The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1904-03-10


lying in Elmwood 30 long II seems, and
they think have shut her away in my
heart to grieve over forever"
An echo Of something like q moan
sounded In the next room The woman's
face flushed, and she drew away her
hands with a jerk. 1T lie all wrong,
wrong, and him lying in there alive
and, and yet my husband"
Perhaps 1t is," was the answer, the
tone losing its late infection, but as I
have said 30 much, and said II without
premeditation, let me add this. the Ideal
Of the boy is yet the ideal Of the middle
aged nun. Should you ever need an
abiding. a resting place. free from this
incubus on your life, remember that my
home. my heart and name awaits you"
With returning consciousness came
agony intense for the patient. agony that
called for Mary's presence through days
and nights Of utter exhaustion, finally,
for herself.
you are wearing out" commented
DR.. Fairfield in q professional tone.
1T is not 20 much the nursing that
care for, but my work. am losing that,
and" she stopped short She had for
gotten to whom she was complaining.
The doctor understood. She was the
wage Garner Of this home, and yet he
knew her spirit of independence would
never allow him TO offer the financial
help he could never possibly miss.
I'VE must risk little and give our pa
tient medicine strong enough to induce
longer sleep. That will be the means
Of giving you needed rest also. will
leave some powders. and be very care
circumstance double them. as had you
do the last sleeping potion. Two or three
Of these given closely would put him in
sleep from which. in his weakened con-
dition, he could not be aroused"
She took the medicine ina mechanical
way, thinking no more OF this order than
those preceding, except to put this medi-
cine in place Of safety. But the sick
man had heard and needed.
As the door closed behind the doctor,
he fretfully said: You will be glad
when I am dead, Nary"
why should be sorry? Have you
cared for me. Have you brought aught
but sorrow and disgrace into my life?
Did you love your children? ] might
have forgiven you all neglect Of myself.
but that you had no thought or care In
life for these children, and no tears in
death. has scared all feeling in my heart
for you. I may weep when you die, but
1t will not be for grief that you are gone,
but for what you might have been"
The bell under the dressmaking sign
rang sharply. She did not move. Why
don't you go?" he queried.
1T is some woman to see about work.
I am tired Of turning them away. She
will not ring more than twice." she an
swered, in dreary way.
you had better CO." was his brusque
retort. 81 can wait on myself, at least
] can use my arms to-day. See. Bring
me the sleeping powders that doctor left.
! can take them as need them, and not
bother you. heard the direction"
Something strange In his voice attracted
her, the look in his eyes told her better
than bis tone why he wanted the medi-
cine, and was eager TO get her out Of the
room.
Hurrying to set the powders, then
tucking them under his pillow At his d.
rection, she dare not look In his face,
lest her face tell that she comprehsnded.
The woman had turned away when the
door was suddenly opened and she was
hidden 70 enter.
Hunting for the tape line, a blur came
over her eyes, a ringing in her head. At
last rest was coming. But how? The
next moment she had Strengthened up,
her hand over her heart. She, the rig
idly conscientious, to not put forth her
hand to stay death. Glad that il was
coming, anyway, anyhow, just so IL
came. She glanced at her face in the
mirror, and saw the reflection of lost
soul The next moment che was out OF
the room, and leaning over him, WAS
roughly shaking the sleeping potion,
doubled twice over, broadcast from his
hand.
why did you do that?" he gasped,
glaring at her. II wanted to die, and
thought you wanted me out Of the way.
You knew Why ! wanted the medicine.
What made you change your mind?"
She could not answer for the tremblin
still upon her. A. she went back to her
customer, he called: Twill get we'll now
to spite you"
Weeks after, Dr. Fairfield said: MIRA
Grayson, our patient has upset the best
laid calculations Of the medical fra
tsrnity on injuries OF his kind, and is
going to live-that lie awhile, at least.
] cannot answer for how long II he goes
back to his old life"
He will go back-is already pining
for the flesh pots Of his Egypt" was the
laconic answer.
And you? VIII you still tread the
old paths, too?" The doctors eyes were
bent upon her.
mo; the old life 10 over and done with.
] have come TO the parting OF the WAYS
In II. am going where he can never see
or know Of me again"
Mary, do you forget what said that
day." His voice was anxious.
Forget! Oh, my good angel, never,
never. But respect you--love you. IL
you will have II so-too well TO bring one
breath Of reproach to your fair name
and reputation. No, not while he lives"
Her voice was shaking, but he read the
sound of no appeal In II.
The mills of the gods are slow. Thew
take that down in their revolutions
which seems lost to sight forever. tn