Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1901-02-14

. 9NlSAG i.92;9
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copyright. reeo, by A. N. Kellogg Newspaper Col
Continued from Page 81
self often puts such ordeals in the
way of men to lift them above the
world. If you refuse to receive the
gold when it has come purified from
the fire you deny the wisdom of the
Almighty. Forgive your husband.
He may not live through the night
remember that
Father Surtees ceased speaking.
Blanche lowered her head to the table
again. The priest saw her shudder
several times as if she were trying to
put certain thoughts from her. At
this juncture the door leading into
the room where Goddard lay was soft
ly opened.> 1t was DR.. Randall. He
advanced with avery grave face to
Blanche.
You must pardon me If I am in
truding," he said to her. ."But / must
do my duty. I am obliged to see that
Maj. Goddard is troubled about some
misunderstanding with you. and as his
life is really in great danger, must
appeal to you to ease his mind if it is
possible. All the medical care and skill
in the world cannot save him as long,
as he is in his present excited condi-
ton"
Mrs. Goddard is going 10 him now,"
said the priest, speaking for Blanche.
Yes, let me see him one moment
alone she said, her eyes filing. "I
can set his mind at rest; I can and I
will"
The two men remained standing
where they We're, and she went to
the majors couch. Kneeling, she put
her face against his.
Il am here, dear guardian" she said,
"don't-don't worry!"
"Oh, he has not told you!" Goddard
said, his eyes rowing towards the adj
jacent room.
Yes, he has told me everything,
darling" she answered, strol1ing his
face
"And you can forgive me?' he asked.
"You, oh, my God!'
"Fully, dear; it shall never enter
my head again."
But you must not stay here" he
said, huskily. ''Oh, to think that
am obliged to send you away!
Blanche, this will kill me. But now
that you know the truth, you must
go. God only knows what will be-
come of me, but I deserve even great
er punishment"
II am going to stay, dear guardian.
/ have something to tell you. 1 am
your only lawful wife. / found out
only this afternoon that when you
married her she had husband alive
Henry Dugdale. He was here looking
for her." f.e
She saw him catch his breath. For
Rmoment he lay perfectly still. Then:
"Oh, Blanche, is thisopossible?"
"It is the truth. He told me his
whole story. When you are stronger
] shall tell you all about it, but in the
meantime remember that nothing
shall separate you and me-"
She saw him close his eyes. His fea-
lures began to work convulsiyely.
Tears welled up underrhis eyelids and
oozed out on his cheeks.
1T is the blessing of God," she
heard him murmur. "He has answered
my prayer"
She wiped the tears from his face
and kissed him. Then he opened his
eyes and smiled.
"TEe blessing of God, darling" he
said, in a louder tone.
"Will you not try to get well, now,
for my sake?" Blanche asked.
"Yes, for your sake he said, and
she rose to call the doctor.
This gentleman, when he entered
the room, and looked at his patient.
remarked:
HE stands a fair chance OF pulling
through, Mrs. Goddard, and the credit
will be yours. Now he must Sleep"