St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1907-10-05

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both. He had taken me, a little or
phaned girl, and cared for me as
though had been a daughter And
having known Charles father, he sc
cured for the boy position that had
been OF great advantage to him. OF
course I expected him to feel for the
little ones of his old friend. Instead
of writing, Charlie came. I 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! l felt SO proud and
safe as he kissed me- Then we went
In the parlor, and it all happened
Even now, after so many years, can.
not think of it quite composedly He
mad a plan and at once unfolded 1t
The children could go to an asylum,
and we could be married at once
When he had said it all, the room
seemed to be whirling round with me
l pressed both my hands to my head
before l could answer.
Uncle Dennis didn't put me in an
asylum, Charlie; I cannot send the
children to one. I will not
Charlie laughed, his handsome eyes
on my face.
Then what are they to do?" he
asked.
They will go where I CO." I 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, strange pain in my heart; ~
can take care of them until they
are older; I 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 can
Charlie made a 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 girl who had been common
uurse?"
The pam in my heart had grown
to terrible agony, but all the time
felt the wild joy at the thought that
I was not obliged to listen to Charles
cruel plans. l don't know just what
said, my head was so hot, and my
hands were SO cold, but I 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 off
and laid it on the table beside him;
then, for fear he might know some
thing of what it cost me, raised my
head and bravely left the room.
How 1 cried and sobbed when ]
knew he was gone! After that there
wasn't much time for grieving over
lost lovers. | knew how impossible it
would be find work in our dear, sleepy
little town, so we took the children.
Margaret and |, and went to larger,
buster town. We rented rooms and
before long l secured position as
nurse to Miss Ellington, wealthy in
valid
So my new life began. l tried in
every way to brighten the life of the
poor lady, and at last, from doing so
much for her, / began to love her dear
ly; then my work was light indeed.
Many were the presents she sent the
children, and had them sometimes to
come for tea with her.
But in spite of it all, my life was
not very bright, and missed the gay
ETY. young people love. One evening
DR.. Murray, who was treating her,
and with whom 1 had become good
friends, came in 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 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
any closer than usual. l do not want
to disturb her; there is no need, all
her preparations are made; l myself
her will year ago, and no
one was ever more fit to die. Every
cent of her money is to go to her
church, as she no doubt told you. So
now the most we can do is brighten
her last days, and ] am glad you are
here, for no one could care for her 80