The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1902-06-11
bands enemy should can for her when
he Law diving Frances thought bitterly,

bands enemy should can for her when
be lay dying Frances thought bitterly,
watching her as she moved slowly
but resolutely across the room, her
hand In Mrs. Winthrop's very warm
and close.
No words passed between them as
they crossed the corridors to John Win
throp's room. Some subtle magne-
tism made known to each the others
heart, without the need Of speech. At
his doorway they paused for an in
slant, for AlecIa was still very weak.
to regain composure, and then quietly
entered the silent room.
The sick mans eyes were closed. but
they opened instantly. resting upon
Alecia's face, and a smile stirred the
white lips. he reached out his hand
falteringly. and she crossed over. TAX
ing 1t In hers, her smile answering his
In spite Of her trembling lips and tear.
full violet eyes. His love for her illum.
ined his face. wan and pallid though
1t was, and broke down all barriers Of
hatred or pride In the presence OF
death.
MY dearestr' he said, family and
slowly. Forgive me. l could not die
without seeing you once more. even
though I know how you scorn me-!
She bent pityipgly above him.
There is no scorn In all my hear" "
she said, sweetly. do not think OF
that any more. Mr.. Winthrop"
The physicians had moved to the
windows out Of hearing. and Mrs.
Winthrop would also have gone away.
but her son reached out his hand.
/ drawing her down upon the bed upon
the other side.
DO not go away" he said. gently.
"You know how love Alecia. mother.
Promise me that nothing shall come
between your friendship for her."
Thee knows" said Mrs. Winthrop.
softly, "how l love her. John"
mo one," said Alicia, still very
sweetly. "could help loving your
mother. Mr.. Winthrop! Need l prom
ise more than that"
John Winthrop smiled. There was
some strange radiance In his face
lifted to hers.
"Such friendship" he said, slowly,
q pause between his words, "is the
height of my desire. Alicia Graham,
living would never have told you OF
my love. knowing so well your scorn.
but, dying, may l not say what 1t has
been to me to know that even unsuc'
cessfully I have loved such woman!
You called me hard and unjust. II
was SO 1t was through mistaken zeal,
and because then you had not come
into my life! Alicia Graham. every
tender chord Of my heart was wakened
and vibrated for you. l love you as
think few men can love.
Doubtless, were 1t not that am
dying, even now you would turn from
me with scorn, as upon that other day
when I dared tell you Of my love.
will not. although I am dying attemp,
to exonerate myself from the charges
Of cruelty maGe against me by you
and your friends. I can see, perhaps,
clearer now. and recognize that must
have seemed very hard to you with
your tender heart! do not know why
should have loved you; seldom saw
you; but for three years your face has
been In my heart to soften my judg.
ment! I struggled against it-for
am proud. too, Alecia-but how can
one crush out love like mine"
He paused, exhausted. but would
not let 60 the soft hand he held. mol
close his eyes for longer than mo.
ment lest he lose sight Of her face. A
quivering. beautiful, tender face. m
deed. for dying eyes to rest upon!
She was struggling with her pride
and the memory Of her hate. and had
not answer for q few moments. Then
her womanhood and gentleness over
powered even this strong barrier. and,
kneeling down beside the bed she laid
both hands over his. an exquisite dush
Of color upon her face, her eyes pur'
pie with the depth Of her tenderness
and pity as she murmured, with soft
distinctness:
John Winthrop. had they longer
kept from me that you were 80 Ill,
you would have never known but that
still hated you. Perhaps I should
still hate you. Sometimes I could al
most hate myself for not doing so. foI
you were very. very cruel and hard
with me when you might have been
kind. Still. in spite Of that. John Win
throp. and In spite Of everything
love you"
The sudden tightening OF bis race
was like the glow Of sunset. The olo
fash deepened in his eyes looking up
to hers. Strength from her slim nm
gers and musical voice seemed to run
along his blood.
"Alecia!' he said.
(To be contl:ued.)