The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1903-06-26
By
Helen F.
Huntington.

| WtihHesbcb WHICH HHu fuuue MIN uU-
worthy Of Elenor's love. Even then.
| in the presence OF death IL hurt him to
know that she had once loved him alb
solutely.
| The sleeper felt the presence beside
him, but he did not open his eyes until
Norris had returned TO Elenor, still
leaving the door ajar. so that he heard
her question and the mans answer.
"Will he live longW asked Elenor.
"Not longer than tonight" Norris
told her camly yet not without honest
regret.
Norris. If he should die not knowing
that still cared enough to come to him
at this hour 1t would hurt me as long
as / live"
Would 1t. Elenor" Norris asked
| tonelessly. "Ah, the pity of It! You
still care. even knowing him to be un-
worthy, knowing that he never cared
enough to keep himself from unclean-
ness for your sake"
Don't, Norrisv she implored, in n
voice that brought rush of te'rrs to
the wounded mans eyes.
For few seconds there was no
sound to be heard, then the silence was
broken by woman's sob and n mans
contrite plea for forgiveness.
ut hurts me to know that you still
care" said the low, panied voice Of
Norris
mo, no, Norris. you mistake" she
protested piteously. Il don't care In
that way. But now that he is dying
] cannot forget all that he has been ~
me-"
II understand. You want him TO
know-to comfort his last hour. Elenor.
II / were dying, one word OF love from
you would save me. 1t would bring me
back from the dead"
To Jack, listening hungrily, her love
had never seemed so sweet. 1t seemed
now that nothing in the world could
recompense him for the loss OF that
love which he had so rccklessly squan-
dered with the blind prodigality of In
consequent youth. Yet honor was not
dead within him. All the hcrolsm
prisoner under the dress of worldliness
and self-indulgence rose up to
strengthen his silent VOW of atonemCnt
the resolve To yield TO that other man
the love which was his 10y right of
worth.
Presently Elcnor heard slight move
mcnt in the sickroom and went quickly
10 the door. Norris followed her quiet
ly and took his place beside her while
she leaned over the bed TO look at the
palld face which revived the memory
Of love that needed but an awaken
ing touch TO set IL free. Suddenly
Elenor stopped and taking his face be-
tween her hands kissed his lips.
A great sweetness came into Jacks
face. peace and radiance unspeakable,
which reflected itself in Elenor's tear
less eyes Norris squared his shoulders
against the wall and looked down at
them silently, unseeingly, for II seemed
TO him that tangible things had sud
denly slipped away from him, leaving
him at the brink of nothingness. with
those two looking down at him from
the brink of some far-off haven of
bliss. At last Jacks voice brought
him back to life with n start OF ago.
nized recollection.
Il wanted SO much TO see YOU" he
was saying. very slowly and earnestly.
I'VE were such good friends In the old
days, weren't we. Elenor? l want to
ask n service of you. something that
would not trust to any one else VIII
you write n letter for me before die
to the woman | lovei"
Elenor's head lifted, and her face
grew whittier than before. but the look
| Of tenderness did not fade from her
eyes. Yes. Jack" she answered brave
ly. with an ungovernorable tremor Of
her low voice.
IF | die. l want her TO know what
! she has been TO me. | was never quite
sure about her until-lately. Tell her
how IL is with me. They say there is
always hope TO the very last. and If /
| live"
III you live"' Elenor repeated in Il
strange voice. Jack. shall ask her
to come to you?"
NO. she Is not free to come"
"MarriedY" Elenor whispered
Jack nodded. but | know that she
once loved me. Tell her that If l live
the memory of her love will help me
to become the man she once believed
me TO he and that II will keep me
strong and pure as long as live
There was long silence then Elenor
rose from the seat she had taken beside
him. and at the same time the surgeon
returned. lie put his hand on Jacks
wrist and smiled.
Good he approved. You're doing
well. Picked up tremendously during
the last half hour. Nothing much TO
worry about now but the loss Of blood.
think. by the way, tha; these young
people had better leave you for ;he
present. because ! want you to put in