The Red Cloud chief., 1898-11-25
MY POOR WIFE.
BY j.. P. SMITH.

BY J. P. SMITH.
CHAPTER VI.-(Continued.)

I've found out the things she cared
for wonst PLACE her no more, that her
eye Is always turned wan way--the
way you come across the mountain;
her a always listenin' for wan
sound--the sound Of yer ~foootstep;
that her thoughts are with you night
an day, sleepin' and wakin'. came
on her yesterday mornin' at daybreak
an found her dramin' on the cliff;
when / touched her she smiled and
whispered the word 'Paul'-that's yer
name. isn't it-Paul? An we've axed
her to call yer by 1t, though 20 did
name no harmv'
The old oma was right; I had
asked her to call me by my Christian
name the day before. / turned away
strangely moved and startled, remorse,
pity, tenderness mingling with a steal
thy glow Of triumph and satisfaction,
offspring Of the meanest, most self
fish vanity, making me ashamed to
meet my inquisitor's scornful search
ing eye.
what do you wish me to do, II this
be true, which I very much doubt?'
I asked, after a painful pause.
There's only wan thing you
do, and that your sense ought to tell
You quick enough. Go away at once
and never come nigh the place again."
eyes," l assented eagerly, 81 will
20 way In a day or two without
tail."
I'm a day or two. No-if ye 60 at
Ill, We must go now--this very night!'
""What, without one word OF fare
well?"
"Without a word"
I'll do nothing Of the kind; you've
svershot the mark, old woman" l said
determinedly, moving away. III l do
20 tonight, I'll see her first and as
sure myself Of the falseness OF your
silly tale, you doting old termagant!'
I added under my breath.
I went quickly back, she follow
ing me slowly. and, on the edge Of
the elf where we had FIRST stood to-
gether. I found Helen motionless look
ing out to sea.
without giving any explanation or
looking her in the face, ! told her,
with a forced heavy briskness, I had
come back to say good-by, as business
of Importance called m to England
on the morrow.
"You are going tomorrow?" she re-
heated, but said not another word. l
stofe O glance at her face; 1t was
deadly pale and still, but otherwise
bore no trace Of stormy feeling.
"It's very unfortunate. but / must
start in the morning. I'll send you
the books I promised and the Illus
trated Atlas as soon as ! get to
town. You will find the latter very
useful for the information you want"
said uneasily-"there's an alphabet
zeal key at the end, you know, and
and I'll leave you my address In case
in case you should want anything.
You know how happy I would be to
help you, and-hear Of your welfare
now and then, Helen"
Still not a word; she did not seem
TO hear me. so I relapsed into silence
too.
"Helen," I resumed desperately.
"haye you-have you nothing to say
to me; IL IN going away tomor-
row."
II have to say goodby, have !
notf" she answered at last, turning
round full upon me. Then let us
say II at once" She put her hands
for q moment into mine. stopped,
picked up Jim and held his little wei
nose to my face. "a friend has come
10 say good-by to you and me. Jim
n very kind friend. Tell him how
sorry you are to lose him. and ask
him not toto forget us too o
An instinct of self-protection urged
me- to hold my tongue. bent my
head over her arm and touched Jim's
little ragged poll gingerly. Our faces
his mistress and mine-were but Q
few inches apart; ! could not resist
the upward glance-lo, before she hat
time to turn away, q great swelling
tear fell from her yelled eyes. ant
what little self-possession I had lef
deserted me altogether. The next sec
ond Helen was in my arms and l wa.
kissing the tears from her crimson
cheeks. telling her not to fret, for
would never leave her now. that sh'
ana Jim and / would go away to
aether and never part again.
Prove yer words, prove yer words
n 70 name fair an honest. Come VI
to the house wild me this minute an
lis az tn ould wan for her straight
She'll give her to ye fast enough. sorri
fear"
NoIly's fiat eager voice broke in up
on my s~weetheart's smothered sobs
her dusty hand pulled US apart ant
finally dragged me up the meadow ant
INTO the presence Of Mrs. Casey. Tn
venerable lady we found In a hanne
wrapper and befrilled night CAP
warming her toes before q bright tur
Ore. a round Of buttered toast and
steaming tumbler Of port negus b,
her side.
CHAPTER VII.
Al -kn NEE l.u lIva n ~