Hutchinson gazette. [volume] (Hutchinson, Kan.) 1895-1902, 1897-11-25

He knew that at that hour Marjorie
would be from home, wandering IN the
fields, perhaps, with her little boy, or
visiting some of her old village friends.
Feeling strong in this hope, he hurried
On toward the Castle.
He found Miss Hetherington alone
She was glad to see him, but rated him
soundly onswhat she termed his neg
lect. \ VIZ
1T is NOT for me to control We If We
dinna wish to come, Johnnie Suther-
land" she said. You're your own
master, and ye can gang your own
gait, but it's Scarcely fair to Marjorie.
She's lonesome, poor lassie, and she
takes It i'll that We come SO seldom"
miss Hetherington," returned Suth-
erland, II stayed away not because
wished, but because l took too much
pleasure in coming. l love Marjorie.
I've loved her ever since was a lad
and 1 shall love her till die.
couldn't come before, knowing she had
husband; but it's for you to say now
whether may come in or not"
"For me? What do you mean, john
ME Sutherland"
For answer he put both the letter
and paper in her hand, and bade her
read. She did read; eagerly at tirst'
but as she proceeded her hand trem-
bled, the tears streamed from her eyes
and the paper fell from her grasp.
God forgive mew she cried; Its
an evil thing to rejoice at the death
of fellow-creature, yet l Gamma but
rejoice. He broke the heart of my poor
BARN, and he tried to crush down me,
but Heaven be praised! we are both
free now. Johnnie Sutherland, you say
that you love her? Weel, I'm glad.
You're good lad. Comfort her if you
can. and may God bless We both"
That very night Marjorie learned the
news from Miss Hetherington. The old
lady told it with ring of joy in her
voice, but Marjorie listened with
shudder. After all, the man was her
husband. Despite his cruelty, she had
once almost loved him; and, though she
could not mourn him as a widow
should, she tried to respect the dead
But it was only for a while; then the
cloud lifted, and she almost thanked
God that she was free.
Sutherland now became constant
visitor at the Castle, and sometimes 1t
seemed to him and to Marjorie also
that their early days had returned; the
same, yet not the same, for the old
Castle looked bright and genial now,
and it was, moreover, presided over by
Z bright, genial mistress.
Things could not last thus forever.
Marjorie knew it; and one evening she
was awakened from her strange dream.
She had been out during the afternoon
with her little boy, and as they were
walking back toward the Castle they
were joined by Sutherland. For time
the three remained walking together,
little Leon clinging on to Sutherland's
hand; but after a while the child ran
on to pluck some flowers, and left the
two together.
How he loves your said Marjorie,
noting the childs backward glance; 81
don't think he will ever forget the ride
you gave him on the roundabouts at
the Champs Elysees--you were very
kind to him; you were very kind to us
both"
She paused, but he said nothing;
presently she raised her eyes, and she
saw that he was looking fixedly at her.
She blushed and turned her head aside,
but he gained possession of her hand.
Marjorie" he said, you know why
was kind to you, do you not? 1t was
because loved you, Marjorie. love
you now-I shall always love you; tell
me, will you some day be my wife?"
The word was spoken, either for good
or evil, and he stood like man await
ing his death sentence. For time she
did not answer; when she turned her
face toward him it was quite calm.
Have you thought well?" she said.
~ am not what l was I am almost
4 an old woman now, and there is my
boy"
Let him be my boy, Marjorie; do not
say MOI"
She turned toward him and put both
her hands in his.
81 say Yes" she answered, with
all my heart, but not yet-not yetp'
Later on that evening, when little
Leon lay peacefully sleeping in his cot,
and Miss Hetherington was doing in
her easy-chair, Marjorie, creeping from
the house, walked in the Castle grounds
to- think over her new-found happiness
alone. Was It all real, she asked her
self, or only dream? Could 1t be true
that she. after all her troubles, would
find so much peace? 1t seemed strange,
yet 1t must be true. Yes, she was free
at last.