The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1907-10-26

when the lawyer told me tnat tney
would have nothing in the world aiter
everything was settled up. They came
to me when the lawyer was gone
sweet little Mary, and Bess and Ben
the Jolly twins. I couldn't tell them
then, their grief was too new, ana pc
aides how could they understand! ~
was on the third day that lettei
came from Charlie, and my heart
iightened even before the envelope
was opened. The letter was ike a'I
of his bright and CHEEKY, only tnis' Oh
| course. was tinged with little SAD
ness on account of my recent bereave-
ment. In the letter he urged
speedy marriage, and was SO sorry
to be Obliged to tell him that the
children we're left without q penny.
| and that I could not leave them.
felt sure of Charles sympathy. Tor
Uncle Dennis had been so good 10 US
both. He had taken me. a little or
phaned girl, and cared for me as
though / had been daughter. Ano'
having known Charles father, he So
cured for the boy a position that had
been of great advantage to him. VI
course expected him to feel for the
little ones of his old friend. instead
of writing. Charlie came. saw him
as he walked quickly up to the door.
and myzelf 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.
Even now, after so many years, can
not think of it quite composedly. he
had 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
, pressed both my hands to my head
t before could answer.
> Uncle Dennis didn't put me in an
I 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 dot" he
asked.
n "They will go where l co." re
q piled.
It Again he laughed.
II Now, Allie, wouldn't we cut pref
a ty figure in a New York boarding.
a house with three children? No, thanl
. you, my dear, / cannot submit t.
!. IT."
81 can work for them, Charlie"
- said, a strange pain in my heart;
y can take care of them until the
y are older; / can't leave them, l an
q. a good nurse; can make enoug
Of money, and Margaret will live wit
o. them; she couldn't leave them an
II more than can"
Charlie made little gesture OF In
patience.
IN allie, all that is sheer nonsense.
,g don't want an old maid for my wifi
IS. and do you think my mother would r
m. ceive a girl who had been q commo
y. uurscw
= The pam In my heart had grow
- to a terrible agony, but all the tin
A. felt the wild Joy at the thought TIL
RS was not obliged to listen to Charlie
he cruel plans. / don't know just VIII
at I said, my head was so hot, and n
ge hands were SO cold, but / know
be stood before me; his cruel, handson
ira face was all could see, and long
cd to go away from him.
~ Choose between me and the ch
- dren. Allie" he said, and for answ
~ took my pretty engagement ring I
ne and laid 1t on the table beside hir
OK then, for fear he might know SON
md thing of what it cost me, raised I
head and bravely left the room.
How cried and sobbed when
ere knew he was gone! After that the
en- wasn't much time for grieving oy
OF lost lovers. / knew how impossible
to would be find work in our dear, slee
Itly little town, so we took the childr,
an Margaret and I, and went to larg
,,tv busier town. We rented rooms a
:. before long l secured position
nurse to Miss Ellington, wealthy
valid.
INC So my new life began. 1 tried
the every way to brighten the life of
an poor lady, and at last, from doing
much for her, began to love her de
ly; then my work was light indie
ave Many were the presents she sent
eDy children, and had them sometimes
OF come for tea with her.
'oss But in spite of it all, my life '
'asy not very bright, and missed the 6
into ETY. young people love. One even
ana DR.. Murray, who was treating
- and with whom I had become g
friends, came in with e great bias
of roses.
&c . "See, Miss Ellington, what
less brought you. Now, will you do so
thing for me?"
= Tell me, I would be indeed b
y ~ hoor<ad ~ rofuso /" she said bend