Cameron County press. [volume] (Emporium, Cameron County, Pa.) 1866-1922, 1904-03-31

"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 lie had oyerruled
Francis objections to going to the par
sonage, and they were on their way
thither. "T''s all right, though. This
work up ere is the Masters Yes; it's
lonely in Il way. but Mildred and 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 co2y and dainty The
two men sat before the open fire and
talked until Mildred summoned them to
dinner.
The roughly-plastered walls Of the
diring-room were tinted a 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
YER There were soup, cold meat with
vegetables. salad coffee and nuts.
During the afternoon Mildred and hel
brother listened to the story of Franci2
Jerome'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=pot 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
feu- 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. | have never loved any
woman but you. let the busy, grind
ing world come between us, but never
forgot Now l can give you every lux
ury. Promise me you will be my wife,
darling"
Il have not forgotten. | shall never
forget All my life | shall love the Fran
els Jerome whom | once knew. But
you-the man who has made the ac-
emulation of gold his life's Ammo, /
do not love him"
He stared at her What do you mean
Mildred? | 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.
"To 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?
Nay, Francis, the measure of success you
have won does not satisfy me- l cannot
be your wife"
He never loved her as at that moment.
Whatever she bade him he would do,
he would become anything she wished,
but Mildred's far-seeing eyes never
wayered
Il do not love the man you are now, -
was her steadfast reply.
But the man | may be-" he cried.
Mildred, Mildred, do not turn away
from me. Give me some word of hope. 3"
What can ! 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 a bank account
We could not be happy together"
Il will change. You shall mold me
into what you wish
She drew back 81? | am the arcbi-
tect of no mans fate. In one year. if
you are of the same mind, you may come
to me again. If then | find in your ma
ture aught OF the man whom loved so
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