Bryan morning eagle. [volume] (Bryan, Tex.) 1898-1909, 1906-05-08

ref0rf. then she hnooh ntI l<a1 -
ala offer time and time again. ~
you're we'll aware" she said; but re
made a vow a. I'd never say yes =
him. and at last he gave over"
~Ay. and rented his farm and went
to live with his old uncle. AshbouFne-
way. and's never been back from that
day TO this. But I've seen him. a. J
tell you"
The others ears were hungry; but
she strove bravely to repress her curl
osity. Now you're here" she saio-
you can help me with the gown. In
thinking Of unpicking Il forthwith
Mrs Hewlett was looking from the
window. towards the road that wound
past the spInney. near the Neither End
OF the village. She turned with purs>d
lips- Il don't think as I'd unpick u"
she said. Like as not the needle
marksil show. II you're 80 set on
LIBBY having Il. why. IL might Be a.
tered without taking Il all 20 pieces
Tell you what. Emma. you'd best try
Il on. and le; me see how II hangs--
fashions nowadays aren't 30 very diff
ferent TO my thinking"
In few minutes the gown was
donned, and the widow. with pins b.
tween her teeth. knelt on the gray
and red knitted rug. drawing In -
gracefully as she could the TOO ample
skirt. Il saw Hack" she mumbled
AT first couldn't believe Il was he.
for he looks so young and hearty.
Not a BIZ stout. either--he takes after
his mothers side. And he's been q
widower for more than twelve
month. A warm fellow. too. they
tell me; he heired his uncle's fortune.
and got more with his wife. Nov,
look up, EN-. there's no need 70 keep
your eyes on the glass"
Turn and twist as Emma might. the
mirror was too small TO show aught
but the head and shoulders. Mrs
Hewlett rose. took up the bonnet and
placed Il lightly on the black coll
Emma's hands rose TO the strings.
Dear Heaveni" said the widow.
Il can't believe as II all hap
pened so many years ago-if any
body told me you were but 30.
wouldn't be surprised, See, here's
the gloves-since you've done 80
much. you might as well put EN- on.
Il can't see myself II do" object
ed Emma: besides. where's tho
good-it's silly work."
The goods that wish Il" replied
Mrs. Hewlett. who was looking from
the window again. do as ] bid you
Em-you can't say as ever asked too
much Of you. And there's the long
glass In the parlor still--just you step
down and get a full-length view"
They descended 10 the parior. q
sunny place where the furniture shone
with a century's coating OF beeswox-
Mrs. Hewlett drew Emma 10 the ma
hogany.framed glass that hung be-
tween the two long windows.
Now Just you look az yourself fnr
a bit" she said, "and be sure you
don't move. I'm going into the gar
den TO gather you a posy Of giilifers
and lad'slove-you1l not be completes
till that's In your hands"
But, after the first glance. the Old
maid saw only a very shadOwy pic
ture in the glass. for as she stood
tears filed her eyes and ran
down her cheeks. She heard foot
steps soon and threw her head back;
IL would never do for even 20 intimate
a friend TO see her giving way 80
weakly. But Il was not Mrs. Hewlett
who entered-it was a tall. handsome
fellow, dressed In riding-clothes. with
CATERS OF rough untanned leather
And Emma was not aware OF his
Identity until she heard a sharply
drawn breath. and a muiied exclama-
ton OF by Jowksl"
She wheeled around: her hands
rose to an agitated bosom. Il don't
know what" her voice qulvered-
died away in an incoherent murmur-
Il doubt I've been forward In COM
ing like this" said he. I'D never
have dared but for Sarah Hewlets
me. She told me,
amongst other things. as you'd kept
your weddin gown all these years.
and now I see you int; En-.
love. you've heard from her as
meant coming-you've donned Il 20
please me-"
May" she replied. brokenly. i've
been beguiled into it'd no idea"
He caught the hem Of her right
sleeve. En-" he said. EN-. it's more
than 30 years since you and ! parted
marr'eSt soon after ! left this
country. and lowSd my wife. but sot
as I'd loved you. Ali that
time. En-. you were in my thoughts.
En-. I'm come for to ask you
again"
She looked him full in the face
And say no. she replied. braveIy-
as | promised to-"
The farmer was pale with dissp-
polntmtnt. We'll. It's but what
feared" he said. making towards the
door. Tell Sarah as what she's done
Is no good" But ere he reached tho
threshold Emma. almost against her
will. turned and held out her arms.
Hack" she painted. Hack. I've
Sept my vow as I'd give you the nay
a. Irna