The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1904-05-26
The END OF A DREAM.
BY MAUD SHIELDS.
BY AUD SHIELDS.
He mentioned that the acQuaint-

I though l would come and talk it over
with you. He is your son by adoption.
he tells me-
Yes: his father-pooT Earle-was
my greatest friend. Dicks mother
died when he was born, and Earle
just twelve years ago. when the lad
was showing himself full of promise.
He had ne reiations-and | was 4
bachelor with no ties. so he came to
me. and we have been constant COM
panioIs ever SINCE
He speaks of YOU with the greatest
Affection
Dear fellow! He is the best fellow
living"
1T struck me''-Mrs. Casillis leaned
forward slightly-"that you might
have some objection to his marrying
an actress
The doctors face flushed quickly.
And I wanted to know more of the
man to whom l was giving my daugh-
ter-who is as dear to me as Dick is
to YOU
Exactly
II reserved my consent to the en-
Sagement until 1 had seen YOU
Il could not withhold my consent N
any case-Dick is not dependent ON
me. you understand. Earle left ample
provision for him-hc is his own mas
ter in every way
; But your wish would influence him,
1 am sure-if he thought you objected.
I knew you,by repute, and l thought
being a woman Of the world-that you
might look upon his marriage with an
actress as "a mistake-likely to in
fuence his future"
IL admit that 1 think rising pro-
fessional man is better unmarried
so you remained single:'
"Precisely."
'For that reason"
Not altogether
"Forgive me. I find 1 am cross
questioning you somewhat rudely. SO
YOU think Mr.. Earle would be better
unmarried"
Il think Dick is the best judge OF his
own happiness. merely expressed
general opinion
"Pcrhaps you would like to see my
little girls misunderstanding a small
morocco case from her pocket. which,
on being opened. disclosed tine minia-
ture Of q girls head.
Dr. Trentham took the case. turning
up the lamp to its full height rs he
did so. The miniature represented
girl with curly brown nair and sweet,
trustful. hazel eyes. \ pink suEbonnet
was pushed back so that the curls
fell in cluster OH her white fore
head. His hand trembled. and his
pulses beat quickly. Mrs. Casillis lad
risen and was standing beside him.
"Dces she-remind you Of anyone?'
At the sound of her voice he was in
the hay field again-a young, eager
lover-$inging-.
And YOU didn't know me. Willie?
should have known YOU il lt had
been in another world
But YOU have conc back-1 always
knew YOU would-mT love-my loye!'
He had taken both her hands III his
and held them tight against his
breast. Il was dreaming of you to-
night, Rosie" he went on. 'and Of that
day we were haymaking-you remem'
ber-and now I am an old man.
She laughed softly. triumphant:y. be-
cause of the great love in his eyes.
"Old. dear? You have altered less
| than I thought. I must have changed
sadly that you did not know me.
''You forget that in the dim light
hardly saw you-and i'll the old days
il was pink cotton frock.'
She laughed again, shc was so very
happy.
Clothes 10 alter one, doA't they
"Yes-but it is the same Rosie, the
same voice. too. now.
"Now-what Of all these years:
What of my ruined lonely life? | have
| & right to some explanation after 50
many years. Why did you 80 away
when our happiness w;is i'll our own
keeping:"
Still holding her hand. DR.. Tren-
cham sat beside her on the sofa.
Il thought as you do, Willie. that q
wife is a mistake to 4 rising Ran.
You were very wrong - very
wick ed
But you said so just now yourself.
All. my dear" seriously-"it was
so hard. it nearly broke my heart.
He drew her gently to him and thelr
liDS met: then. quickly recovering her
self, for the tears were very near her
eyes. she went on:
Il was only Il farmers daughter,
sou know.
"And 4 country doctors SON.
81 mad to look after the Eousc ard
Gairy-'
Aid l had to 60 about i'll one oid
threa(.bare suit all the year.
Until the money ca'ne-tiat made
Ill the difference. l W;iS wiser than
you. because l was i woman, and l
! hc1-o univ p(