Clarke courier. [volume] (Berryville, Va.) 1869-1997, 1903-01-07

snip hau developed into the passionate
love OF man and woman and the deep
happiness this awakening had brought
to both OF them, How well he remern-
bered his ardent wooing and her sweet
surrender
Ihen the gray eyes grew troubled as
be thought or the "llttle rift within the
Lutte" and the final quarrel and parting
brought about by woman's pride and
mans stubbornness.
That wac Eve years ago. but n
seemed as II he had Just awakened
from a long dream. He had tried so
hard TO forget and until today almost
had convinced himself that he was sue
ceeding but somehow all the old homes
crowded into his heart. and be realized
that they were mastering him in spite
Of himself
Il cannot forget" he said. Il must
see her again and win her forgiveness.
She can not have forgotten the old
days, or she would not have written
this"
There came 10 him n great longing TO
hear her voice. to feel her hand. soft
and cool. on his forehead. as she used
to lay ii long ago when he was tired
or discouraged aud came to her for
sympathy.
He was reused from his reverie by
the entrance Of the Office boy bearing
card
Lady for Miss King, sirr
Bring her in here" be said. without
glancing at the card which the boy
laid on his desk He took il for granted
that the lady was Mrs. White.
Was il fate? Was it chance? Who
knows?
In moment he heard the office boy
return, and he could hear the faint
rustic Of woman's skirt
The shadows had gathered In the
office, and the light was somewhat dim
he looked up and saw her standing
there in the doorway ia her simple
white dress AMI blue ribbons. the
sweet. girlish face just trife more
serious perhaps than OF old. but other
wise unchanged.
he jumped TO his feet and came for
ward. but his back was 10 the light.
and she did not have a good view OF
his face
Has Miss King gone:" she asked
in a low voice, and the old tones
thrilled his very soul
Without answering her question. be
held out both hands
"Bessr'
For moment the woman's self pos
session left her: her lips were colorless.
and the roses in her cheeks turned
from red TO white. That deep strong
voice then had power TO move her after
Eve long years. II was only for a mo-
ment. however. She recovered and
held out her hand.
why. Bert" she said. and her voice
was almost natural this is a pleasant
surprise"
Her tone OF simple friendliness stag
gered him, for be had been quick TO
note the effect his greeting had on her.
but she continued:
When did you come eastfr
six months ago. But tell me about
yourself. Are you living in New
York;
"Oh. no. am only visiting here My
home is still in Omaha. and l am going
back tomorrow. l have been here
three whole weeks and I shall be SO
glad 10 get back"
"Is she perfectly indinerent2" he
asked himself How can she be 50
matter OF fact after all that has passed
between usT'
Once he had held her in his arms,
kissed her forehead and her lips. and
now he did not dare TO even touch her
hand Could he let her go like this?
do you know" he continued desper-
ately. Il have been thinking OF you all
afternoon?"
"Of me?" she questioned in a sur
prised tone.
Yes; have been reading your story.
and He came closer TO her. and his
gray eyes searched hers in silence.
How well she remembered that look
the same look that In the old days had
seemed TO read her very soull His eyes
told her now, as they did then. all that
he would say. much that was other
wise ineXpressible. and her face
flushed crimson. He had been reading
her story into which she had put so
much OF the long ago-their long ago.
What had ii told him?
What do you think of it?" she asked
as carelessly as she could. Harry
makes fun Of my writing and says II
is
Harry he interrupted. his face
pRling.
Yes; my husband. You remember
Harry Rogers"
And then he showed of what he was
made. Yes" he answered quietly.
but l did not know you were mar
ried''
why. l have been married for three
years. If you ever come to Omaha you
will come and see us. won't YOU? Har-
~ would be glad TO renew old asSocia-
tions. and l want you TO see my little
boy. We call him The sweet voice
trembled and hesitated ever SO slightly.
and then she went on with a brave lit
tie smile. we call him-Bertw The last
word was said almost I'm whisper.
and just for one instant her little
gloved hand rested on his. and he no
tced that her lips trembled. lie looked
earnestly into the blue eyes.
Il shall try to come some time" he
said gently as he held her hand for a
moment at parting. "GOodby! God bless
and keep you. little woman The old
name slipped from his lips almost un-
awares.
She smiled and went out into the
gathering dusk.