Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1904-06-22

release, nor that her silence had been
due to long illness.
For 10 months Fenton continued his
search; then, under the strain, his
health broke down, he became a phys
ical wreck; and, his money largely d.
minished, drifted into the hospital.
DR.. Roland Scott was a man to whom
success had come early in life, for at
the age Of 80 he found himself in tn z
enviable position of house surgeon at
one Of Chicago's largest hospitals.
He had a brilliant record, and a still
more brilliant future seemed to stretch
before him. At thai period, too, there
crossed his path the one woman in the
world who could make him happy
Millicent Graham.
She was governess to a trio of tiny
nephews in his brothers house, where
he had first met her six months before,
and the sight of her had transformed
DR.. Scott from cold passionless being
into a man of flesh and blood. He had
never given a thought to her sex be-
fore; now, although he did not know
itself to him, he was willing to barter
his future to possess her.
The time had arrived, he decided,
when he must put his fate to the test
and ask her to become his wife.
knowing his position, he thought she
would be wise if she consented; for,
after all, she was but a governess,
though highly educated. and with man.
ners BETTING her education. He de-
termined then and there to visit his
brother, and create the opportunity
for proposing, if chance was not kind
enough to save him the trouble.
Fortune favored him that evening,
for both his brother and Mrs. Scott
had gone to the theater. For some
time he sat and talked mere common
places to Miss Graham in the drawing
room; then he asked her to play some
thing on the piano.
IF it will give you pleasure, doc
tor, certainly" she said, rising and
crossing the room. Have you any
preference"
NO." he answered. II am sure I
cannot do better than leave the choice
to you.'
II am doubtful" she said, with a
SMILE as she took the stool. II am
in a strangely sad mood tonight"
But you and sorrow should be the
bitterest Of enemies" he replied. He
rose and crossed to her side. mo, do
not play" he continued, as she ran her
fingers over the keys. II came here to
say something to you-to tell you
something ask a question. But
the words stick in my throat, and l."
He stopped as she looked up at him
in surprise.
II wanted to tell you, Miss Graham
love you. L"
She jumped from her seat as he
caught her hands.
mo, no, DR.. Scott" she gasped,
turning her face away. "Please re-
lease my hands. You do not know
it is impossible!"
Nothing is impossible!" he an
swered. perhaps l have been too
sudden; but then have never proposed
before" with dry laugh that van
ished instantly. II have never loved
before. Do not tell me it is vain!"
1T is impossible" Miss Graham said
again. There was break in her voice
and tears in her eyes. believe me, it
is" He dropped her hands and she
sank into chair.
II am sorry" he apologized-"very
sorry; but loved you, and thought
you might care for me, or, If not, that
you might learn to. At least I may
hope; your answer is not tinal?"
1T is useless hoping" she answered
las useless as hoping for the stars
Believe me, fully appreciate the honor
you have done me in asking me to be-
come your wife. believe you would
make. me happy; but again tell you
it is impossible"
mot if you care for mel" he insist
ed.
She shook her head.
Il can convince you," she answered.;
but must trust you with the secret
Of my life, burden that has brought
me endless sorrow. You will not be-
tray me, know, for I have seen you
are my friend"
Il would never repeat word" he
her. You may trust me fully.
do not ask your confidence, because
have no right. am your friend, and
would give my life to be Of. the least
assistance to you"
Then it is because am married that
cannot accept your offer, Dr. Scott,
she said, slowly.
The young man gave q gasp of pain
II see," he answered, with a catch
IN his voice.
"A wife, and yet husbandless," she
went on. Fate has dealt hardly with
me. But it was not my husbands
fault. We were happy for a few
then-then-" But sobs
chOked her utterance for some min
ltes.
''Never mind, Miss Graham; under
stand. It causes you pain. Forgive
me. Forget it now" DR.. Scott spoke
IN tones full of pity. II will go now.".
The woman dried her eyes.
1T was the memory of those long,
bitter days and weeks" she said. "They
put him in prison, though God knows
be was innocent of any crime, for they
pardoned him afterwards. I have but
recently found it out, though I never
believed him guilty. But If I tell you
my name perhaps you will remember
the case. I am Mrs. Fenton."
"Fenton!" exclaimed the doctor.
The wife of George Fenton?"
"You remember the case ?" she asked.