Arizona republican., 1908-02-02
] COUNTING LOVES TOLL FRANCES H 1:uum.
FRANCES A

And inst as he was almost elate with the strength and fervor of his resolve, Sheiah came oscA rom Newport weary of luxury, of subjection, or assoca tion of unbearable inequality with the ITCH aE1 the great.
 Her grief at the loss of her little brother and sister her indignant pain at not having been summoned to do her share of nursing sincere and deep She took her old place at the notion counter, and slept beside her mother on the hard straw bed across tne foot of which no Moira now tossed in restless sleep
 But Sheilah was young. and not deep or stern or fibre Pat had been the lodestone, after al to draw her back and her tears shed, she looKed 10 HIS CULT ing with beating heart
 Her savings had provided her mother with the mourning out of which the poor, especially the poor of the Old Country, extract a certain satisfaction Sheilsh more modern was content with a white chambray and stock touched here and there witn black ribbon. She knew that she looked well, ana she onged to read the old assurance in Pats eyes
 When he came Mrs. Moriarty greeted him, ana then left the lovers alone.
 Sheilah lifted shy eyes to Pats blue gaze.
 Well Pat I've come back" she said
 Your mother1l be glad" he answered graveiy. She's good woman Sheilah."
 Sheah felt the tears dim her eyes.
 She's very good" she agreed. Then silence fell Sheah unable to bear it. crossed to the window, and looked at the line of roofs against the sky.
 Do you remember coming to me? she asked at length. Do you remember what you said Fat!
 q guess don't forget he replied sheepishly.
 Sheah turned to the window and faced him. Do you remember what you said about being queen Of little placeT she went Do you know, Pat, IT didn't think then, but-now-that sounds-nfce"
 Her cheeks famed in the gathering dusk She
  clear and wated-waited till Pats slow brain should | have realized her words but Pat stodd in dumb agony holding himself to his VOW.
 He had no words for her and Sheilah sank, sobbing into the chair by the table.
 You don't care-you don't" she wept. "oh. go away then--go away. Why do you Stay to shame me?"
 The dignity of his honest intent the dignity of his own sacrifice. gave Patrick OMeara the look Of prince All embarrassment left him. At the so1nd of his voice Sheilah lifted her head.
 We're not to say I don't care" began her lover. We're never to think that Sheilah mayourneen. But I've seen your mothers life and I've seen, in me minds eye what my wife w'd be-if I had wife We've told me many time. Sheilah, and we've told me true She'd have to wash and bake and scrub and iron. She'd have to rise early and sleep late. And there'd be children-and-they make life hard for the womani I'll not bring you nor any woman to it. Sheilah. I'll never have wife,"
 He said the words solemnly and Sheah shivered as she listened The uxuries she had loved the triies that had made her pleasure. suddenly shrveed away before the fire of her lon ging for the who re- pounced her for the clasp of the arms that would not hold her. the touch of the lips that no longer sought 10 touch hers She rose. stretching out tre- bling hands
 But Pat-Pat," she cried. Don't you see-t-I like you enough, Pat-not to mind!"
 He shook his head.
 Not now ye don't mind" he said gen " "I re- member what ye told me. Sheilah once before ye went to Mrs. Van Tessels. For time, ye said the fiat and the furniture, and the clothes would make 1t not badi see that now Sheiiah. though didn't then. womans life-a poor wo1Gan's ltfe-- is cruel hard. and I'll not bring you to t
 There was sad 'lity in lis tone that made sT- GIment. peadings. futile Sheilsh stood trembling. her happiness falling in ruins about her while she, helpless could but watch its fall
 "I-I-like you-enoush-nCt to mind" she whiS- pered her tears falling
 Pat folded his arms across his breast that trey might not fold her against his will. While they stood. the door of the inner room opened and Mrs. MOriarty came out.
 We're wrong Pat though it's well enough ye do be meanin.' she said and Sheilsh knew by the words that her mother had been living through her courtshp, in listening to hers But ye think too