The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-05-04
A WHISPER FROM
 SPIRIT LAND
nv syMMrs M JELLEY.

BY sYMMEs M. JELLEY. Copyright. 1904. by Daily Story Pub Col. The morning sun of beautiful spring day glinted the unfolding leaves. here and there scintillated a trembling, dew-bathed bud the scent of fresh earth from a near by garden was in the air, and over all nature brooded in silent preparation for the full of summer.
 uddy-breasted robin hopped across the graveled walk which led to a vine-clad cottage, and. after furtive- fly cycling the long streamers of crape which fell from the door knob, spread his wings and soafed to neighboring tree.
 A child's shrill trebble echoed from the house across the way, and a wom- ans voice in soothing accents closely followed. Far up the street toiling farmers wagon slowly approached. Two women came from the opposite direction. As they passed the house they ceased talking and glanced to- ward the token which told of de- parture to the beyond.
 She is dead" remarked the young CT, in a half whisper.
 She died this morning." replied her COHu HupdHiOIl, ueT eytS LOWaTQ the closed windows.
 T didn't know she was so low"
 Last week made a call and I knew she wouldn't live. She wasted away like violet in the sum-"
 The sound of their footsteps was grating as they moved over the gravel walk, and occasionally a small stone rattled against others as it chanced to be struck by the'r feet
 Have they heard anything from him?" dueried the first speaker. There was curiosity in her voice.
 T heard he. came last night"
 He did?"
 "so the doctor told me this morning as he passed my house. It was a sad affair.""
 "Do you Suppose he was in time to see her die7''
 'The doctor said he came into the room as she was dying"
 "Did she recognize himf'
 q didn't learn"
 "What pity she had to diei Every one is so sorry. He is just as guilty of her death as if he had murdered her"
 T don't think that way about it."
 "we1l do."
 "I don't" reiterated the older worn- an. "She played fast and loose with him for over a year, and he was tired of her trihing. What else could he dc than go away and get rid of seeing her making eyes at all of her old flames. I'd like to know. No man oi spirit could stand that forever"
 No one thinks she was untrue. and even if she was little gay that was not Rond reason for his desertfng her, was the protesting answer
 T have known Roilo Ward since childhood. and a better man does not live in Rising Sun. He was kind husband and did what was right. H, provided for her during his absence too"
 But she loved him" "After ruining his happiness sh, saw her mistake. It was too lat' then"
 ''IIe should have returned when sht began failing so rapidly" "She was too proud to write t' | him." | Tt is a very sad thing" The man of whom these worthy vii | lagers were talking was gazing at thu white face of his wife. He stood mo tionless. his chin touching his breast and his hands clenched together. H, was alone with his dead His arriva was too late to make known to th' dying woman-and her last breath | they told him. was murinur of hi name. They understood her to faintl! say: ''Rollo-forgive' AS he stood there looking down a the pallid features of the woman wht had been his ideal his memory faith fully served him. Like a fairy pano rama the old golden days of theii courtship swept before him. He livet again the exultant glory of his pas slonate woolng. The stings of careless