The Press., 1899-09-14
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%lIIIlillIlIIllilIilillllA 10
"If didn't look as if were trying to
gain some benefit from your umbrella" ;"
he remarked as he CHANGED to meet her
on the church steps after the service,
II would ask to walk home with you.
didn't expect rain when left home,
SO l am unprepared."
However" came her clear reply,
just arch enough to be frank, "if you'll
carry my umbrella and let me turn
my energies to keeping my dress
caught up out of the mud, I'll be very
thankful to you"
They had walked, strangely enough,
lence when a man and woman
passed, like them. under one umbrella,
but, unlike them, the woman was held
snugly close to the mans side as she
clung to his arm. 1t was a pretty
picture of that open freedom which so
undeniably marks congenial man and
wife. whose companionship has rip
ened into frank trust.
AS they passed. Robert Cartwright
said, half thoughtlessly, perhaps:
''They are sensible. If two are trying
to use one umbrella, they are surely to
be commended if they strive to take
up as little room as possible. Even if
it be noon, won't you take my arm?'
"But they are plainly not such-such
strangers as we," she returned. con-
scious that both were treading on dan
gerous ground.
"Are we strangersY' he asked quick
ly, turning his eyes searchingly to her.
The pretty face grew a trife pale
against it's light brown hair. A lump
seemed to climb to her throat. but she
returned bravely, "Yes-that is, well
always be strangers compared with
them"
He stopped for an instant and gazed
fixedly at her till hot flush flew up
from her collar and swept under the
velvet strings Of her dainty brown
bonnet.
"AlwaysY he asked simply.
Eyes. Why. can't you see that they
are married?"
She tried to laugh it away, but
would have been difficult to tell VIII
pair Of lips quivered the mora
which pair of eyes sWaRni
mist as the two sta
both sad, both
tragedy had Qa
stant under
brielle
wen
And SOM
the crueles
| realized that t
| herself. a migf
she would go toN
| memory.
She knew where he waS,
that he had married three yeaN
| that bitter morning in the rain and liz
married a wealthy wife. That was
the reason that she had thrust him
back from her long ago, just because
Of his poverty. Not that it would pain
| her. a thousand times no! Hadn't she
| cried out night after night since thai
starvation with him would be only
| bliss?
But she had known his ambitions
and his capabilities; knew his dreams
| of success, and she realized his ability
to turn the dreams to realities. She was
poor. Would she permit herself tt
| hang a milestone about his neck
| Would she hold him always in the
| depths of poverty by being his wife
and the mother of his needy children
| No; she would hurt his heart before
she would ruin his life.
| Time had proved that she had beer
right His wife was beautiful woman
and her wealth had opened boundles!
| opportunities to him. He had risen
| she had known that he would. Blu
| now that she scarcely was able tt
know herself she would venture int,
his world and see for herself how
happy and prosperous he was.
| So, having spent all but her las
sovereign for her ticket. she steppe.
into Langinham one spring evening
steeling her heart to what might fol
low. The next evening she had walk
ed past his great house and was start
ing back when sudden shower burs
unexpectedly upon her. She gatheret
up her skirts in that particular way s
characteristic of n dainty woman an
was hurrying along when all at one
she was conscious of sharp. childis
How o