The Chipley banner. (Chipley, Washington County, Fla.) 1893-1943, 1897-07-31
CHAPTER XIV.
pAcHHL's CONFESSION


stronger he would ask her to slng o
talk to him, and then would she tell hiI
again and again OF the bitter regret an
remorse which had filled those tire
long miserable weeks .
@How cruel was, he whispered. =,
did not know what was saying.
could never reproach you. You hav
done more for me than can ever speal
OF. Always my true, loyal wife. Al
ways making sacrifices for me. 1t wa
such dear, tender heart that longe'
for Just tender spot in 1t. -
"A very proud heart" she corrected
gently.
only sometimes. And had 1t been {
thousand times more proud I should for
get 1t all In the Joy OF possessing 1t a
last"
you have possessed 1t all the time, "
she confessed, burying her face from his
glance. 1T has been yours since we
were together at S'conset, Brian. did
not realize II myself, but now / know,
and am glad OF the suffering that taught
me-"
'Ah, darling, that ! have been SO
blind. When you married me /
thought"
"Yes, Brian, so did I think. My sense
Of Justice felt outraged by uncle Ste
phen's will, and l persuaded myself
that was marrying you to make amends
Tor that, and all the while my love for
you was pleading 80 much more elo-
uuently than my love OF justice. have
fept IL back SO long wish you to know
ali the truth now"
His eyes filled with an inexpress ible
low. as he lovingly stroked her bowed
head.
Rachel has made her confession at
last" he said, softly. and Jacob would
willingly live over his sufferings again
sor the pleasure OF hearing such sweet
words. He Is very happy now, for he
feels that this is his true wedding day,
and his life lies before him."
| August was nearly gone, and he was
only able to sit In his chair and allow
her to wait upon him.
They were together SO one morning
when a messenger arrived from The
Cedars with note for Margaret. She
read it hastily. and, with radiant face
and the words II am so glad" handed
It to Brian.
"Gcod news" he said, taking it from
her hand and reading the words aloud:
Another BERTHE came somewhat I'M
expectedly with the sun this morning.
Alice hopes you will pay your immedi-
ate respects to his lordship.
"BERTIE, SR."
BERTHE is evidently in the fifth heaven
OF delight" commented Brian. Garry
my congratulations, Margaret. sup
pose you are going" ..
Margaret, OF course, fell in love with
the tiny bit OF humanity, and fully
agreed with Alice that Cuthbert Barton
Junior was O very finc-looking young
man. She even fancled she discovered
a likeness to BERTHE, though not a par
ticularly striking one, as she told Brian
asterward.
September came In very cool and the
invigorating air seemed to infuse new
life into Brian veins.
You will not be able to impose upon
me much longer, he said to Margaret,
one morning. "Tll be strong enough to
rebel against your tyranny soon."
AS soon as you like, Brian" she an.
swered, looking up from the roses she
had placed on the table beside him. Il
think I've played nurse long enough.
II you do not get well very soon you
will grow SO fat and lazy that I'll never
be able to get you out OF that chair"
He looked up into the face, which
had never seemed more sweet and low.
able. and catching her hand held it o
prisoner within his own.
Never mind" he said, wait until l
am out OF this for good. Then l mean
to take my dear little nurse In hand
and make her fat and lazy, too. /
want to see some roses In her white
cheeks"
"Idon't think you will ever be able to
coax them there, Brian. 1t is not their
element, but the nurse feels that she
desires some petting and 'coddling; she
has given you so much. What can she
do for you now' Read?"
.No, my dear; talk. I am q great
trial, am / not?"
-Oh. yes. a dreadful trial." she re.
turned with half smile. But" she
added softly, Il could never do without
my trial." .-..
He caught her hand as she uttered the
last words and drew her INTERESTINGLY
to his knee.
Then came a sharp and unexpec ted
interruption, In Bertie's voice:
Hello, therel I don't want to dis.
turb such interesting proc edings, but ]
would like to know how soon the public
may be admitted. Such civilities-"
You are extremely impudent," cried
Margaret, starting to her feet with q
brilliant blush. IF you do not learn
better manners I shall drop your &C.
quaintance."
please don't, ma am, ! need your pro.
lection sadly. My respected father has
just sent me from his presence with a
parting injunction to visit q certain
gentleman who Is credited with warn
quarters. ! preferred coming here
And, by the way, Brian, I've been com
missioned to inform you that you hay,
been indulglng your iasiness lon,
enough, and, therefore, you are expect
cd 70 pay your respects at The Cedar
Tell Margaret to come and bring he
husband along were the words OF m
venerable father. So, Margaret. pleas
DO as you are bid"
Il wish you could be more dipnif,e
Berthe. For husband and a faith
you are sadly wanting In that quality
For answer, BERTHE laughed. .Ho
are you, old fellowf" he asked, taLi,
Brian's hand. Able to assert yo
authority"
sSot quite. I've Just been warni
Margaret that the tine is not far i