The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1904-04-01

"Mr. Jerome. one Of my college
friends, William. Mr.. Jerome, this is
my brother, of whom you have often
heard me speak"
He remembered perfectly. William
was her older brother, and had planned
to work in the foreign mission field.
MY health would not permit it, Mr.
Blake explained. He had overruled
Francis objections to going to the par
sonage, and they were on their way
thither ''It's all right, though. This
work up here is the Masters. Yes; it's
lonely in way, but Mildred and I are
: too busy and too glad that we can tell
the story of the risen Christ to mind
The parsonage was tiny house, but
the rooms were coy and dainty. The
two men sat before the open fire and
talked until Mildred summoned them to
: dinner.
The roughly-plastered walls of the
| dining-room were tinted soft gray,
making an effective background for the
green vines which wreathed the pic
lures. The table was spread with law
ender and white china and family sill
ver There were soup, cold meat with
vegetables, salad, coffee and nuts.
During the afternoon Mildred and her
brother listened to the story OF Francis
Jerone's success. The woman sat with
her eyes fixed upon the leaping flames.
and her face gave no hint of her
thoughts.
There was no evening service at the
church, as Mr.. Blake went out in the
country to preach. Rain was falling,
so he did not urge Francis to accompany
him.
Indeed you are not to go back to the
hotel. Mildred will entertain you, and
will return early"
So it came about that he sat opposite
Mildred, while outside the rising wind
drove the rain against the windows.
Conversation Jagged, and at last silence
fell between them.
The mind of Jerome was occupied
with one question. Had he made mis-
take? Not in one way, for his success
was assured. Was it too late to right
the wrong he had done Mildred? He
rose and crossed to her side.
Mildred, l have never loved any
woman but you. l let the busy, grind
ing world come between us, but never
forgot. Now can give you every lux
ury Promise me YOU will be my wife,
darling"
81 have not forgotten. l shall never
forget All my life shall love the Fran
els Jerome whom l once knew. But
you-the man who has made the &C
cumulation.of gold his life's Ammo, ]
do not love him."
He stared at her. What do you mean,
Mildred? l am unchanged. Surely you
are not sorry that have succeeded in
life"
Unwaveringly her dark eyes met his
Therein he saw something of the depths
that separated this woman's soul from
his
ITO you success means money" Her
voice was low, but firm. Cannot you
understand that do not care for what
you have done as do for what you are?
way IduSIo, Tic mCdouI c vi SOCCcoS y'Ju
have won does not satisfy me- cannot
be your WIFE"
He never loved her as at that moment.
Whatever she babe him he would do,
he would become anything she wished,
but Mildred's far-seeing eyes never
wavered.
Il do not love the man you are now"
was her steadfast reply.
But the man l may be-" he cried.
Mildred, Mildred, do not turn away
from me. Give me some word of hope"
What can l say? Can you undo the
slow work of ten years with a single
wish? To me life is service-joyful, ra-
diant service. To you it is success, a
success measured by bank account.
We could not be happy together"
II will change. You shall mold me
into what you wish"
She drew back. 81? I am the archt- |
tect of no mans fate. In one year, II
you are of the same mind, you may come
to me again. II then find in your ma
ture aught Of the man whom loved 50
long, will become your wife. 1t is not
what you do in that year; it is what you
come to be. All. William, you are here"
And she turned to greet her brother,
who had just entered the room.-Wash-
ington Home Magazine.