The Nezperce herald. (Nezperce, Idaho) 1900-1957, 1908-10-15

50 near. II yet seemed as II a long
distance separated Them. He was hap
Dy--yes, certainly but not as happy as
be had expected 10 be.
lie looked at the few houses NJ ana
down the street. and seeing no one Ia
sight he took Evellna's hand, which lay
In her lap. and put il 70 his lips.
Eyelina gave his hand a slight an
swering pressure. and smiled al him.
4 must 90 IN and get ready the tea"
she said.
Jim sat for awhile after she left him.
and decided that he was very happy.
after all man must not expect 70
have the whole earth.
Summer and autumn passed. Jim
was a carpenter. and IN winter there
were days when he could not work at
his trade. This spare time he spent In
making many little conveniences for
Evelina, and in repairs about the house.
He had already painted the outside. In
the long evenings be and Evellna stud
led and read together.
When spring came. Evelina was al
ways standing at the door or at the
window when Jim came home at night.
and smiled when he waved his hand.
When he came In he would draw her
70 him very gently. and kiss her once.
on the cheek. He was very careful OF
her. She still seemed a person set
apart, 10 be treated reverently.
Jim loved her more than ever. but II
made him sorrOwful 70 think how far
above him she was Sometimes he
questioned whether be had not done
her great wrong IN persuading her TO
marry him
Summer came again. Jim had been
married nearly year and half. and
a duh sense Of misery had taken pos
session Of him. He was convinced that
Evelina had never really cared for him.
She seemed TO dwell serene in a land OF
dreams where he was not allowed 10
enter. and he was very lonely.
BroOding over his troubles one day.
Jim made a misstep and fell from
high scanolding.
Eveiina SAT by Jim's bedside. II was
evening now Kindly disposed neigh
bors and friends had gone. ard the two
children were sleeping
Erelina had no inclination 10 sleep.
The clock slowly licked away the hours.
Twice she gave Jim the opiate, as she
had been directed. then resumed her
seat
When at last Jim awoke the sun had
long since risen. and Erelina was stand
ing over him There were tears IN her
eyes and her lips trembled.
Jim thought he understood.
Don't feel dad. Evelina," be said
weakly. 1T Is al right l wasn't the
one for you You win be better on
without me. and happier"
"You are not going TO die. Jim. You
VIII be out IN few days, the doctor
says
Then why
But Evelina. falling to her knees,
threw her arm about his neck. and
pressing her face hard against his. be-
gan to sob bitterly.
Jim. with much pain. lifted his FREE
hand and laid it caresslngly on her
lair.
Don't. little wife - he pleaded
1--WE been so blind she said at last.
her sobs and lifting her head
% that she could see his face-'so
hind and foolish and heartless. I'm
sOing to confess everything. Jim.
married you TO save your soul and to
improve you-or at least deceived my
elf into thinking that was the reason.
II looked down on you-you. who
ave always been so good and true and
houghtful and unseidsh. and who were
niles and miles above me, And I
bought l didn't care very much for
GU. butch. Jim. II you had died
hould never. never have been happy
gaini"
Jim looked at her. and the words he
ould not say said themselves through
is shining eyes.-Pennsylvani Grit.