The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1899-08-17
The Beauty OF Love.

NA~SoAA0
marches. and now lay within two miles
Of the dervish camp. Two offscers stood
together. talking In low whispers. tor It
was OF the utmost Importance that the
enemy should be taken by surprise. and
the orders to silence were strict.
Buck up, old chap: you'll come through
all right. And IL not. what does 1t amount
ITO You've got no women folk to bother
about"
mo. thank heaven! 1t Is In times like
this that one is glad never 70 have mar
ried-like poor old Harcourt."
why poor9'
II was thinking Of his wife. shouldn't
care to be tied to an upgIy woman my
SELF
That's all rot. Hamilton" retorted the
other. II don't believe II matters row
Of pins, so long. oc uorse, as she isn't
repulsive or underlined
Think so?''
Eyes. The most unlikely women some
times attract most
The sun had risen.
A field hospital at the front Is not .
pleasant place, neither can 1t be described
In cold black and white.
Now, Hamilton, let's see," said Sur
geon Major Murphy, approaching an Of
who had so lain half an hour at least
The doctor looked his patient over, gave
low whistle, and beckoned to one CT
the orderlies, who at that moment turned
his head.
Look, see, Dawlzins, here's bad easel
He must go back to the hospital"
Lieutenant Hamilton had been totally
blinded by the explosion Of a shell In an
earthwork as, well In front. he was lead
ing his company. He was sent to the
rear-to hospital-and Sister May was
given charge OF him.
He had not much pain, only he was
blind. Treatment appeared to have no eff
feet on this; 1t seemed likely to be
long business. The days began to hang
heavily. Then came the old story, Love
in idleness.''
So It was that by easy stages they drift
ed into that strange attraction which the
world calls '1ove."
And her one fear was that some day
he might see again.
She prayed against that possibility, for
In her own eyes she was plain-nay, ugly
past redemption.
A week later Hamilton left the hospital
for Graefarth, full Of hope The night pre-
vious to his departure they came to an
indefinite understanding. and though she
would not give an unqualified answer 10
his pleadings, she had not the courage
to stop him altogether. In recklessness
she allowed herself to drink In the sweets
of his passionate words; they would, at
any rate, be a lifelong remembrance, even
though on his return he should cast her
of.
The operation was successful beyond his
~ 4, 4.
ing back to his love-eyes shaded, it Is
true, but with the certainty that in a
short time his sight would be fully re-
stored.
81 want to see Miss tombstone" ne said
to the orderly at the hospital entrance.
Miss tombstone, sir? which,"
''Why, the nurse
Eyes, sir; but there are two Of them"
''Well-er-she's very good-looking.
did not know there were two"
20. yes, sir; there's two. But know
the one you mean, now"
And he was shown into the waiting
room.
Gentleman wants me? Who can
IT,"
Then the door opened. He started for
ward.
my love-" ne whispered 'T know you
we're beautiful. have come back to
claim you
stop, sirP' said Kate. regaining her
senses. "You must be Hamilton
"Yes," he answered, amazed, releasing |
her.
This frivolous little voice was not that |
Of his love. This overturned hair, these |
shallow eyes were not beautiful at the |
second glance. What had he done?
Are you not Miss Johnstone?"
Eyes. Kate Johnstone.'
"Kate? And Is your sister,"
Cousin
us she not here?
Yes" said Kate. with a smile. '-Stay |
here. will fetch her"
''Why, May, you there?" she whispered, |
hiding her at the threshold, and wonder
ng II she had seen or heard. Here is
Mr.. Hamilton. Comet"
'fNo. neverl 1 will never see him!' she
,anted between her heart beats.
"Nonsensei He has come back on pur-
Jose for you, and his eyes are all right"
Eyes, and he expects to see a pretty
,irl like you" retorted May, bitterly.
Look here, May, don't be a fool! Go
n; he is waiting"
But Hamilton had already grown impa-
lent. The door opened. and he saw them
10Th.
Here she Is" said Kate.
"Ah," he said.
Sister May looked down, trembling.
Are you May tombstone. my dear
Iurse?" he asked, his voice full Of ten
erness and love
Yes" she whispered.
Kate had disappeared. They were alone
My darling, have come for you," he
aid
"But-you can see now"
She looked up recklessly, and their eyes
net.
Yes, thank God; can see my lover
Then she surrendered herself-waverly
fagaZine.