The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1901-06-27

Marie Ragnier bowed gravely and
went out to direct the preparation of
the chicken broth. There was a deli
cate flush on each cheek. and her eyes
were humid with emotion, though one
looking at her would have had trouble
to decide whether it was sorrow or
ioy that lifted her face above Its usual
expression.
Three weeks later the chemist said:
HE will not live week"
"After that he will live always" she
responded.
You are a good woman" said the
chemist. II once knew another Also"
You are unfortunate if you have
known but two," she answered re-
proachfully.
Il have known women who have
broken no law-I have known many
such. But that is little. You have at
tanned to goodness"
You honor me too much" she said
with an accent Of perfect sincerity.
II, who look into my own heart, know
that 1 am making no sacrifice tn-in
caring for this man."
II do not understand"
"You are a man. Only woman
could understand"
She went back to her lodser.
I'm a little while it will be over,' she
said to him gently. THE rapids will
soon be in sight
"Yes!"
II thought that while you were still
strong and clear in your mind 1t might
be we'll to give me your messages-to
whom shall I send word?"
ITO no one. 1 desire an obliteration.
It was because I desired that; because
/ had not done what set out to do;
because I could not reflect upon 9TH
ers the honor they expected, that IL
laid aside the name to which was
born. have worked for the gods, and
they are old and heather. Their eyes,
blinded with much beauty, no longer
behold"
II understand. You should have
worked for God. Then He would have
seen-also men would have loved YOU"
1T is true. I am afraid have not
won the decoration you would bestow
upon me. I am not to be honored,
| mademoiselle Obliteration - oblivion
| -"
II shall always remember you"
"There are those who wish they
might forget me-
II am not Of those"
Il hardly understand. have been
only a burden to YOU"
NO, 40. It is something I could
tcll-only to woman"
| He took one of her hands gently in
his.
| But /, mademoisclle, am no longer
man or woman. The soul has no sex,
and am but spirit. This body-th1s
accident OF flesh, this hindrance to the
best development, this aching matter
which clogs me-will be gone in a few
hours. If you can tell me anything
that proves you to be my friend, let me
hear it for the love of mercy! 1 have
heard no very kind things from a
woman's lips in all my life.'
Marie Ragnier pushed her hair back
from her brow impatiently with both
| her hands, and as she did so she
seemed to brush from that face the in
dications of the passing years. The
| face was essentially feminine. The
eyes were modest, but brilliant; the
throat round, the cheek smoothly
curved, the brow broad and low and
kindly, the hair waving and abundant
Il am not a coward" she said, slow
ly. II am not afraid Of JOY. as many
women are; nor am afraid of truth
1 have lived a lonely life, but that was
my destiny. 1 am patient, but
know that action would have beer
more gallant than this patience"
mo one is more gallant than you
You are a comrade in mans most
desperate hour. Better than that yor
cannot be-
Il will tell you, then. am q woman
without romance"
She paused, and the two were silent
their hands clasped. A cold wind was
shaking the window, and the fire was
ftful.
In little while it will he dusk with
in the room. Then shall tell you bet
ter" whispered Marie Ragnier.
The gusty twilight came, and. thu
room seemed filed with srectres.
Speak said the dying man, "for
have trouble to keep my mind on one
thing This room seems to me to bt
crowded with those who have jceret
at me, who have betrayed me-thost
from whom 1 must conceal this igno
minious end.'
There is one person in this room. 1
is the woman who had no romance
till now"
You mean-?"
THAT from the moment ! saw YOU