The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1904-05-01

Constance in the least she did not
evince any emotion. She put up her
hand, merely, as If to stay further
words. and said, calmly, Il hear the
children. They have finished their
game, and it is time for Uncle Car
ter. too"
Glare and Perley entered, flushed and
rosy from their game, which they had
finished by the aid of the electric light.
Such fun" said Perley, as an echo
of the late game, unwilling to let the
sport drop.
ooh, yes; why didn't you come out,
paoa?"
81 was talking with mamma, my lit
tie Clare" said Mr.. Hamilton, fondly
strol1ing her curls.
She clasped his hand and held it.
You wear your ring all the time now.
You used to only wear it occasional
ly," bringing out the long word with
careful precision. You carried 1t III
your pocketbook."
II know it, dear. It is almost my
dearest possession, my mothers ring,
and / love to wear it. 1t reminds me
that l had a mother once who loved
me as your mother loves you and Per-
lev"
She took his hand and kissed the
ring with childish sympathy.
Il love you, too, papa, almost bet
ter than I used to-"
You are the only one who does, my
darling. Is it really, truly, for my
self?' he asked her, as if yearning for
some acknowledgment.
''Of course it is. But" she contin-
ued thoughtfully, you never hear me
say my prayers now"
Would you like to have me? 1
thought it was to God you prayed"
Yes; Sut L want you to pray, too,
in WI fn
Very well. will"
wait a moment" and slipping to
her room, which adjoined the one they
were in, she quickly slipped off her
dress and put on her long, night
gown.
II am going to bed, I am tired"
she said, simply, kneeling down by his
side, clasping her hands and closing
her eyes. Dear Jesus she said,
ley and me, and make us all happy to-
gether as we used to be. And forgive
us all our sins Amen"
And forgive US all our SINS" he re-
peated, so low that only Clare heard
him.
Perley was in his mothers arms,
half asleep, and Glare approached them
and kissed them both.
Goodnight, my darling" said her
mother. Get into bed, and 1 will
come and tuck you up after help
Perley to undress. He is too sleepy
to undress himself"
Mr.. Hamilton looked at the group
with misty eyes and a strange, yearn-
ing gaze. Then putting on his hat he
suddenly left the house, and walked
down the street, encountering man
who stopped to speak to him. But Mr..
Hamilton brushed him one side. un-
| tremendously, as he said:
IF you must see me, come to the
| office tomorrow. Not tonight"
Are you sick?" asked the man,
peering into his face.
Yes, sick of living"
| The man shrank back without reply
ing, and Hamilton strobe on until he
met Mr.. Carter, who asked him where
he was going.
Nowhere. I will walk back with
you"
That's right. 1 staid down with
Henderson to play whist. Henderson
thinks he is crack player, but
beat him so he didn't know where he
was" and Mr.. Carter laughed and rub
bed his hands. But, bless my soul!
Vane, are you sick?"
"Who, no; do 1 look sick?'
mo; but kind of queer and silent"
ct am feeling a little dull and blue
THAT will never do, Vane. Cheer
up!"
81 can't. 1 was just wishing that
had never been born. The world is all
wrong for some of its people, and I
am one of them. 1 never felt it till
lately. There is no justice in the
world. almost feel at times that luck
rules it."
That's a bad state of mind. Vane,
but 1 think 1 understand you. Con-
stance does not treat you as she
should. 1 see it, but 1 don't under
stand it. Women are strange creatures.
But I think the cause and cure are in
your own hands"
How is that?"
You treat her too tenderly, almost
like lover. Women like masterful
men, they say, and you used to be
like that. You never used to allow her
moods and whims to move you. What
has changed your"
Nothing, unless the fact that love
her better. She is dearer to me now
thousand times. / never half appre-
ciated her divine character"
Divine! Fiddlesticks! Constance is
good woman, but there is nothing
divine about her. Now get rid of that
idea and assert yourself"
81 can't. If Constance does not love
me, she shall be left to herself. Hank!
what doleful music is that?" he ask
ed, suddenly, stopping before the
house of Mrs. Fry, from whence stole
the strains of mournful music, solemn
and sweet, as remembered sin and
forgiveness. who is playing? The
fellow has a wonderful gift
Think so? That is Primus Edes,
Mrs. Fry's boarder and one of our
workmen," answered Mr.. Carter, look
ing askant at his companion to see
whether the name awakened any
emotion. But it did not, evidently.
"Primus Edes, they say, is a strange
man. 1 must talk with him some time"
do; and tell me whether you think
he looks like yourself. Constance thinks
he does"
Constance thinks that fellow looks
like me-" echoed Mr.. Hamilton, in
great surprise,
yes; she does or did"
do you think SOP"
mot a bit, bless my SOUL not bit;
but women take queer notions some
times"
They had been sauntering home
ward very slowly, arm in arm, and
they were nearly home now, but some
thing in Mr.. Carriers tone appeared to
his companions sensibilities in
strange way.
What do you mean, Uncle Carter?
What queer notions has Constance
taken up?"
Il don't know. I don't like to tell
you, but l am much afraid that she
Edes, and that he does in her. Nothing
wrong" only she pitied him, and he"
And he what?"
fNNbv no hos snenf hours wat ching