The Bourbon news. [volume] (Paris, Ky.) 1895-19??, 1910-12-23
A Homecoming

worked up some public interest, II
not enthusiasm, in his behalf, but as
it was the jury returned a verdict of
the aid of counsel even, found him
self sentenced to seven years penal
servitude, and was delighted. Seven
| y, ars instead of twenty! For that
was what he had expected.
"Your wife wishes to see you"
Hans Olsen was standing lost in
| thought when the policeman entered
and announced Marie Strangely
enough, he had forgotten about her
in his excitement, and now that he
was reminded of her existence, all
the pleasure of relief left him.
'Mariei'
1t was all he could say and awk-
wardly and shyly shook hands with
her.
Seven years." she sobbed, 81 am
not to see you for seven long years
and we have been married only
six months!"
Eyes, it does seem like a long
parting dear, when you put it that
way. A man need not change in
seven years, unless he likes, but a
woman" he finished with
groan. You must go away" he
continued, 'there is enough in the
savings bank to keep you for a year
Go to some quiet country place. My
people won't know you. Call your
self Mrs. Hansen That will be suf-
ficient. But after the first year"
"I'll work. 1 can live on little,
very little indeed
"And if the little is rot there?"
cit shall bot must be-" she
cried. Goodbye, Hans. / must go,
but I'll wait for you and as l for
give now, so will 1 keep my heart
for you. Come at any time, you will
be welcome always"
They shook hands and separated.
Hans Olsen went to VridslOse, and
Marie to Aarhus, and each thought
this world hell.
in due course Olsen began to count
the days to his release. He had
served nearly six years, and though
little doubtful as to what allow
ance would be made for good be-
havior, he hoped to be free at the
end of the sixth year.
1t was characteristic of the mans
frame of mind that he should re-
solve to call on his wife unexpect-
eddy. He found her address, and
fate having ordained it that he
should be released from Vridsloese
the money he had earned proved
more than sufficient to pay the rail
road fare. In the train he worked
himself up to high pitch of excite
ment. He pictured his wife, totally
oblivious of his existence, enjoying
the society of others.
eff she has been unfaithful." he
Kissed, I'll kill her."
There was no response to his re-
peated taps on the cottage door, and
he pushed it open somewhat i'm
patiently, and found himself in q
square room of comfortable, if mod
est, appearance A fire was burning
brightly. and it was evident that
someone had just tended it. A
small table was set prepared for
tea, and Hans Olsen noticed with O.
queer sensation, that the occupant
of the cottage was expecting
guest.
''She can't have known was
coming" he muttered, and the
longer he regarded the cups and
plates, the harder his thoughts
became.
But I'll kill her if there is an
other" he cried out aloud as he went
outside to see if she was coming. He
caught glimpse of woman's dress
among the trees and rushed back
into the house, waiting tremblingly
behind the door for his wife.
She entered lightly enough, but
the moment she caught sight of his
passionate face she started back and
screamed.
"Oh, so you are surprised he
cried, catching her by the wrists
and peering into her face.
why, is it really you, Hans?"
she exclaimed in relief; but his face
hardened
who is the other?" he growlad.
you could not have been expecting
me-"
She guessed his suspicious, and all
woman in her was reused. as with a
wrench she freed herself.
"You-you think l have been I'M
faithful" she said in a low tone
That's what you have been suspect
ing all these years, while 1 was
working day and night to keep"
''None of that" he commanded.
"Who is the second cup for?"
Perhaps you have an idea," she
r.,nlfo1 with Aochin0 ouoc