Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1907-09-18


everything was settled up. They camc
to me when the lawyer was gone,
sweet little Mary. and Bess and Ben,
the Jolly twins. / couldn't tell them
then, their grief was too new, and be
sides how could they understand? 1t
was on the third day that a letter
came from Charlie, and my heart
lightened even before the envelope
was opened. The letter was like all
of his bright and CHEEKY. only this, OF
course. was tinged with little sad
ness on account of my recent bereave-
ment. In the letter he urged
speedy marriage, and l was so sorry
to be obliged TO tell him that the
children were left without penny
and that l could not leave them.
felt sure of Charles sympathy. for
Uncle Dennis had been so good TO us
both. He had taken me, little or
phaned girl. and cared for me as
though l had been daughter. And,
having known Charles father, he Sc
cured for the boy position that had
been of great advantage to him. or
little ones of his old friend. Instead
of writing, Charlie came. | saw him
as he walked quickly up to the door,
and myself ran to let him in. How
handsome he looked In the stylish
city clothes! / felt so proud and
safe as he kissed me. Then we went
in the parlor. and 1t all happened.
I
not think of 1t quite composedly. He
had plan and at once unfolded ii
The children could go to an asylum,
and we could be married at once.
Whea he had said 1t all, the room
seemed to be whirling round with me
! pressed both my hands to my head
before could answer.
Uncle Dennis didn't put me In an
asylum, Charlie; l cannot send the
children to one. / will not"
Charlie laughed, his handsome eyes
on my face.
Then what are they to do?" he
asked.
They will go where CO." re-
Piled
Again he laughed.
Now. Allie, wouldn't we cut a pref
ty figure In a New York boarding
house with three children? No, thank
you, my dear, 1 cannot submit to
It."
II can work for them, Charlie" !
said. a strange pain in my heart; Il
can take care of them until they
are older; 1 can't leave them, / am
good nurse: can make enough
money, and Margaret will live with
them; she couldn't leave them any
more than l can"
Charlie made little gesture of i'm
patience.
allie, all that Is sheer nonsense.
don't want an old maid for my wife,
and do you think my mother would re-
ceive a girl who had been a common
uurse?"
The pam In my heart had grown
to a terrible agony, but all the time
[ felt the wild JOY at the thought that
I was not obliged to listen to Charles
cruel plans. / don't know just what
I said, my head was so hot, and my
hands were so cold, but l know he
stood before me; his cruel, handsome
face was all could see, and l longed
to go away from him.
Choose between me and the chill
dren, Allie" he said, and for answer
I took my pretty engagement ring of
and laid ii on the table beside him
then, for fear he might know some
thing Of what 1t cost me, l raised my
head and bravely left the room.
How / cried and sobbed when ]
knew he was gone! After that there
wasn't much time for grieving over
lost lovers. / knew how impossible II
would be find work in our dear. sleepy
little town, so we took the children,
Margaret and I, and went to a larger,
buster town. We rented rooms and
before long I secured a position as
nurse to Miss Ellington, a wealthy in
valid.
So my new life began. I tried in
every way 20 brighten the life of the
poor lady, and at last, from doing so
much for her, began to love her dear
~: then my work was light indeed.
Many we're the presents she sent the
children, and had them sometimes to
come for tea with her.
But in spite of 1t all. my life was
not very bright. and l missed the gay
ETY. young people love. One evening
DIR. Murray, who was treating her,
and with whom l had become good
friends. came Ia with a great basket
OF roses.
See, Miss Ellington, what I've
brought you. Now, will you do some.
thing for me?"
Tell me, would be indeed hard
hearted to refuse" she said. bending
over the roses.
well, Patti is to sing tonight, and
I wanted your permission to ask Miss
Wilder to go with me to hear her"
The words fairly took my breath
away. was so surprised that ]
failed to hear Miss Ellington's reply,
but in a moment DR.. Murray turned
to me with his rare. sweet smile, and
asked me to go with him.
After that went out oftener, some.
times for drive In the country, as
the spring opened. when we always
brought flowers to Miss Ellington, and
to the children at home.
One day the doctor said to me-:
Miss Ellington is much worse; be
careful not to leave her alone: but
don't let her know you are watching
| al A. 90 .