The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1904-06-17


urally, Fenton was handsomely COM
pensated by the company; ne was
| offered, too, the position left vacant
by the managers deeth, which, how
! ever, he refused.
| But of his wife he could learn moth
| ing. All he knew-and that he had
learned from her letters to him-was
| that she had been a governess. He
sought her high and low, in every spot
but the right one. He never commune
Gated with the warden of the prison
wherein he had been confined, and,
consequently, he did not know that she
had made inquiries for him after his
release. nor that her silence had been
due to long illness.
| For IS months Fenton continued his
search; then, under the strain, his
health broke down, he became phys
| ical wreck; and. his money largely di-
minished. drifted into the hospital.
| DIR. Roland Scott was man to whom
success had come early in life, for at
| the age of 33 he found himself in the
enviable position of house surgeon at
one of Chicago's largest hospitals.
He had a brilliant record, and still
more brilliant future seemed to stretch
before him. At that period, too, there
crossed his path the one woman in the
world who could make him happy
Millicent Graham.
She was governess to trio of tiny
nepzews 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
it, since the matter had never presented
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
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"
mo" he answered. 81 am sure
cannot do better than leave the choice
to you"
81 am doubtful" she said, with z
smile, as she took the stool. II an
in strangely sad mood tonight"
But you and sorrow should be the
bitterest of enemies" he replied. He
rose and crossed to her side. mo, dc
not play" he continued, as she ran hel
fingers over the keys. 81 came here tc
say something to you-to tell you
something-and ask question. Blu
the words stick in my throat, and L
He stopped as she looked up at hin
in surprise.
81 wanted to tell you, Miss Graham
Millicent-I love you. I"
She jumped from her seat as HI
caught her hands
mo, no, DIR. 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 TOT
sudden; but then have never proposed
before" with dry laugh that van
ished instantly. 81 have never loveC
before. Do not tell me it is vain!"
'It is impossible" Miss Graham saiC
again There was break in her voice
and tears in her eyes. Believe me, i
is" He dropped her hands and sh'
sank into a chair.
81 am sorry" he apologized-"ver.
sorry: but l loved you, and | though
you might care for me, or, if not. tina
you might learn to. At least | ma.
hope; your answer is not final?''
''It is useless hoping" she answere'
-''as useless as hoping for the stars
Believe me, fully appreciate the homo
you have done me in asking me to be
come your wife. l believe you woul'
make me happy; but again tell yo'
it is impossible"
''Not if you care for mel" he insist
ed
She shook her head.
, 81 can convince you," she answered
, ''but l must trust you with the secre
of my life, burden that has brough
me endless sorrow. You will not be
: tray me, / know, for | have seen yo
are my friend"
| Il would never repeat word, d
, assured her You may trust me fully
l do not ask your confidence, becaus
, l have no right. l am your friend, an
!. would give my life to be of the leas
assistance to you"
. "Then it is because am married tina
l cannot accept your offer, DR.. Scott,
she said, slowly.
The young man gave gasp. of pair
81 see." he answered, with cate
, in his voice.
"a wife, and yet husbandless," sh
, went on. Fate has dealt hardly wit
o me- But it was not my husband
o fault. We were happy for a fe'
: months; then-then-" But sol
chos;ed her utterance for some mir
a utes.
9 Never mind, Miss Graham; under
q stand. 1t causes you pain. Forgiv