the winding track,
which lay in heavy shadow for mile or
50. and then opened out into clearer couu-
try. where tail, straight gums were
wreathed for their 20 or so feet OF height
with new bushy sprouts. looking in the
uncertain light like huge fantastic hop
garden.
Suddenly there was the sound Of rapid
hoofs approaching The woman pulled up
and her hand went quickly to her hair 70
arrange q stEag Cling lock, thence to her
neck to straighten her tie, and 50, with
quick feminine touches, to belt and skirt
man. who drew up hastily as he saw her
and so close that their hands met instantly
4 got your letter yesterday, - she said
He smiled and gazed into her face. 1t
Is two months since I saw you, 0us you
are coming away with me now"
She drew her hand away from him
ftNo. I am not coming -
''Not conling2 Mary"
4 would have written to you she
went on but had not your addEess-
But I an not going with you
Not going You mean not this mo
ment. but IN . day or two
4 don't mean that mean that an
never going away with you
Never Good GOdl What have I
worked and waited for2 What have 7
thought Of night and day but you, always
year Of your coming to me, Of our going
away to forget all the past and begin Life
again
"Ahl'' she drew her breath sharply.
sDoait I must not think Of that It IS
all over now. Everything is changed now
I cannot go away Alick was struck By
falling tree 4 day CT two after you left and
he'll never be able to walk again, the doc
tor says He viii grow even more helpless
as the years go by"
and you-y0u are to stay and nurse
him and work for him Is that what you
Eean?''
She nodded 'sWhat else could doS''
'fCouldn't he be got into . hospital -
And leave his wife free TO eloPe with
another man" she interrupted, with a
jarrinR laugh
He has beaten and kicked you. Drunk
or sober he i'll used you What duty do
you owe him? You love me, aad could
make you happy Come, dear"
She looked away from him into the
wide. darkening landscape mo, viii
not come There is only me TO look after
him I am young and strong, and what
ever you may say it is ny duty. "
It Is not, - he cried pzSsionately. - You
/ love me ard gave me your promise Did
Z he ever show you any consideration? We're
yCu better treated than his wreeched dogs''
HuShHi she Interrupted sharply
Isn't it hard enough without all thsts
You must go away I know whss have
70 do, and I viii do It -
He leaned toward her and took her
hand Il can't Jet you 60, Mary. You
are mine, and 7 viii not let you go back TO
that brute -
Her fingers tighssned on his Il an
going 20 do it It is hard, but there is
nothing else to be done. Who but can
lock after him, feed him, nurse him9''
He realized, entirely against his will,
I that she was in earnest and no pleading
could turn her. As her fingers Law in his
he felt Wild impulse 60 lift her from the
saddle and carry her away, making her
his and freeing her from her hateful bond
sge-
How viii you Iiveg'' There was a faint
hope that she would let him assist her;
that he might come and work fer her
She sighed That Is the easiest part I
an as strong as a horss- Our land is good
and nearly all cleared Outdoor work
have always liked, and one thinks less IN
the open air In the nighttime one is too
tired TO care what happens broken
heart doesn : matter. A fair allowance OF
sleep is what one longs for most. -
Go, thenr' he said thickIy. 4 under
stand you But love you, and, my God,
it is only because love you that let you
go. Then he kissed her cheek 4 love
you. and you are the best woman on Gods
earth May he help you I can / I'd only
hurt You"
She bent and kissed the hand that was
tight On her wrist. He drew ie away has
tily and roughly "Don'tI Go quickly.
understand you, but love you"
Her breath came IN thick sob Then
she turned hastily, and soon the sound Of
her horses hOofs was lost On the dusty
tEaok--Sydney Bulletin