Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1903-03-17
help you? Marry me tomorrow, and /
will ea,.a f,,.. 49,, ,,~.4,, ;,

help you? Marry me tomorrow, and /
will care for you both
No. nor she exclaimed passionate
~. 1t has been his dream to go there.
DR.. Byrne. II you love me as you say
1 you do help me to get work anything
that is honest"
| The man sighed and turned away.
He realized that he had no place in her
heart CT thoughts. When he faced her
again, his voice was calm and even.
Il think it can be arranged. Mrs.
Gallagher needs some one to help her
with the girls. You know her husband
holds an Interest in the Ten Strike.
and she wants 10 take the girls east,
then abroad. They are wild as In
dams, and she has the sense to know
they need training down. Do you
think
Jim Gallagher owned the largest sa-
loon and dance hail in Fort Simpson.
Anita's face flushed, then paled.
Thank you. | viii try it,
Two days later she was installed as
goyerness III the noisy Gallagher house
hold, with the privilege of going home
at night. She was TO teach the girls
how to walk and talk and dress. Mrs.
Gallagher considered the last accom-.
plishment most important She soon
became extravagantly fond of Anita
and would have loaded her with pres
ents, but the girl proudly declined ev.
erything except her salary.
So the winter crept into the tender
outstretched arms of spring, and Ami
ta's bank account grew. She had
leased the horses to a wood hauler.
and she had sewed nights. She was
too busy even to note the gradual
change in her father. He seemed con-
tent and quiet each evening when she
came home. and she little guessed
whose hand ministered to him during
the day
The Gallaghers were departing for
the east. Anita was at the depot to
see them off. The girls no longer shut
fed when they walked, and they I'M
derstood the use of knives and forks.
Mrs. Gallagher surveyed their neat
travelling frocks with pardonable pride.
Then she slipped an envelope into AMI
Ia s. hand.
Sure, you've done wonders by me
gyurls, an it's that I've been tryin' to |
tell You in the letther."
When the train pulled out, Anita |
opened the envelope. 1t contained no |
word of writing, just crisp banknote |
that fairly took her breath. And her
salary had been paid in full Anita |
walked home on air. They would start |
for La Junta on the morrow.
In the doorway stood DIR. Byrne,
shading his eyes with his hand and
looking up at the everlasting hills. In
her happiness she would have brushed |
by him, but he barred her passage.
Is he sleepingT she inquired. Then
in the Doctors face caught
and held her attention.
What is il? Mono, not thatr' she
cried. "Oh, God. and / have worked
SO hardw
She swayed in the doorway, and DIR.
Byrne, taking her in his arms. led her
gently into the darkened room. His
voice was low and comforting.
1T came SO suddenly, though | have
seen its shadow for weeks, dear. There
was no time TO send for you, and he
eft this word: Tell 'Nita | have
,rossed the Great Divide, but / will
Wait for her on the other side. Be
rood to her. Darling, will you let me
,e good to you? In your great sorrow
lon't try to stand alone"
Without replying she crossed the
DOM, raised the sheet and looked long
md steadily inro her fathers face. On
rested smile of ineffable peace.
The money fell noiselessly to the floor.
t had been earned in vain. Then she
urned and looked into the brown eyes
'ent pityingly upon her.
Harry" she murmured, che does
lot need it-cs me. and-I-am so
ired-" Her head dropped YEARLY up
N his shoulder, and bis arms folded
ovingly around her.