The age-herald., 1901-02-17
Should She Do VovtM 4Clm?
BY WALTER GREGORY.
N59OCCgeD@9888 8@080RCCOOG8GG07G&G9@8 @sSOCGG8gS&e

credy and solemnly you made that prom ise and how graciously I permitted you to seal and sanctify it with our first kisa. You remember that sweet and holy hour, do you not? That Is the only promise l have ever asked of you--the only one you have ever made me. You have violated that promise tonight. I shall love you' and you alone, so long as l shall i've May God pity me- but I realize that shall never be able to outlive this great love. I feel that I do not care to ever outlive it or overcome it-but marry you I cannot and never willH'
 The poor mans description of his feel ings at that moment Is positively pitiful He brought to bear every concelvaDle ar gument; reasoned with her; appealed, implored and entreated, He insisted that he had taken only one glass of wine, and had only taken 1t while standing in re- sponse to the toast, ITO the Bride Sure ly she would not punish him so fearfuliy for such a little thing! To which she re- piled: Tt was no little thing. when a so-called little thing reveals man or woman's real character, 1t then becomes a very big thing. That Is what leads 10 the wreck and ruin of so many lives" want of appreciation of the great signlr- canoe of little things. The experienced mariner sees a mere speck on the nori- zon to him 1t means an aDproachhg storm But please do not misunderstanu me. I have no fear whatever or your ever drinking immoderately. on, mo- not the least. That Is not what concerns me- it does not influence me at all. nave no fear about that I am intensely sorry now that I ever asked that promise of you-shall regret having done so as long as I live. But your violation of the prom ise has made our marriage impossible 1T it was done thoughtlessly. then you are liable to as thoughtlessly break the mar riage vow you were expecting to take to- morrow. If, upon the other hand II was done deliberately, it Is proof positive that you have no respect for your own most sacred word And whether it was either done thoughtlessly or deliberately, 1t proves conclusively to me that your love for me in no wise equals mine for you Why do you not know that If l had made you a promise, l would have died rather than violate 1t? Oh, no; much as love you I cannot, must not and will not marry youl"
 Next morning she made to Her father and guests the simple statement that, owing to a discovery she had made the previous evening. it would not be well for her to marry MT. - now, or at any other time in the future
 He and his party returned to Colorado. The numerous bridal presents were sent back to the donors. It afforded the gos- sips something to talk about for few days.
 
 More than six years have elapsed. He has forged steadily ahead. and made much money and reputation. He has also become a devout Christian and enthusi- astic worker in the Masters vineyard. He Is 3S years old now, and is even more lovable than when I first found him so charming a companion. His devotion to her is surprisingly beautiful Twice each year he visits her, and always meets with a welcome. His visits and his love are both very dear to her. In the hour of death she will send for him and die more peacefully if her dear little hand Is rest ing in his.
 She has multitude of friends. Many splendid men have laid their hearts and fortunes at her feet during these past six years. To each and every one Of them she has told this same story you are read ing. She tells 1t in her own sweet way, that they may understand why she can not love nor marry any of them. They tell me and others that it only results Tn their loving her more than ever before
 
 Friend this is an absolutely true re- cital of facts, told in as few words as possible. Now, what do you think about that splendid woman? Would not this world be better if there were many such! Is not what she says about the value of little things intensely true? Is not her reasoning irrefutable? And yet she Is only a woman--a creature of flesh and blood even as ourselves; and she loves this man with all of a woman's wonder ful love- She is almost 30 years old now, and her love is no girls passing fancy.
 What should she do with him?
 What will she do with him?
 don't know-do you?