The Hickman courier. [volume] (Hickman, Ky.) 1859-current, 1909-06-24
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and so unlike his experience OF the
man: Il was: winter. a son like that
would be a good deal OF comfort,
wouldn't he?"
Poor little chap" said Winter.
lie hasn't any father 20 be proud OF
him-father and mother both dead"
Keatcham eyed Winter thoughtfully
moment. then he said: You've
been married and lost children, your
aunt says. That must be hard. But
did you ever read that poem OF James
whitcomb Riley's TO his friend whose
child was dead? It's true what he says
they were better OF than he who
had no child to die"
Rupert was looking away from the
speaker with the instructive embar-
rassment Of a man who surprises the
deeper feelings OF another. He could
see out OF the window the lovely April
garden and Janet Smith amid the al
mond blossoms. Only her shining
black head and her white shoulders
and bodice rose above the pink clus-
tiers. She looked up and nodded. see
ing him; her face was a little pale,
but she was smiling.
81 don't know" he said. 'it's hard
enough either way for a man"
II never lost any children"-Keatch-
ANS tone was dry. still. but II had not
quite the former desiccated quality
but was married, for a little while.
IL it's as bad to lose your children as
II is to lose the hope of having them,
it-must be hard. You lost your wife.
too?"
YES" said Rupert Winter.
At this moment he became con-
scious that Keatcham was avoiding his
gaze in the very manner OF his avoid
ing OF Keatcham's q moment ago; and
1t gave him a bewildering sensation.
81 wanted to marry my wife for
seven years before We were married"
Keatcnam continued in that carefully
monotonous voice. she was the
daughter OF the superintendent OF the
! mine where was working was
only rs when first saw her. wrs
% when We were married. She used
to give me lessons; she was educated
and accomplished. She did more than
Is easy telling. for me. or course. her
parents were opposed at first because
they looked higher for her. but she
brought them round by her patience
and her sweetness and her faith IN
me. Six months after we we're mar.
ried, she had an accident which left
her a helpless invalid in a wheeled
chair, at the best; at the worst, suf
fering--you've known what It is to
see anybody. whom you care for. In
horrible pain and trying not to show II
when you come near?"
Il have" said Winter; merry hell
isn't it?"
Il have seen that expression" said
Keatcham; Il never recognized iti
peculiar appropriateness before. Yes
1t is that. Yet, Winter, those two
years she lived afterwards we're the
happiest OF my whole life. She said
the last night she was with me. thai
they had been the happiest OF hers
Il don't wonder you didn't marry
again." said Winter.
1Ou WOulu nut WOuucl II gOu nut
known Helen. She always under
stood. OF course. now, at 81. I coulS
buy pretty. innocent, young girl who
would do as her parents babe her. and
cry her eyes out before the wedding
or a handsome and brilliant society
woman with plenty Of matrimonial ex
perience-but | don't want them.
should have to explain myself 4
them; l don't know how TO explain
myself; you see can't half do it"
Il reckon / understand a little"
Il guess you do. You are different
too. Well, let's get down to business
think you some way OF getting thu
women out OF the house; and get you
sleuths after Atkins. It's we get him
or he gets u.s."
The amateur secretary assented ant
prepared to go. for the valet was a
the door. ready to relieve him; bu
opposite Keatcham. he paused a sec
ond. made a pretense Of hunting FOL
his hat. picked II up In his left hanC
and held out the right hand. saying
We'll. take care of yourself"
Keatcham nodded: he shook the
hand with a good firm pressure
Much obliged, Winter" said he.
We'll" meditated the soldier as h
went his way. Il never did think L
take that financial bucaneer by The
hand; butt wasn't the bucaneer