Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1899-11-02

Z age he supported her with all tn
:. powers of his increasing manhood ant
u before hes death had made the hom'
their own. In later years Mother
!. Gray was rewarded by a release from
: responsibility. She had no duties ex
e cert the pleasure of being mistress
e Of Joseph's home and of filing the ac
] customed place in church. Her liber
atty in service compensated the mea
J ger allowance of her earlier widow
. hood Those who looked upon her
: face for the last time, as it lay
wreathed in smile OF perfect rest
and peace, knew that her Jewel" had
proved its worth.
Toward the close of Miss Carney's
vacation reception was given in
honor of a young pastor, who brought
home a bride to assist him in the
charge of his flock. The happy couple
stood amid profusion of flowers and
received host of congratulations.
None was more valued than those Of
Miss Carney. This modest guest re-
ally shared the honor of the occasion,
for as she moved about greeting the
friends of "auld lang syne," she car
ried with her a benediction from each
one.
Among others to be greeted was the
class rival, Joseph Gray.
"How formally we exchange saluta-
tions tonight, Mr.. Gray" she said.
"Your face takes me back to time
when ] could call you Joseph
"And Katherinel" he answered,
scacrely able to control the throb his
voice contained. 1t was the realiza-
ton of his fondest dreams to be re-
ceived with such informally and ease.
"This occasion, is indeed, happy
one," continued Miss Carney, utterly
unconscious of the emotion her pres
ence was creating. Il hope | shall
not be denied the privilege Of assist
ing in such celebration for you."
Mr.. Gray laughed heartily. Since
you have made the suggestion, Miss
Carney, | will confess that no one
could be further from such an event.
Although | am not pessimist, who
believes all marriages failure, l have
never looked forward to it as my lot"
"That is an unfortunate conclusion"
said Miss Carney, with one OF her con-
fiding glances. "You are cheating
some girl out of pleasant home"
"For which she has not the least
ambition, much to my regret" replied
Mr.. Gray.
II do not understand
"You may think it presumptuous
for me to explain" he continued; but
you have my respect and | should like
to submit my case to you. Once upon
time"
How very literary you are" inter-
rupted Miss Carney.
"Well, it was a long time ago, was
in love with the sweetest girl in the
world"
IN your eyes, you must add, of
course"
mo. The public would bear me out
If appealed to; but we will not take
time to call jury. As said, | was
in love with the sweetest girl in the
world; but this little queen was too
far my superior for me to dare show
any affection. As you doubtless re-
member, | was poor boy, ugly and
awkward. l had nothing to offer but
my loye!"
what more should she ask?" broke
in Miss Carney again. Have you not
read the poets lines-"Oh, beloved, it
is plain | am not of thy worth, nor
for thy place, and yet, because | love
You, | obtain from that same love this
grace-to live on still in
love-"
"The lines are new to me, Miss
Carney; but you must hear the test
of my story before you reach your
Time separated me from
my idol. She won favor in high cir
Giles. All there was for me to do l
have done. | have striven to make
myself worthy of her."
From what | have heard of your
fortune, / should say that you had
little reason to hesitate so long. You
must remember that woman wears
out in waiting
"Again you conclude too hastily.
You seem to have comprehended that
3 lack Of courage has kept me from
revealing my love. You see / am still
Faint heart ne'er won fair lady,"
aptly replied Miss Carney. Let me
advise you to declare your love-"
"'Then allow me to follow your ad.
vice at once. Katherine, you were the
IDEAL TO my boyish heart. My whole
life has been spent in the attempt to
meet your requirments of man.
May claim you as my queen?
Up to this time Miss Carney had
merely followed him with the inter- !
EST of woman who loves the romans /
tic. Was it any wonder that she stag !
yered? Dared any one ask her to give 4
up her career? Could she exchange !
he homage Of courts for peaceful !
home, even If it were founded on the 9
most precious gift of God to woman- a
lood-the love Of true gentleman? \
She felt keenly the gaze of the man .
before her. 1t was an expression OF y
admiration and hope, mingled with E
,ne of despair.
Katherine, my love, will you not J
answer me?" p
Well might the heart, long since ac-
,ustomed only to expressions Of cold 4
,steem, come nigh to bursting under I
his shower of warmest affectionl Yet
she dare not show her confusion. 7