El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1911-08-07
(By Mrs. Stanley Wrench.)

at DON'T like it, Lyddy," he cried
I'm not proud. 'Tisn't that
though ii does go against th'
grain to know you're going TO be II
service, to feel that you'll be at the
beck and call of rich nobodies."
She laughed lightly
Gross old john" she said. You are
wrinkling your face up into the mos
horrible contortions. Do you know
that? Don't forget, John, that al
service ranks the same with God, and
I'm doing this with a right aim in
view"
at know that, lass he said. 'T know.
But wish we were going to wed at
once, with no waiting"
She said nothing then, but Lydla
Lanes eyes looked very wistful. She,
too. longed for a home Of her own,
but she would not come to 1t empty
handed, and since the old folks had
had so many reverses she knew she
could expect nothing from them. Hence
her resolve to go out to service as
they termed it, in order to help pre-
pare the home.
Well say goodbye tonight, John,
she whispered. Mother will cry in
the morning when 1 set off, and she
will be upset, and 1 want you to think
of me all the time I'm away as 1 am
now, bright and happy, looking for
ward to our beautiful future together"
He kissed her fondly, drawing her
close to him, and looking into her
eyes
You're such a little, thing. Lyddy."
he said You're so small, you seem
like a child to me sometimes"
IT don't mind as long as I'm as high
as your heart" she said mischievous-
hn 1T har
again.
You're in my heart for ever and
always little sweetheart" he returned.
no matter what happens, no matter
where 1 go, that's whore you will al
ways be-"
The time will not be long, John.
dear" she whispered. Then I shall
be with you for ever and ay."
forever and ay." he repeated SOL
EMMY. Yes, please Cod"
Then the lovers parted, John Elliot
to go back to his farmhouse and
Lyddy Lane to linger awhile longer
in the old world garden.
1t was five years later, and once
more Lydia Lane stood amongst the
flowers a little ofder-lo looking 1t is
true. a little paler maybe. but just
the same dainty little figure as before.
She broke off a tiny spray from the
sweet brier. touching it tenderly.
Dear john" she whispered. II
wonder If 1 did right. But 1 could
not leave them now. Mother blind,
and father unable to do anything Oh,
it would not be right"
Tears suddenly filled her eyes, for
John had left her that night, half in
anger, half in disappointment, and
although she knew he loved her dear
ly, Lydia was hurt. Five years had
come and gone, but they were no near
er to being married than before; farm
ing was bad. and John had been un-
lucky, and nearly all Lyddy's savings
had been expended in surgical treat
ment for her mothers eyes, treatment,
alas. that had been useless. for the
eyesight had gone, she was threatened
with deafness, and was more irritable
and complaining than before Lyddy
had thrown up her situation, and come,
home to keep house, and her old faith
er had chung to her and cried like a
child
Don't leave us again. Lyydy. Don't
leave us again. he cried. "Mebbe 1t
won't be long as the Lord'u give me-
and it's terrible lonely when you be
away"
So when John had pleaded with her
for an immediate marriage and for
her to accompany him to New Zeal
and, where he was gong TO try to bet
ter his luck although she had been
sorely tempted. Lyddy said no.
It was when the two lovers had
again said goodbye that an awful
sense of desolation seized her. New