The St. Mary banner. (Franklin, Parish of St. Mary, La.) 1889-1931, 1906-10-06

soiute want jessie should have this.
and he would go away and work Ter
her, and dream Of her, but never aga.n
trouble her with his presence.
He sat down and wrote letter ta1i.
ing her this simply, directly, and with
the great love he bore her breathin-
through every word.
The servant had told him she wou1d
not be in for some time, and he took
the letter himself up to her room
1t was a dainty place bright as IN.
| bounded wealth and an exquisite taste
could make it.
| He left the letter on her toilet tab1a
| lingering for a moment 10 to,,cb a.
resslnsly the costly articles that were
scattered about, all breathing OF her
presence
When he returned to the library.
early DUSK was falling. A servant
came, bringing lights, but he dis.
missed the woman impatientIv. and
lew moments later heard the sound Of
"heeis ana TIE sweet voice of his wife
in the hall giving some directions,
AZ length. the silence became I'M.
bearable, and he seated himself at the
piano.
In his old bachelor days music had
been his passion, but in these later
years Of fever.sh struggle he had
found no time for it.
but when his fingers touched the !
heSs' az me despair. the pain, ard |
longing Of his heart found voice in The |
rich chords that filed the room.
so absorbed was he that he did not |
near soft footstep enter the room
A hand was laid or his shoulder and
a tremulous voice said:
'Donald,'
Ills hand came down with a s,Idda,
uiScora Oh the keys. 1t was the first
lline Jessie had ever called him by
that name
re turned and saw her standing
there in her dressing gown of SOFT
cashmere. The freight was sending
long rays down the stately gloom Of
he library. and she looked very bean.
t1ul against the rosy background.
You read my letter, Jessiee" he
inquired.
Yes; and am sorry for your sake.
Donald. You have worked 50 hard
for your wealth." she said.
DO not think Of me. Jessie. It is
not for myself | care. am not |:
afraid Of poverty! But. oh, if I could 7,
save you from its sting. If it we're
at the sacrifice Of my own life, as
heaven is my witness, | would not
spare it,
She came close to him and laid her :,
hands in his.
Donald, there is better thing you E
IAN give me than wealth can buy. I
live me back the love | so madly 4
hreW away. Let me work with you Il
ind help you, and | will bless the Il
lay that made us poor"
Jessie he said. ARE You sure Of u
his? Do not try to deceive me- Do
lot say it if it is not true. | could u
% away now and learn to bear it. but !.
O open my heart to this new hone !,
ma then lind l was mistaken would :,
ill me- ~
Donald. do you think am made Of y
tone-that | could know all your
indness and patience all these years
nd not learn to love you? Oh. so
ften | have longed to kneel at your
Get and ask your forgiveness, but I r
elieved | had forfeited your love by
~ folly."
and you will not regret the loss of
'ealth and luxury?" he said, incredu-
'usly. 'and can be happy with only
~ love?" -
You forget papa and I were poor 4
efore | married you, Donald, and I
as happier in those old days than I
ave ever been since | learned to hate r.
le things that cost me so much, and ia
} envy the poorest woman happy in -
ar husbands love"
He turned the sweet. tear wet face -,
the fireplace. and bent down and ~,
oked into her eyes And then he NJ
ok her close in his arms. 81
MY darling! Oh my darling." he mo
id softly. New York News. INC