Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1903-04-11
relief to give up and endure physical

discomfort. One morning when she
was convalescent, and resting on o
couch in the sunny sitting-room, the
maid came to say that lady wished
to see her.
II told her you had been i'll, ma'ain,
but she said to say that she wants
most particularly to see you, and
begs you will see her for few mo-
ments, if it will not tire you," said
the maid.
Very well, Jane, bring her in"
listleasly answered the invalid. Those
who loved her never called her plain;
her eyes were beautiful; tho whole
face depended upon the expression,
lighting up with every passing emo
ton; and the daintiness and perfect
neatness of her dress was an added
charm.
Into the room came Young wom-
an, radiant with health and beauty;
with the happiest, sweetest face, bear
ing sunshine with her. Going quickly,
impulsively, to the couch where the
heartstricken woman lay, and Selling
her hand, she said:
"Thank you very much for seeing
me. Will It tire you to talk n few
moments? / am in town for a few
days, and could not bear to 60 home
without seeing Ralph's wife. They
tell me that he is away in the wilds.
l did not send in my name, because
Mrs. Moore perhaps, is strange TO
you, but your husband must have
mentioned Jack Moore and Grace
Girton."
All! little did she know the agony
that last name had caused her! II
see you hesitate; I don't believe he
has mentioned either of us. just
like him, too-the dear old goose
because it was some one else's secret.
So l must begin at the beginning"
Here she stopped and polled up the
pillows, drawing the wraps over the
invalid's feet; wondering the while
if illness alone had brought that
sad look into her face. "You must
know that Ralph was brother Wills
best friend, so they were much ~.
gether, and he was often at our
house; in fact, / came in for some
teasing on his account, and am afraid
I let it pass to screen my own af.
fairs. You see, Jack Moore and ]
had always cared for each other,
but Jack never settled to anything
and father took violent dislike to
him, and forbade him TO come to the
house. lie said he would have moth.
ing to do with a man who could not
prove himself enough of man 10
work for a wife, and make career
for himself. l thought it awfuily
unllind of Daddy, though now l know
he meant it in love for me. was
heartbroken, and one day when Ralph
was waiting for Will, and said some
thing kind, it all came out. was
so afraid that if no one took any in
terest in lack, he would simply drift.
and lose heart to struggle on. l:
was then that your husband proved
what q noble friend man can be. He
sought Jack, whom he had known
but slightly before, kept him with
him a great part of the time, found
out his bent, cheered him-for he is
of a nervous temperament, and
easily discouraged, and, though very
manly, dependent upon sympathy. He
started him in business out west, in-
stilling hope into him, and giving him
an incentive to make a success of his
life. Well, it's long story, but it
all came right at last. Jack is in
a good business, successful beyond
our widest expectations-even Daddy
is satisfed-and we have been mar
ried six months; and, oh! we are 8"
happy, and all thanks to your Ralph.
Though he has been so silent about
out affairs, l soon guessed his secret,
and knew that there had never been
but one little woman in all the world
for him."
Joy came into the heart of the
wife, Joy and shame-that she could
have doubted for moment one so
noble. Strength came, too, and the
woman. no longer listless, sat up on
the couch and drew the girlish crea-
ture close to her. kissing her again and
again. Tears fell, then came nervous
laughter and smiles.
"You are not going now. Off with
that hat and coat! You are going |
TO stay to lunch and see our baby!"
Then came an hour sacred to mother
hood and baby-lovers, and Baby "be-
haved her prettiest," responding TO
the Joy in two sweet faces.
1t was Easter eve when Ralph re-
turned to home sweet with flowers,
and breathing a tender welcome.
Easter morning dawned bright and
fWyN u IL