Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1904-05-20


benedictionW
But in that he was mistaken. With
remarkable nerve Claire kept her feet at
Courtlandt' side. When, however, the
last "amen" was pronounced, she sway.
ed blindly, and had not ready hands plac
ed her gently in a chair, she would have
fallen.
And yet not word had been exch ang.
ed between the bride and groom, and
though Lucian Courtlandt would have
been glad to have spoken some reassuring
words to the sufferer, Gresham hurried
him out Of the room with the murmured
words:
Leave her alone for the present; she
needs rest"
Later in the afternoon, when the sun
sent Its bloodred lances through the clos
ed blinds Of that stately flowerscented
drawing room, the widow Courtlandt
found herself alone with the bride. Ap.
preaching the chair where Claire lay ap.
parently lost in day dream, the lady
aaid with tender solicitude:
will you not retire to your room and
rest you, my dearT
Claire raised her heavy eyes with a
total absence Of expression as she re.
piled:
Thank you, madam, 1 am resting
here"
Are you suffering7"
moi 1 am only weary. I may say 50
now, suppose" with a faint smile,
since the comedy is over"
Bending over her, Mrs. Courtlandt
pressed her lips lightly upon the pallid
brow.
Il admire your bravery" she said.
Il have need of considerable yet"
murmured Claire, Sin order to face the
enemy"
The enemy! Whom do you mean7"
Those who wish me dead"
MY dear child, my fondest hope and
dearest wish are to win you back to life
and health. would give the last drop
OF blood in my veins to see you well and
happy"
You have kind heart, MADAME
There entered at that moment a little
child, with a marvelously beautiful face,
great, wondering eyes and ringlets of jet
black hair that touched his waist. With
glad cry he opened his tiny, dimpled
arms and nan to the elder Mrs. Court
landt.
Grandma" he cried, affectionately.
nesting in that lady's arms.
Who Is this child?" demanded Claire.
Gan you not guess2 He calls me
grandmother"
Attracted by her voice, little Leon
walked shyly to Claire, exclaiming:
"Oh, what a pretty, white lady! Won't
you take me in your lap"
Claire stopped and cast her arms about
him.
Il cannot lift you, my darling" she
faltered, after valiant effort: "I ann
not strong enough"
with glad alacrity Mrs. Courtlandt
raised the boy and placed him on Claire's a
lap, while the latter murmured, kissing
the sweet lips:
Yes. these are his features, his eyes
his son!' and with sudden access of af-
lection, gathering the child to her bosom.
"and my sonw
My mamma" faltered the child. with
a puzzled expression.
Yes, Leon" said Claire; "are you NOT
willing? Will you not be my boyr'
Yes yes, cried the boy; II love you.
whtbe ladyw '
with tho child nesting In her bosom.
claire suddenly raised her eyes To find
Lucian Courtlandt standing upon IN.
threshold OF the room, silently regarding
'he ioveiy picture. Quickly putting the
child from her, she exclaimed:
MIR. Courtlandt, suppose you have
come TO receive some idings of me: make
your mind easy on that score; am suf.
ferlng horribly" ~ ~
he cried. ""'u''
AS she did not speak. and In the awk.
ward pause that ensued, Mrs. CourtIondt
look little Icons hand and led him To-.
wards the door. "
"Good-by, little white mamm. - ,,,,oa
'he Shlia, and then went tripping away.
"Good-by, good-by," sighed Claire .
.neh, .. turning to Lucian. she added. !.
PARDON the irritability Of an invalid 7
oeg you not to be offended if sometime,
l am lacking in due sense Of my obliga.
tions." ' ooAsa-
"obligations" cried Lucian con+r;,o,r
,ahe obligation Is entirely upon NV siJs
DO you fancy that 1 fail to apnrecio,a
the immense sacrifice you have mads sor
me to-dayf" ioi
Claire shook her head sadIv =, .,.
answered.: 40 ene
no, no; my part of the contract will,
not be fulfilled until am gone. Worid
you nave chosen me, had you been told
.Ia .ila' l could be cured?' she demanded
sw NOT ,he mother Of your son aliyeY"
Is alive" 'epiy' She
DO you love her, or noti Answer ma
upon your word Of honor, as a reptls, '
~. re turned away from her and vin.a
VI. .r geaas OF perspiration from his brow
TOW much you will have 10 "a, -