Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-06-03

She loosened the strings of her
bonnet and brushed back over her forehead
a few gray hairs that had strayed against
her cheek then she folded her hands in her
lap and closed her eyes with contented
sigh. Soon her head began to nod and her
breathing grew deeper and regular,
and at last she fell asleep.
She had slept perhaps an hour, when she
became conscious of voices near her At first
she thought it morning and she just
awak1ng from her nights rest; but gradually
she grew aware of the fact that she had fallen
asleep on her way home from market, and that
it was not morning but mid-afternOOn
The bright and warm and she was
still weary from her walk SO she remained
seated, with closed eyes while the voices came
distinctly to her A youth and a maiden
were conversing just on the opposite side of
the thick hedge against which she resting.
Evidently they believed themselves to be
alone.
MY little girl, it is very hard to have to
wait so long; but you know how it is, Alice:
while the old folks have need of me it would
be cowardly to think of marriage"
Il understand Tim
But, dearest" the first voice pleaded pas
sionately, you will wait for me?''
Yes, yes, indeed | will!
Ali" the mans voice resumed after a
moments pause, l know that l am asking
great dea1-more than | deserve, Alice; but
| love you very much, and if you will wait
it may not be long until am free, and then,
my dearest | will do all in my power to make
you happy and contented.
Il shall be happier waiting for you, Tim,
than could be as the wife of another man.
Martha LangtOn brought her hands to her
ears and shut out the few words that followed
as the lovers strolled down the path on the
opposite side of the hedge. Gentle old soul
she was ashamed that she had overheard even
much as she had. Yet her action had been
wholly inadvertent
Bless their foolish hearts!" she exclaimed
rising and looking through a break in the hedge
If these old hands of mine could undo the tangle-'
The sentence was never finished; for something II
the retreating figures of the lovers closed the lip:
of Martha Langton and for moment took away
her breath Then her hand went to her, heart anc
she reeled backward with painful cry
It's Timl It's my boy Tim"
Feebly and painfully she took up her basket and
went toward the little cottage, and her old hands
fumbled at the latch of the gate long that Tohr
Langton thought it locked and left his work to let
her into the yard. Her white face and changed
look filled the husband with alarm.
Why, Martha! what's the matter? You bean
sick, be your"
No John; not sick" And Martha Langton
tried to smile away the alarm of her husband but
the latter was made the more uneasy by the pitifu
smile, and clasPing his wife's hands, exclaimed;
Land sakes your hands be all cold"
Hush, Johnl"
You come right along into the kitchen, and III
TX you up something hot to drink. This warm
spell kind of makes me faint too" And old Tohn
Langton took up the basket and led his wife into
the kitchen of the little cottage. Now Martha
you rest yourself, while l stir about and make YOU
some tea"
The tea made and drunk, and the cup and saucer
washed, dried and put aside John Langton sat down
beside his wife and taking her hands in his asked
if she did not feel better
Martha Langton was silent for awhile She was
thinking of the lovers-of Alice Bailey and her boy
Tim. Should she let John know? All she must
She must not conceal from her husband that they
both were thieves-thieves of youth and life and
love, thieves OF their boys happiness
John"
We'll, Martha"
1t is wicked to part those whom the Lord hath
joined
Why, Martial" cried John Langton in amaze
ment, nobody's talkin' o partin us be they? "
No, John; not But if a lad and lass love
each other. like loved each other. John. fifty