The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1897-08-31

ago, when he fret built that cottage
that's what you ought to have done.
I couldn't have spared you very we'll,
but I'd never have stood in the way Of
your happiness"
Sal did not answer; she could not.
All her sacrifces-all her love-hed
ended in this-desartion on one side,
reprOaChes on the other. She held up
a trembling hand to stay further words,
and then left the room, to bear her
grief alone.
After that day it became an under
stood thing that Jack Pretty's name
vas not to be mentioned III the Mason
household. Sal lived her life in sweet
patience-her fathers assistant, her
brothers. counsellor and friend. AS the
days went on che changed somewhat,
her girliahness giving place to a noble
womanhood; but her face was still
young, Notwithstanding it's look Of suf
fering.
she never married, for her heart was
true to the old love. But one by enc
her brothers left the farm and foun,
ded homes of their own, until she and
her father were left alone.
One night, possessed by a spirit Of
restlessness, she walked down to the
gate where che parted for the last time
from Jack. Why did he seem 80 near
here Why did she feel q new sensa-
o OF pity for him8 Busy with sad
memories, she had not listened to the
conversation of a neighbOr who was
sitting on the porch retailing the latest
gossip to her father; but all at once
she caught her breath as she heard the
words
They cay Jack Pretty, who has been
so long away, has come back. He got
hurt in a railroad accident recently,
and can't get we'll, they say. After all
his wanderings, he comes back as poor
as a church mouse. It comes harG on
Mis- Pretty, poor old soul, to have TO
nurse him along, when she is down
most Of the time with rheumatic her-
self"
Jean heard no more. Jack was at
home-not the strong, manly Jack who
left her a year " more ago, but a poor,
MANNED, dying man.
Jack has come back! Jack he's
come backl" she kept saying over and
over again. Her whole being seemed
transformed, and, not stopping to don
her wraps, she started down the lane
towards the cottage of Mrs. PretSy's.
They needed her there, this poor
widow and her unfortunate son, and
che whose first thought had eve been
the duty she owed TO others would not
evade it now. What mattered the
wrong she endured in the paste All
was forgotten, ave that 6 suffering fel
low creature needed her service.
In q few minutes she had reached
the house. She opened the door and
entered the kitchen, where Mrs. Pretty
bent YEARLY over a hot fire,
Il have come to help you to take
care of Jack" che said.
The sad mother understood, and
without a word led her to the room
where Jack lay tossing indelirium.
"SalI Sail" he called, will you not
forgive me2 Il was ell a misteke-I
knew not what I did, Come back, Sal
Oh, Sail Sail"
The two women looked into each
others eyes.
He has been like this ever since he
came home, " the elder said.
Then Sal few to the bedside and
flung her arms about the sick man.
81 am here, Jack" she whispered.
His rawlings ceased at once; the light
of reason returned to his eyes. He
lifted a feeble hand and caressingly
stroked her cheek.
'Sall" he cried in glad tones, then
added, kiss me, dear" And she
kissed him while the tears fell on the
poor scared face, which was as dear to
her now as ever
There was no question of forgiveness
no reference to that night which
must aver remain in their memory, no
doubt, of the love that should at last
be Satisfied. He had sinned and she
had forgiven him-that was all.
The great happiness that came to
Jack was his potent medicine, bring
ing back health and strength, and aided
by the loving care of S he became al
most his Old self.
CHAPTER III.
CALLS WELL THAT ENDS WELL