Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1904-08-04
CHAPTER XXI.
Man and Wife.

ne answered urliy. NO, we ii let Dy-
cones be bygones, Mr.. Wood. The doc.
tor will, 1 am sure, keep his own
counsel. Vyse is miles away by this
time. Why, how long ago is it?"
Three weeks" said Mr.. Wood.
Three weeksi" murmured Clifford,
with faint look of uneasiness $50
long, Well, by this time he is, If he
Is a sensible man, halfway across the
ocean. 1t is the best thing he could
have done, and what / advised him.
the pity of it is that he didn't take my
advice without caving my head in.
But I've quite made up my mind.
Nothing will persuade me to prosecute
him-or anybody else" he added, al.
most to himself. as he thought OF
that other, the old major, who had
twice wronged him.
Old Wood went out grumbling, with
the doctor, and Nellie was left to her
solitary watch.
Clifford was silent Tor some little
time, for the argument and the talk
ing had tired him; then he said:
| to hold it while tell you-but, ah, no,
can't tell you how full of gratitude
my heart is for all you have done fof
me-"
She slid her hand slowly and shyly
into his, and sat with downcast face,
her heart beating like an imprisoned
bird In her bosom.
You thought, perhaps. that | did not
know, half the time have been lying
here like a log, who 1t was THAI
watched over me night and day; out /
knew 1t, even when | was at my worst,
and l tried, Nellie. to get strength ana
tell you; and, now I'm strong enough,
| can't find words; words are such
poor things! But, Nellie, this | know
that no man was ever nursed as you
have nursed me. even by his own
sister"
She looked up swiftly and, paDe
seemed to shoot through her heart.
No man ever had a sweeter,
dearer, more loving-hearted sister
than you have been to me, Nellie, ana
II | live to be a hundred, shah
never forget it,"
There was silence. She had not
spoken word. and he could not see
her face, which had grown whittier ana
winter, after he had called her his
sister.
Then he spoke again.
1T was lucky and happy day fol
me, that day ! came down into the
PARRY, Nellie. Do you know, that II
had not been for your fathers kind
less and generosity, | should have
been an outcast. wandering about
America or Australia in the old
Pwretched fashion. | should never
have known you, Nellie, and what IL
is to have a dear little sister; and
then | should never have made this
discovery which has altered my life.
You want to know what that is, little
one?" he said. with a smile and al
pressure of the hand; and I'm long.
ing to tell you. But not yet, Nellie;
not YETI A day or two-when | get
little stronger, directly | can get
about-you shall know all. You will
understand then what | mean when II
say that the day | came into the
quarry was the turning point in my
life"
He had spoken with some excite
ment, and his face had grown flushed
She noticed it at once, and bent oven
him.
you shall tell me all about it, Mr.,
Raven" she said, soothingly; but
don't talk any more now! 1t is time
you went to sleep for little while
He laughed, his eyes flashing with
the brightness of the last remnants OF
his fever
"You think l am still wandering in
my mind, see. Nellie" he said. But
I'm as sensible as sane man can pos
sibly be, and I've very serious mean,
ing to my words. But. there. | won't !
repay your sweet goodness by dis, ,
obedience the moment I'm well
Enough to obey; III take my nap,
but only on one condition"
And that ISL" she said.
That you will so out and get a
little run in the fresh air. You neea
not mind leaving me. Nellie; | am
Hite well and strong now. you know.
.bme, so, there's a good girl! Why,
Who's to nurse you if you are nl?"
She Strengthened the pillow and the
he took her hand as it
BASED him, and raised it to his lips.
Thank you, thank you thousand
ines, dear Nellie, my little sister,"
lie said.
She did not snatch her hand away
tut drew It from his slowly, and,
With lowered head. passed out.
When the door had closed behind
her, she stood with the hand pressed
o her heart, dazed. benumbed look
her face; then, with uncertain step.
made her way to the path, and
5wly climbing it, dropped on the
Ass and hid her face in her hands,
Ihile her lips murmured in kind of
|oh:
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