Akron daily Democrat. [volume] (Akron, Ohio) 1892-1902, 1900-01-23
LOVES YlCISSITUDES.

I'm going to enjoy myself all I can
for the next t!irec weeks, for after that
l shall have 20 settle down into II nice,
respectable riatron," aud the speaker
drew down her pretty mouth in mock
solemnity.
"That doesn't sound as IL 1t were a
plcasurnble anticipation" observed her
companion.
everything so seriously? or course,
didn't mean it in that way" exclaimed
Edna half impatiently.
They had been engaged for some time,
and the day had been decided upon which
should see them united for life. Edna
Lewis was bright, yivacious girl, with
mischief lurking in her gray eyes. She
loved excitement, while Alvin Hall was
quiet and rather grave.
MAY ] ask" he inquired. what nre
the disspations you are planning for
these three wceksY'
well, there's Laura's party and the
moonlight excursion OF the club and the
circus Is coming next week--you'll take
me to That, won't you, AlvinW
my dear Edna, you know my views
on that subject. do not think it n
proper place for a lady to visit"
IL don't think it's any harm, and I've
set my heart on going"
TO please me you will not 60, Edna"
he said quietly.
"Well. ] shall. Jack Woods offered to
take me, and snid of course you would.
II you won't. III go with him, that's
all" she exclaimed
VERY well; If you choose to disregard
my wishes, ] cannot prevent it." And
with that he bade her goodby.
A week passed. AT tho pnrty Edna
met Jack Woods.
II suppose you and Alvin are going to
the circus?" he remarked casually. Go
ing to be big thing this year"
mo, Alvin isn't going" she replied.
He does not approve of those things"
"Whew! Aren't we good all ut once ?
1t isn't right, though, for him to spoil
your pleasure"
So Edna thought, and when Jack re-
newed his offer Of escort to the forbidden
place she accepted it. Somehow, though,
she did not enjoy the performance much.
and as time went on her lovers manner
.
Those were unhappy days. Edna was
too proud TO show her regret and only
those nearest her. knew that she suffered.
Alvin Hall won't west. and reports came
to her that ne had married and settled
down. 1t was then that Jack asked her
to bc his wifo, and she consented, though
acknowledging that her heart had been
given 10 another. She made him cogy
home, however, and soon three little
ones came to bless It.
But one DAY the change came. Her
husband was brought home insensble,
and the doctor said that paralysis would
prevent him from ever working again.
Then Edua faced the problem brnvcly.
She obtained work AZ u dressmaker and
enrnel enough TO maintain the family.
At length her husband died, and she
was alone with her children. the Oldest
Of whom, "a bright boy OF Is, was EN-
ployed In store. One day he came
home brcathless
Mother" he exclaimed, today two
ladies came in. and one wns asking
whore she could find good dressmaker.
| made hold 20 speak about you. and
she gave me her card aud said would you
please call tomorrow"
~ am glad Of II, Jack" said his moth
er. "for | am not busy lust now"
The next dny found her at the resi-
dence of Mrs. Gleason. Her references
being satisfactory, that lady gave her n
dress TO he finished by the following
Saturday. Edna worked at II early aud
late, aud nt the appointed time she stood
again on the step OF that dwelling SO
different from her own. A gentleman
answered the bell aud invited her inside.
Mrs. Woods. is II notT he asked.
"Aiy sister said that she expected you.
and, MS she was called out, sho wished
You to await her rethrn."
Az he placed chair for her she thank
cd him, but something In her manner
made him observe her closely. Her eyes
wandered from portrait In one corner
| of the room TO the face OF the man be-
fore her. The picture was of young
man with dark, serious eyes and n broad
high forehead. When Edna saw it, she
started and turned white.
| Are you illf" encouraged the gentle
man. He approached her. Good heav.
ensl" he cried, 'Is IL Edna. after all
these yearsW
"lt is strange that we should meet
again here she murmured, trying to
| calm herself.
YES" hc answered. "How have you
Jared since j saw you? Is your--hus
band wellf"
MY husband died Eve years ago." she
said quietly. How are your family"
"They have been tgken from me.
am alone, except for my sister,"
They were silent for little, each oc
cupied with many thoughts.
II have much to ask forgiveness for, ;
he said. "My heart has not changed
through my long absence. Tell me. car
you forgive my arroganeeT
ut was my fault, every bit Of IT," sh,
exclaimed, with something uf her owr
impetuoslty; "but 1 paid the penalty,
she added.