The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1902-04-16
The Globes Daily Short Story

warning him Of what nc might expect
Auntie, Whispered the girl, touching
the woman gently
AT once the bride turned. Elizabeth.
my dear this is my fiance. We were to
nave been married twenty-five years ago
today. But he has only just come for me.
inns IS Charles Grayson, Elizabeth.
There was great pride in the quavering
voice.
But at the mention Of his name the
man reeled, his senses stunned. What
old 1t mean? Who was this woman?
VINO was that other, the man of his
name, who had wrcpged her so crueJIv2
The girl watched him curiousIy.
1T was I'm unkind letter. wasn't II
| dear she held UP the paper. II have
gust been reading it again"
Inc man clenchCI his fists. Let me
see it-again." he gasped.
She gave 1t to him, at the same time
craving herself frcm his arms. Grayson
opened the paper. sick with dread If be
gan abruptly Il am doing a dastardIy
thlhS yet l should be more Of a coward
II stayed. Do not judge me more harsh
~ than you can help L am to be mar
RED today TO the woman whom for
years, | have loved. Loved madIy. loved
| win all my soul. She is penrilass-so am
yet nave more courage in facing life
with her whom | adore than i'm coming to
you VINO would make my life EASY with
luxury. Am | not right in going before \
commit q greater crime against Won than
l have already done? -"C,har1ee
rather: Father" Inoaned the man.
HOW could you?" A spasm Of pain ran
through him. For a brief second mis-
| anger rose hot against his father Ert
the woman claimed him again instantly.
Don't grieVe,' she began her yofc,
weak and trembling. The radiance roo
was leaving her face. The sorrow ls
past" "
Yes he groaned, but does that make
up Ior the suffering that has been?"
You are so little changed" she sait
| hrally and I am so different Rut Won,
VIII care for me just the same, dear.
won you? Just the same?"
lie might have answered in a dozen
ol1erent ways What he said was. NV
whole life shall be devoted to you. from
now until-death." His voice shook III
was profoundly moved. And the girl aaz
ing at them could not understand What
mystery was there about this man who
! locked twenty, but must be at least
| fifty?
! This is the wedding gift I spoke Of. IL
/ Is all my property willed Internationally
! to you for life; afterward it goes to YOUR
| heirs. l did it long ago to show my
| faith
The last word faItered, for a great
faintness was creeping over the woman.
| she could no longer stand unsupported by
| Graysons arms. The twenty-five years Of
| waiting had done their work
From now on she was a little light
! headed, talking continually bit bv bit
! the extent Of the mental anguish she had
endured came out. She never chided.
never once cOmplained but the man was
not deceived. All she asked now was his
! care and love and presence, and Grayson
| gave what he contemplating his fathers
wrong.
He sat through the night holding those
! poor, thin hands in his making his
fathers peace.
! Toward morning everything fen sudden
ly silent The woman reused herself from
I a half stupor, murmuring. II am very
! cold. Hold me closer Charles" She lad
| lest all idea of time. imagining herself
a girl once more. After a little she spoke
again:
You are here, dearest? Really here.
near ne?"
For answer the man picked the fragile
body up in his strong arms. holding her
tight against his breast. With content
ed sigh her eyes fell shut. Elizabeth,
sitting apart. dozed from sheer weari-
/ ness ofwatching About o'clock Grayson
! spoke across the room:
"She is unconscious. I DO not believe
your aunt will live long"
Elizabeth came closer.
The doctor shook his head. There IS
no hope" he said.
| A little later she opened her eyes They
were bright with the clearness Of re-
newed youth. She looked up into the
| mans face.
! MY beloved
| Grayson bent. He leaned down and
| kissed her full upon the lips A thrill
| swept through her. A second later a faint
| rattle sounded in her throat, but the
smile of divine happiness did not fat3
| from her face.