Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-02-13

out yonder amid the black mountains
have respected and honored you as one
worthy of all sacrifice, all love-"
Her eyes were dropping now and hidden
from me behind their long dark lashes.
am going to tell you my story, Cap
tain Wayne" she said, quietly. 1T Is not
pleasant task under these circumstances,
yet one l owe you well myself. This
may prove our last meeting. and we must
not part under the shadow of a mistake,
however innocently it may have originated
l am the only child of Edwin Adams. a
manufacturer of Stonngton. Conn. My
father was also for several terms a MEM
Der of Congress from that state. AS the
death Of my mother occurred when l was
but five years old all my fathers love was
lavished upon me, and 1 grew up sur
rounded by every advantage which album
dant means and high social position could
supply. During all those earlier years my
playmate and most intimate companion
was Charles Brennan, a younger brother
of the major, and the son of Judge David
Brennan of the state supreme court
She had been speaking slowly, her eyes
turned aside, as though recalling carefully
each fact before utterance Now her
glance met mine and a deeper color sprang
into her clear cheeks.
LAS we grew older his friendship for me
rpened into love, feeling which I found
it impossible to return. l liked him great
ly, valued him most highly, continued his
constant companion, yet experienced no de-
sire for closer relationship. My position
was rendered the more difficult as 1t had
long been the dream of the heads of both
houses that our two families, with their
contingent estates, should be thus united,
and constant urging tried my decision
severely. Nor would Charles Brennan give
up hope. When he was twenty and l bare
ly seventeen a most serious accident oc-
curred-a runaway-in which Charles he
roically preserved my life but himself re-
ceved injuries, from which death in
short time was inevitable. In those last lin
gering days of suffering, but one hope, one
| ambition, seemed to possess his mind-the
desire to make me his wife, and leave me
the fortune which was his through the will
of his mother. 1 cannot explain to you,
Captain Wayne, the struggle 1 passed
through, seeking to do what was right and
best; but finally, moved by my sympathy,
eager to soothe his final hours of suffering,
and urged by my father, l consented to
crafty his wish, and we were united IN
marriage while he was on his deathbed.
Two days later he passed away.
She paused her voice faltering, her eyes
moist with unshed tears. Scarce knowing
It, my hand sought hers, where 1t rested
against the saddle pommel
His brother" she resumed slowly, now
Major Brennan, but at that time a pros
porous banker in Hartford, a man nearly
double the age of Charles. was named as
administrator of the estate, to retain its
management until l should attain the age
of twenty-one Less than year later my
father also died The final settlement of
his estate was likewise intrusted to Frank
Brennan, and he was made my guardian.
Brennan household, upon the same stand
ing as daughter, being legally a ward of
my husbands brother. Major Brennan's
age, and his thoughtful kindness to me.
won my respect, and l gradually came to
look upon him almost as an elder brother,
| turning to him in every time of trouble
for encouragement and help. 1t was the
necessity of our business relation which
first compelled me to come south and join
Major Brennan in camp; he was
unable to obtain leave of absence, I was
obliged to make the trip. Not
not until after our experience at Mountain
View-did 1 fully realize that Major Bren-
nan looked upon me otherwise than a
guardian upon his ward. The awakening
panied me greatly. especially as l was
obliged to disappoint him deeply; yet seek
his long kindness must ever abide. l am
sure you will understand, and not con-
slider me unwomanly in thus making you a
confidant."
IT can never be sufficiently grateful that
you have thus trusted me-" / said with an
earnestness that caused her to lower her
questioning eyes ut has been strange
misunderstanding between us, Mrs. Bren-
nan, but your words have brought new
hope to one disheartened confederate
soldier"
She did not answer. and with rush there
came before me the barrier OF poverty ex-
listing between us. I glanced from my rag
tire, and my heart failed.
II must be content with hope" said at
last; ''yet I am rich compared with thou
sands Of others; infinitely rich in COMPARE
son with what / dreamed myself hour
ago" / held out my hand. There will
come a day when / shall answer your in
vitation to the north"
you are on your way homer