The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1900-09-29

the separation as best she might.
She was one OF those weak, cllnging
little women who. pettcd and spoiled all
their lives, always depend on others In
trouble, and are never capable in any
emergency of thinking or acting for
themselves. So. when the parting came
she gave way utterly, cried her pretty
eyes dim. and declared, with sobs which
shook her slight frame. that the blow
would kill her.
Don't cry so, my darllng." pleaded
poor Tom "Be q brave little woman
for my sake. Remember you are q
soldiers wife, and face trouble with
courage and cheerfulnrss."
81 can't / can't" she sobbcd.
Think Of baby, Maggie" +,
''Bapies only add to ones misery"
she replied.
"Nonsese! She will be comfort to
you. and remind you Of her father"
urged Tom.
'.As II ! would need reminding. As II
you would be out of my thoughts night
or day. sleeping or waking. I shall
miss you every minute of my life" and
the poor child. she hardly seemed more
in spite other twenty-five years, chung
to'her husband and cried as II her
heart would break. NJ,
He begged her to try and bear up and
look forward to the happy time OF his
return with glory and honor. M
TRY to occupy your mind healthily,
dear; take up a study or pursuit, or go
down into the country with baby and
stay With your mother"
Mother would drive me mad with
her fussy sympathy" she answered
pgtulantly. II want to be alone, to
think Of you. my dear one"
..But you mustn't, darling. You'll
only nope. Stay here In town il you
like: It's llvelier; but so about and see
oil the friends you can. Go everywhere,
dear old Dick Is always ready to escort
you. and he loves you like sister. You
can trust him entirely, dear, and he will
come to you at once In any trouble or
difficulty. Promise me to trust Dick!"
She promised. and then the parting
had TO come. and to both It was moro
bitter than death.
He was gone, and Madge lay on the
couch in her dressing room for an hour
in the abandonment OF grief which
she felt that nothing in the world
could soothe. .97
Then spent with weeping she lay
quite still in the dusk. trying to picture
her lie without the tender soiicituds
md loving care of the husband she
adored.
Presently her maid, Bates, crept soft.
~ in with cup of tea, and asked II she
should light the gas,
Madge nodded assent, and, when the
girl had gone reused herself and wen,
to the glass.
What a slght!" she exclaimed, 81
mustn't cry any more, or shall lose
my good looks. and then Tom wont
know me if-when he comes bucki"
Her lips Quivered. but she checked
her tears and bathed her, eyes in cole
water for half an hour, with wonderful
effect. Grief doesn't make the raw.
ages on the young that 1t does on thell
elders;
She took UP the latest novel, but II
failed to interest her. Then she fell tc
turning over the dresses In her ward.
robe-a, to her. always interesting oc.
cupation. In the midst of it Bates re.
turned and handed her card.
"oh, Dlck!" she exclaimed, glancins
at 1t. "Tell Mr.. Denver can see nc
one SO soon-so very soon!"
He said, ma'am, that he knew you'd
sec him. so old and intimate friend OF
the masters. You needn't dress OF
anything, and he's come straight from
seeing the master off, and has mes.
sage for you"
Madge no longer hesltated. With the
1.oman's help she slipped on hand.
some old-sold dressing gown. trimmed
With black Spanish lace, brushed back
her wavy hair, and with last look n,
she toIlet glass. slowly descended the
stairs TO the drawing room.
Young Dauver's tall form rose from
the couch to meet her. and as he took
her hand with tender sympathy and
drew her to the seat beside him, he said
in a tone of brotherIy authority:
II knew you were all alone, and
wanted cheering. Tom gave me my or
ders, and they were strict. I shall obey
them to the letter."
aIadse smiled family and shook her
head
Dick, always the brightest and wit
Hest Of companions. started off, in his
usual rrattling way. with lot OF So
ciety and club gossip. and scandal, such
as Madge's frivolous little soul delight
ed In. and amused her so well that
presently she found herself laughing
heartily.
She checked herself, and then Dick
sco!dcd her.
Such rot" he exclaimed. Dear old
Tom would h. only too glad to hear you
land grateful to me into the bargain.
he wants you to be as jolly as q little
fznd toy-giri ! mean. Now. what form
Of wild dissipation can We indulge In
tonight? The first evening Is always
tte worst: once that's over you'll soon
get used to his Absence. Don't spend 1t
a, home where things remind you. Try
quite new scenes. Let's 80 on. to n
theater. concert, or eaff OF come klnd."
"Oh," protested Madge weakly.