Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1904-10-05
Hsr Second Sell.
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Z =
but he was poor then. with no whis.
per In the air Of the rich Inheritance
to which he afterward fell heir, just
too late for 1t to bring happiness to
either.
She had married very young. She.
was but 35 now. Would Leonard
ind her changed, she wondered he
whose coming she waited here to-
night II
simultaneously with. the thought
came the sound of carriage wheels
and horses hoofs on the graveled
path.
She started to her feet, pressing
both hands upon her fast-beatfng
heart.
She was glad-oh, 30 glad! that
the room was dark, when she heard
the quick, firm tread: 10 glad that
he could not see the quick blush,
which put her matronhood to shame,
when the door was thrown hastily
open, and three or four swift strides
brought him to her side.
1, '.Florence!''
: oh, how his voice thrilled her
half>with pleasure, half with paint
Are you glad to see met" he ques-
Honed.
She strove to answer; but her lips
quivered, and no words came.
Florence" he then said again, and
he bowed his handsome head lower,
Il 1t too soon to speak?"
"Oh, Leonard" she answered, "can
I yet atone?',
And then the bridge Of years was
swept away, and she sobbed out her
Happiness upon his shoulder.
!. "Let me see you" he said at last.
II have not vet seen the face for
which l have hungered all these
years.
he struck a light then turned and
loked at her.
my darlingv' he said. at is still
my beautiful Florence. What have 1
done to deserve this hour?"
Mamma. where are youf'' called
out a fresh, girlish voice at this In
Atant. 4 : .
.rlSShe next moment a girl Of scarcely
seventeen summers sprang into the.
room.
This is my daughter, Leonard-my
only child. Maude. let me present
You to one of your mothers Oldest
friends"
The gentleman indicated looked
from one to the other-from the moth
Or to the daughter then back again.
3 Now he could realize the lapse OF time
now he could appreciate the
changes years had wrought.
/; The daughter was fair counter
part of the mothers beauty.
An uncomfortable sensation rose up
In his breast-a dumb warning against
the inevitable-an Inacknowledged
desire to iretrace life's pathway and
conquer time.
Meanwhile the girl pouted the full
red lips, as she thought her mothers
friend strangely absent; and when he
at last forced himself into n few
words Of greeting, they fell upon dull,
unheeding ears.
Then she had gone. The lovers
were alone again; but he no longer
opened Wide his arms, but instead
drew chair to her side, that they
might discuss more nationally.
II.
"You must teach Maude to love
you," she said to him next morning.
~ want first to reconcile her to my
second marriage before startling her
with Its probability. Tell me-do you
think her like me?'
'.Your second self"
/. .Ah. / am SO glad! You will love.
her, then, for my sake!''
To love, and to be loved! Ger easy
task get by frail woman In her blind
ness. 1t was Mr.. Grover who must
be Maude's companion 10 her daily
rides-Ir. Grover who must teach
her to manage the boat In these first
early spinrg days.
Maude looked upon her guest as her
property. She had long ago laughing
II told him how unceremonious had
been his welcome to-her. and he had
wooed and won absolution.
Sometimes Florence sighed as she
watched them together, while she sat
alone; but she gave to the sigh no
name, and thought the tribute to be
vanished years.
One day came her awakening.
Maude and Mr.. Grover had gone for
their afternoon ride. but It had ex-
tended beyond its wont, and she had
grown anxious and ventured forth to
meet them. striking into the forest
path which was their favorite way.
a half-mile from her home she met
Maude's horse. riderless. Pale with
terror, she FASTENED on, when sudden
" she stopped, rooted to the spot.
Almost at her feet knelt the man
her heart had loved always, and In his
arms he held Maude's. unconscious
form.
sMy loyel my life!, he said, each
word being borne distinctly to her.
Speak to me 0nce-just once! Oh,
AAude. are you hurt7 My darling! my
darlingl Would that l might have
given my life Tor yours!'
Then he stopped and pressed his
lips to hers. A long. Auttertng sigh
escaper them.
! Leonard" she whispered Leon
ardrr
Il am here. dear" he said.
And then he laid her down out Of
his arms. as though. with returning
life. he remembered the duty 1t brought
with It. s
i The mother sprang forward.
do not be alarmed, 2, Mr.. Grover
~, gently. on seesls hsr. Her