The Washington herald., 1907-05-22
WINIFRED'S BEST YEARS
BY ANNE HEILMAN.

Winifred Lane and Josiah Dent had
been lovers since their a B G. days. For
seventeen years now she had worn the
ring he had sold his first colt 20 buy To-
gether they had stood mp" for her
brother Dick and Eliza AZ Dicks first
wedding, while all the assembled company
commented upon them and looked forward
20 another wedding
Her fathers failing health had brought
the first postponement, then Dick came
home n widower and his delicate baby be-
came Aunt Winnie's' charge Dicks
second marriage had brought a gleam Of
hope. But Julia Rehecca declined 20 live
on the farm. and Dick bought a place in
another town, leaving 10 his sister the
care Of her mother and the farm. Six
years later. Mother Lane and Julia Re
becca had both died in the same week,
and Dick. cheerfully conSigning his or
phan brood O. his sisters care. had taken
an extended trip West
Through it all Josiah had waited pa
tiently, declaring always when Winifred
offered him his release that there was but
one woman in the world for him, and
Winifred had settled down to cheerful
performance of daily duty. frightened by
the some day that would yet be hers.
The patiently awaited day seemed near
at hand on this duh November afternoon.
Richard Lane had unexpectedly appeared
at his sisters home accompanied by his
third wife. and without any unnecessary
delay had taken his children to the west
ern town in which he was located.
Miss Lane stood on the front veranda
and watched the loaded wagon drive
away. Dick hasn't had any kind Of luck
with wives so far. but I've a notion this
will last" she said aloud as she went
slowly indoors.
How stiIl IL was The childrens voices
seemed to echo through the empty rooms
Winifreds eyes filled with scalding tears.
YES" she said in a tone which held
both regret and relief. they're gone for
good. and I s'pose I'm free at last. OF
course. he'll hear" she continued pres
emily. maybe he'll be over tonight. I'd
better tidy up"
Miss Lane lit the parlor lamp and after
a little hesitation pinned on her best lace
collar. "t'n do no harm even If nobody
comes" she argued TO herself
But the clock struck eight and nine and
no one came. He hasn't heard yet she
assured herself. al she went to bed.
The vigil was repeated the next even-
ing and the next Winifred became per
picked
When Dick married his second Josiah
was here before tea time" she reflected.
but l won't begin TO worry until Sun
day" she sensibly determined. "JosiahH
be at church and he'll hear about Dick"
Sunday was ushered in with a driz-
zling rain. but in the afternoon the sun
shone brightly Miss Lane went 10 even
ing services, attired in the neat gray dress
and bonnet which had Deen purchased
for her brothers second wedding, twelve
years ago Feeling lonely, she gladly ac-
cepted an invitation from the minister's
wife to a seat in the front pew She
could not see Josiah. but she felt his
presence two pews behind. and his deep
voice in the hymns sent thrills of pride
to her loving heart.
With pard0nable COquetry she fingered
a little going out a casual glance
through the open door assured her that
he was waiting in the entry as Of old
She had nearly reached him; in another