The Elbert County tribune., 1909-03-18

to Tive for his sake. For his 4ake-
the words sounded wonderfully sweet
to my ears, and when he held my hand
In both his own and whispered that
he would never leave me again, be-
gan to feel desire to get well.
He kept his word. too. but this sum-
mer he came to me and told me that
the sea was calling him. and he must
go. He suggested that / come with
him up here. where he could have his
boat and come home to me at night,
but he would not bring the boy, and 1t
broke my heart to leave him. Now
you know why hate the ocean-my
enemy"
Il understand" said, and thought
did realize a little how distressing 1t
must be to her to be SO near 1t.
Yes" she said; Il came here glad
ly, because he asked 1t, although /
hate the air and the very sight of the
ocean. But to-day l found something
l else 4 was mending his coat, trying
to keep myself occupied and not think
too much, for he went out day before
yesterday and ! have not seen him
since"
"Yes?" 1 said, for she paused un-
certainly.
1T is not the ocean," she said. brok-
emily. That was but an excuse. 1t is
a woman"
She thrust her hand into The bosom
of her dress. and instinctively ! knew
she would bring forth a small package
wrapped in white tissue paper She
opened it. and l saw the blue ribbon
and the little soft curl with strange
sense of familiarity. She put her fin
ger under the lock of hair. as Eliza
beth had done, and looked at me with
speechless misery.
Perhaps" / suggested, there is
some mistake
1T is pretty, is 1t not7'' she said.
"A little, soft ring Of yellow hair!
Yet when saw it and-realized. my
heart stopped beating, and remember
nothing more until saw you"
She was talking calmly now-too
calmly. thought, as l looked at her
feverishly bright eyes. The hand
which touched mine occasionally was
hot and dry. and a round red spot in
either cheek giowed and paled inter
mittently.
Il am glad didn't know she con-
tinued; there are some things one
cannot forgive, and l might have
member that never said a harsh
word to him. even when I was most
sorely tried. I'm glad of that-very
glad"
She spoke in the tone of quiet rem
iniscence in which one reviews ones
past attitude to the dead, after the
first poignancy of grief is over.
But he will come back l said
Think how many times he has left
you before
HE will not come back
The finality of her voice precluded
reply. and after long silence
suggested that she lie down and try
to sleep. and ! would do likewise. She
agreed docilely enough. and, 4. threw
myself upon the bed beside her, and
in few moments was sound asleep.
Isslept, heavily. for was very tired.
but it seemed scarcely IA moment until
l heard her call me.
YES" cried, alarmed; what
is it,"
Mrs. Graham. fully dressed and
with a lighted candle in her hand.
stood beside the bed, shawl around
her shoulders and another over her
arm.
II am going out she said Come"
Going out?'' repeated, parrot-like.
being still dazed with sleep.
Going down to the edge of the wa
ter to meet him. 1t is calling meat
\ last the ocean calls me, and I'm going.
Will you conner
wait until morning; we can see
nothing in the dark
ut is dawn" she replied. raising the
shade. AT last the night has gone.'
on at the edge OF the horizon was
a broad streak of pale gray. and. while
the stars still shone. they were fading
fast
CTo BE coNTINuED)