River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1897-06-24

determined upon carrying miniature
of Hugh possessed TO an artist knew
well. and ask his assistance in trans
ferring the likeness and painting por-
trait Perhaps thought as my work II
might soften her heart toward me. So
the next morning ! started out, and, to
my inexpressible delight, | found my
desire easible, and received the artists
permission TO use his studio for four
hours each day-the hours knew Hugh
would he away from home. 1t was not
long ere saw that Mrs. Phillips
watched my coming and going with sus-
picious eyes, but /, picturing her
shamed look of surprise when she found
nv mission, went silently on my way
until the picture vas almost completed
and had received the artists congratu-
I.tion upon ms success, when, entering
the house flushed and happy, | over
heard her voice in the library address,
ing my husband:
-Four hours every day, Hugh, she is
absent. What can be her purpose? 1
told you when you brought young,
giddy thing into this house you would
regret it. 1t is your duty to see where
she goes and what she does"
1T is nc mans duty to watch his
wife, mother Hugh replied "In Helen
! place implicit trust. and should | ask
her her errand. have no fear TO listen to
her answer
But / could hear no more, as. with
flashing ewes and head erect, entered
the ROOM
Since | entered this house six months
ago happy bride, joyous girl, have
met, madam, at your hands, with in
suits and scorn, which L have suffered
in silence. As my reward you now try
to take from me the last thing left me
my husbands confidence. What my
mission has been you shall know to-
morrow. Accept it as my gift-the gift
of an injured woman TO a cruel injustice.
Hugh" turning to my husband) 1.-THE
same house no longer can hold us two.
Choose between u.s." and turned and
left the room.
My husband, following, strove to calm
me, but in vain.
Il will not i've with your mother" L
Ediu- II Abu hAhSA hHNN AiNA SAs'iN ; SAA
home l will go"
Darling, cannot ask her TO leave it
when old age is creeping upon her. She
does not know you yet. Wait! Have
patience yet a little longer, and you
will find your way into her heart, and
once there, you will know how really
warm il is. which she conceals beneath
a cold exterior"
lie has chosen between US. He will
not give her up" With this thought
Rugged 10 my heart for comfort, | saw
him leave me next morning with an
anxious frown upon his brow, and ],
quickly gathering together a few
things, called carriage and was driven
rapidly to the depot from which | had
determined to take he first outgoing
train. My plans were all formed.
would 90 to the house of my old nurse,
who would care for me in my coming
trouble, and if died there would be
none to regret me, since even Hugh had
given me up.
My babe, my Lonny childi" Oh, how
the words of motherly greeting fell OH
my heart as she clasped me in her arms
when / aligh' ed AZ her door. and told
her in broken words as much of my
story rs thought necessary. Iiut as the
weeks grew into months. and | spent
long, busy hours in fashioning the tiny
garments the little stranger coming was
TO fill. softer memories began to creep
into my heart. and dim wonder as to
whether ! had let my pride gain too
much ascendancy. and If Hugh really
had given up his mother for my sake,
could still have loved him so we'll? So.
drop by drop. the gentle dew of repent
ance fell on my heart. and tear after
tear upon my work. until there came a
day when all Was duue-a day when
child's cry broke fOran instant upon my
ear as il sound from IIe..,en had
reached me. and then darkness closed
round. and knew no more.
In the anxious time which followed
was aware of some one near me with
Hugh's ewes, some one with Hughs
voice, and | would try TO catch and bid
ii stay. but in vain. until one morning
the mists cleared up. and ! opened my
eyes to see his dear face bending over
me. but he sealed my lips with kisses.
as he murmured:
Not word. my darling. We can
not expect wOman's wisdom from a
child. but our little mother must grow
wise now for her baby's sake"
Then. with n happy. dreaming smile.
[ fell asleep again. his hand clasped
close in mine. When | was stronger he
told me how he never had lost sight of
me. but thought it best to let my own
better self work out he end, and when
he whispere1: There is some one,
Helen. waiting TO see you-some one
who said no one could take care of baby
as she could. May she come in?"
gave glad assent; and when. a few
moments later. sv Get. motherly face
bent over mine-a face from which all
the hard lines seemed forever fed. as
her arms clasped close . sleeping in
FAINT. and her gentle voice whispered:
My daughter" in my ear, could only
clasp mE arms around them both and
answer; "Mother!"-N. Y. Ledger