Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1900-12-29


Bring her over at once, then, ana
The sooner the better; perhaps this
viii make the journey easier, SAID
the doctor ar h, laid "a shilling on the
fable auG hreatled Il sigh Of relief.
He had come ready prepared 70 meet
the hundred and one difficulties and OBJ
jections usually put forward in such Il
case, but the convincing arguments
had been all unneedcd, for Molly had
risen to the occasion bravely and had
consented to become an impatient at
the big hospital across the park that
very day. So. his task successfully
accomplished, the doctor turned to
leave the room.
Might it he tonight" 1t was Tim
othy who spoke. "l'll bring her for
certain tonight, but we'd like 70 have
just this one day together first
No bring her at once as ! told You;
Why. tie sooner che is in the sooner
she will he out again, you know; what
objections can you have?
Timothy hcsitated, but glance at
| Mully's thin face and certain eager
usefulness upon IL gave him couarge
It's only this, sir. and ii may seem
POOR sort OF reason to you, but this
is our wedding day, we've never spent
| it apart yet-ani--'
The old voice battered, and the SEN
tence was never finished for the young
man himself inter ruptsd it
Reason. why it's the very best OF
reason. if you had only said so at once!
Bring her tonight then by all mears;
| sood-by till then
Left with bis wife. Timothy seated
himself beside her and patted her hand
rnroula8ingiy.
Hospitals are such fine places.
Moll."
Very fine, dear" and she looked at
him with the smile whose sunshine
| long.
such splendid food and nursing,
| Mol; AMI the rooms. why. I'm only
afraid you'll he looking down on this
poor little place when you come back
To it after bit so we'll and strong;
for it's wonderful how we'll folks 40
get in those hospitals. Mol. quite won.
derful."
Yes, Timothy. so they do. very OF.
ten
Ter lips trembled. but only for mo-
ment Then. with brave attempt ut
| cheeritlInass, she continued
"But Tim. my man. It's getting OIL,
and we're wasting precious time.
shan't we bcsin?"
And drawing nearer still, Timothy
began. 1t vas an old. old custom with
them now. Year after year in the
same simple fashion. though never be-
fore in such room or with SO little to
help the keeping. Formerly the little
anniversary festival had been as
sort of happy duet between them, each
in turn re,iying some sweet old MEN,
Dry or cherished recollection.
Today, however, Timothy had it all
his own way for Molly said little
only lay back and SMILED contentedly
or shook her head gently as the case
demanded. while she listened one more
to the old familiar story that time only
seemed to make more dear,
And Timothy told Of the happy
counting days. happy though wise folks
had shaken their heads and had au-
Cured i'll OF this foolish marriage OF
a certain April morning when 3 dull
old London church had seemed 80 still
aud sOleInn. anUd yet so strangely
bright: OF the friends and he named
them one by ono who had collected
at her home near by TO wish them
we'll; and at last OF that real home
coming, the settling down in the poor
little attic rooms which his love and
thought had made SO sweet AMI snug
and cosey.
And the violets." she put in quick
ly. don't forget the violets, Tim
potatoes. fried potatoes-and | don't
"Ay the violets. | pinned them on
myself didn't |? The sweetest breast
knot could mad for the sweetest lass
in all the world TO me-
He paused again and she watched
him keenly. anXicusly,
Yes. Moll.' he resuled presently,
don't let us shirk II. old girl; then
but his voice sounded strange. and she
could barely catch the words, then
came that grand first dinner party OF
oars; you and me for guests. and fish
fried Ash it was. With potatOeS--fried
potatoes and | don't know what be.
sides. and You laughed 50 because ]
couldn't help to cook them, do you
remember, Moll? DO you remembar"'
and throwing back his head Timothy
burst suddenly into a laugh 50 strange
and wild that it wellnish tore poor
Molly's heart in two. Then. as sud
denly ceasing he buried his faca in his
hands and sobbcd as though his heart
must break. while the quiet tears ran
down her old cheeks too. and what
could she say TO comfort him?
For nine and thirty years that little
annivcrsar! feast had been celebrated
so worthily. every item Of that happy
first meal together repeated, and now
"Oh, my Mol. my Noll." he sobDed
you must go without it today. I've
no money left, not even penny; poor
girl, my poor, old girl
She dared not trust herself to speak,
only stroked the gray head softly,
tenderly.
suddenly he raised 1t, and looking
not at her but at the doctors shilling,
he pointed eagerly to IT,
"Moll."
But she shook her head sadly.
lit Was for the cab, Tim. There Is
neither train nor bus to help me, and
| | must go in, YOU know"
He sat still one, more lost In
thought. Then jumping up excitedly
he stood before her and spoke fast and
eagerly.
| MOL! think. You know the park,
| quite near? Could You with my arm,
my strong arm. dear, could you walk
| 10 its Gates? You could? Then listen,
| Mol; Iii carry you through, it's not
far. and then. why then, It's but step