The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1908-08-04
THE COURSE OF TRUE LOVE

fro mhim the knowledge that he is a
father. you wronged the child in de-
priving him OF a fathers love and
care. and you wronged yourself In let
ting the world believe you a guilty
wife" I
"Oh, but / did not do that, George.
feel sure that no one even guessed
that Ernest thought SO. Although he
so cruelty judged and deserted me. he
was careful TO cast no shadow upon
my good name" she sadly explained.
From his great height George Will
sin looked down upon his cousin. curl
ously at first. then somewhat quizzic-
ally.
Well" he remarked, st strikes me
that you have very high opinion of
your husband in spite OF his cruelty,
Stella"
She colored under his glance and
tone, but answered gravely:
True, George. but wish TO be
just. In the two years OF our married
life he was ever kind and gentle. And
although | can never forget or for
give the wrong he did me afterward.
must always remember what went
before. and appreciate It,"
1T seems TO me that, feeling as you
do toward him. you might make an eff.
fort toward forgiveness, II only for
the sake OF the child. Come, my dear,
listen to your own heart and give the
little lad a present-the only present
worth having-his father.
Back OF the little group there was
the sound OF a footstep.
by the memory of those two happy
years. Stella. your husband pleads for
that gift OF the child and for a chance
Of atonement"
They turned at the sound OF the
strange voice. Standing In the door
way leading to an inner Office. stood
Ernest Travers. He held out plead.
Ing hand to his wife. but she turned
coldly away. The little boy slowly
arose to his feet. looked wonderingly
from one face to another for an ex-
PLANTATION. But no zone spoke, and he
went timidly to the side of the
stranger, holding out a tiny hand
which the father tenderly grasped In
his own. Then he spoke again, ad-
dressing Wilson.
Il have been at this alcove desk for
some time. George, and have heard
all that passed since the child recog-
nized my picture. 1t is ali true. as
Stella has said. There were two
years Of unequalled Joy. but through
my beastly jealousy l became brute
and wronged her beyond reparation.
81 deserve my punishment. but II is
hard" he sadly added, as ne looked
down upon the little face raised to
him.
Are you my papa?" the baby asqed.
Yes. my boy" and the father
stopped to the child. feeling for the
first time the clasp OF his child's arms
about his neck. The pressure seemed
to renew his courage. He rose. still
holding the little ones hand. and once
more pleadingly turned to his wife.
1T Is the anniversary OF the very
day upon which I so wronged you
seven years ago. Stella. The day upon
which, by your own admission, you
were lovingly preparing to receive me
with tender welcome. But ii was q
day upon which we had no boy, and
now that we have one. cannot you for
give his father and let that father
share the child with the mother? Have
you no love left for that father. my
wife?"
For a moment she faltered. then
turned coldly aside. still without
glance in his direction. She held out
her hand to the little boy. saying:
Come, Ernest"
(which Ernest?" asked her hus.
band. quickly possessing himself of
the outstretched hand. He flashed q