Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1903-11-26

anu heart and mind a great resolu-
ton. He would succor her himself.
II was a bold thought and he shrunk
aoashed as he contemplated the great
honor 10 which he aspired. But he
never faltered He went to the city
agaln-to the great surprise Of his
SISTER, and sought out the address of
Viola Markham. He was shocked at
the squalor of the third rate hotel
ne did not attempt TO approach the
divinity herself, but learned from the
clerk the name of her physician. To
him Paul went and stated that some
OF Miss Markham's friends had raised
a purse 10 send her to the country
and had arranged with his sister,
Mrs. bingham, at Podgers Corners, TO
keep her as long as might be neces-
sary. He left a ticket for Podgers
Corners and sum Of money with the
physician and asked him to send the
patient, explaining that the friends
preferred 10 remain unknown.
Then Paul went home and arranged
it with his sister, explaining that he
had accidentally met a person desir-
ing to send an invalid to the country
and he had agreed for Mrs. Bingham
to take her for a weekly stipend
Of IS.
So it happened that Viola Mark
ham, pale, thin and haggard from
disease and dissipation, came to
Podgers Corners, wondering who the
"angel" could be, but exceedingly
glad for 'any port in a storm"
Paul met her with carriage, all in
a futter and, while cognizant Of the
great difference between this hollow
eyed, anaemic creature and the lady
of his dreams, attributed il all to her
Illness. Week after week Paul hand
ed his sister the board money for the
actress, telling her it was sent him
from New York. and week after week
the invalid improved. The roundness
came back TO her face and her enact
ated body and the color began TO play
again in the wan cheeks. She never
had known life like that before-so
quiet, so peaceful, so restfuI. Paul
reveled in her presence and the
power of his own ideaIity invested
her with all the attributes Of the
lady Of his dreams. He taught her
many ways TO enjoy the country and |
she told him many wonderful stories
OF stageland.
One day when she felt nearly well |
enough to return TO her work she
pressed him to know from whence |
came the funds for her outing. He |
evaded her and. being a transparent
and she ultra worldly |
wise, she guessed the truth and mar
veled greatly. She had had many adj |
mirers not at all 10th to pay well for
her smiles, but the motives Of this /
country lad. who had
asked nothing, presumed nothing, |
mystifed her. Curious TO know, she
him with the truth and
sought the reason.
With flaming cheeks he suffered
forth an evasion and, being caught in
a lie, told her in honest, manly fash
on the story of his heart Of hearts. Il
It was new story to her and he was
/ new type. From the hot-house life
of sordidness she had known to the
rugged honesty and self-sacrificing
deality Of this simple farmer was a far
each. When he had finished he added
n a manly fashion:
II know / amt fit mate for you,
Mss Markham, but II you would let
ne care for you always it would be
ny only chance of happiness in the
world"
She turned very pale and grave.
you do not realize what my life |
las been-what the stage life is" she j
aid.
IL do not care" he said eagerly, "if {
ou can give il up"
She gazed long and thoughtfully
yer the peaceful meadows to the
7oody hills among which ran the
parking creek she knew so well. She
rev in her lungs fill Of the crisp
ir laden with the scent Of new-mown
ay. She looked into the clear. gray
yes, so full of admiration and awe ,
nd then thought Of the squalid, ill
melting hotels, the stuffy dressing
8bAhns AAAt ltaAhAN anu HhNdtA anu |
ads, the glarish lights, the feverish
the coarse jests. the leer-
ig faces, the feverish pleasures from
cocktails TO headaches, and a great
esire came over her to stay there,
here il was all so peaceful, but she
lust be honest with this honest man.
"But you must know that my life
as not been as these country girls I
he said.
IL only know that you are good and :
eautiful," he burst in. IF did not '
elieve that / should die" |
Then she knew that to disabuse his :
lind would be TO rob him of his own
reams. She pondered for long O
me; then smiling family into his n
lger face, said: il
"If you want me just as am, take II
r." p
Then a great JOY filed Paurs breast c
nd a great wonder filed his mind. Z
alter on great excitement filed :
odgers Corners, for Paul Comstock !.
ad "been and gone and married an :