The Bellefontaine Republican. [volume] (Bellefontaine, Logan County, Ohio) 1855-1905, 1904-06-07

covered partial health to find herself
relegated. by the more timid and retir-
ing Laura's overmastering tenderness
and solicitude, to niche she by no means
fitted. from which she longed to escape.
Gradually she became partially recon-
ciled to her position OF housekeeper and
homemaker for the firm," as Laura
merrily called their association, she had
never allowed Laura to suspect that she,
too. would have loved to enter the bread
winning arena, to become happily self
supporting.
With the coming of success to Laura
her life had grown less physically ardu-
Gus. She no longer performed the prac-
tical work of housekeeping or darned
stockings. But she had known no in
creased happiness because of the un-
wonted ease and indulgence. And with
the advent of the little fortune that had
placed both beyond the need of financial
restrictions or limitations, her occupa-
tion had finally vanished. She was no
longer necessary, even to Laura, who
might now order gowns and furniture
without thought of economy. whose time
was now at her own disposal. Hence
forth she devoted her efforts to philan-
thropic endeavor and was very useful
/ but no happier. And her thoughts, not
unnaturally. turned back to Jim Benson
= now and then.
| He had been her first and only lover.
Her first, because he had loved her from
childhood. her only lover because she
would allow no other. And Laura, as he
had said. had quietly but potently kept
, them apart.
Time, meanwhile. had done much for
#, Jim Benson. The unfortunate relatives
had disappeared from sight and cogniz-
ance. he had successfully combated pow
erty and misfortune. He had even won
renown as a war hero. But none of
these changes. while perfectly apparent
to Laura's intellect. had touched her
heart in the slightest.
She. herself. had been long untouched
by playful Cupid. Her whole soul and
heart had been bent to the work OF pro-
viding splendidly for Alice. of winning
professional success. The coming of the
money that had lifted her beyond the re-
gions of struggle had also caused her real
|
needed her devoted ministrations. The
firm and determined resolve to keep
Arthur Huntley at d distance-for the
sake of Alice-had taken the place Of the
earlier idea of self-sacrifice. But never
until tonight had she dreamed that her
heart had suffered unknowing implica-
ton. Tonight. leaning back in the
low chair over which he had bent In
leaving. she knew that she was In love.
ITO think OF it," she sighed and smiled
half satirically. "In love at IS. and for
goodness knows now long. too. l. who
have diagonsed-and treated-so many
love cases. to be in love myself and sc
suddenly learn IT, But. of course. / shall
have to put this madness quite into this
background tomorrow, and no one viii
ever know"
''Why?" her own heart. strangely in.
sistent. kept asking.
Alice" her mind made reply.
Then. too. although she would not fol
worlds have owned this. her pride suf.
fered at the thought of lowering hel
long-fiaunted flag Of preferred maiden
hood. Could she. who had so long be
lieved herself far removed from any soft
ening touch Of this pure human" weak
ness. consent to capitulate, to yield?
In the end she. too. cried herself tC
sleep like a lonely child. and woke. in tn,
morning. to smile bitterly at vagariei
and the tears OF the previous evening
. to resolve never. never to desert Alice
who would never consent. she felt sure
: to share a married home with her. 81
long as she retained her reason. He
heart ached sorely. at bottom. but /;
sense OF exaltation upheld her; the men
tai composition Of the kindly but decidet
letter that should prevent Arthur Hunt
leys coming strengthened and nerves
7 her. She went down to breakfast quit
calm and steady. but so distracted anG
self-centered that she failed to motto,
her sisters similar state of mind
Each woman. although ostensibl,
I busted with the morning papers. though
and saw little but a mans dear face
!, Laura, with a swiftly repressed tende
r fancy. was thinking how tender an,
1 manly was the man she would present.,
send from her forever: how unlike tn
I less noble men of her common acquaint
ance. How very different. with quicl
a natural transition OF feeling. from tn
q other men who had so long wished {,
marry Alice. who had
E Il saw Jim Benson yesterday" sh
said. suddenly. Il suppose he is in tow
s. for the winter.
h "Yes." answered Alice. once NOR
blushing and quivering In that long-for
8 gotten girlish manner. "he-he was her
last night before you came home"
He was. was he? Still faithful" be
: gan Laura. in the light. half-railing ton
n she always used when speaking of Jlr
r Benson. But she stopped. speeches
: with amaZement, at sight OF her sister
g eyes.
5 YES" answered Alice. bravely, al
G though the hand holding her coffee Gu
c trembled. he was. and-I may as well te
e you Laura. although ! don't know ho,
|. to-that he-well. Laura. he wants me Z
marry him. and he says he won't take n
A for an answer. So-he's coming agai
n his morning. and l suppose-I'll-hay
to say yes"
h There was a moment of tense siIene,
:. while each steadily regarded the othei
then Laura laughed aloud in the manne
Q of one to whom dear. rejected worlds G
n delight and glory are suddenly openin
, wide.
Il We'll. we're going to surprise eac
h other this. morning. dearie." she hear
e her own voice saying. somewhat to he
II own surprise and amazement. ''for-fo
IT I'm going to say yes to Arthur Huntle
1 tonight"