The Kootenai herald. [volume] (Kootenai, Idaho) 1891-1904, 1903-05-29

l couldn't bear to be parted from him
now. But don't you mind?". looking at
him with inward resentment at his in
difference. Wont you be very lonely
, without him?t
1T will be best for the child to be
with you for a time at least / think, as
you are willing to have him. AS you
say, he is not strong enough to stand
any shock, and he would miss you. l
suppose your engagements will necessi-
tate your returning to town soon?"
Eyes, l ought TO have gone before"
flushing at his evidently anxienty to get
rid of her I'VE will go as soon as the
doctor says he can travel" Then as he
was leaving the room, II Should like
to thank you very much for trusting me
for letting me have him."
There is no need. have been think
ing it over and II seems best for the
boy" he answered, as he closed the
door.
"Of course there would be no thought
Of me In it," she said to herself bitter
ly. Il wonder why he hates me so
much now? Once upon a time" the
rose color In her cheeks growing deep
err, Il am sure he cared for me more
than a little In his curious restrained
way"
1t was still early when she went up
stairs to bed but she was tired of her
own company. AS she lit the candles
the boy opened his eyes-he slept in
little bed in her room now-and called
to her.
I'm not a bit sleepy. Come and talk
to me, mother" he said. She sat down
In the low chair and laid her head on his
pillow as he liked to have her.
1--WE got something to tell you. sweet
heart" she said, tucklng one of his
hands under her cheek. What do you
think has happened? You are to come
with me to mothers home. How will
you like that?"
A wise and more prudent mother
would have hesitated to excite the child,
at that hour, but Denise was a creature
of impulse
go away with you and see all the
beautiful things you have told me
about? Do you really mean 1t, mother?
How lovely" springing up In bed with
shining eyes. "And is father coming,
too?"
Father does not want to come, dar-
ling" The childish face grew grave.
1T will be dull for father all alone
here" he said. seriously. you ask him
to come, mother; he'll come for YOU"
''NOt for me, for me perhaps least OF
ALL" she murmuEed, forgetting that she
was talking to a child; but little Mich
ael was wiser than his years.
GO, now, mother" he said, coaxingly.
''Try. Wait, I'll tell you a secret; it
can't be wrong to tell you. Father keeps
picture Of you locked up, saw him
looking at II one night, and-and," in
an awed whisper, "he kissed it before
he put it away. People must love per
son very much to kiss their picture,
mustn't they, mother?" Kisses had
been rare luXuries in his life.
"Kissed my picture? Are you sure.
little Michael?" The child nodded,
watching her intently. Denise thought
Of how she was going to make the desc
late home more desolate, and the tears
rushed to her eyes.
III try, my sonny-I'll try for your
sake" she cried, and she went from the
room. Her heart was beating fast with
fear and excitement as she hurried
down the stairs before her courage fail
ed her. What If he should be angry
what If he should repulse her? She
shivered at the thought.
She softly opened the library door
where he was in the habit of sitting at
night. A lamp was burning dimly on
the table In the center Of the room, and
it's light fell on the bowed head OF
man; some books and papers had been
overturned as he threw out his arms,
and mutely emphasized that aspect Of
despair. Denise forgot her fears.
'Michaelr' she cried In a sobbing
voice, her arm round his neck, her cheek
to his-"Michael; I've been a bad wife
but l want to be better one. VIII
you take me backT"
He looked up, and she saw that his
eyes were wet.
rs that your" he said, heavily. What
is it?-what has happened?"
Nothing" softly, except that 1 have
found out that want you. We both
want you, little Michael and 1. You
won't send us away-or you will come,
too?"
want me-you?' he said in a husky
whisper. rs it really true, Denise|
He held her in his arms as one holds