Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1912-06-14

OF Edwin Adams. e manufacturer, 81
S%tonington, Connecticut. My fathei
was also for several terms a member
of Congress from thai State. AS the
death of my mother occurred when ]
was but five years old. all my fathers
love was lavished upon me. and |
grew up surrounded by every advau.
tage which abundant means and high
social position could supply. During
all those earlier years my playmate
and most intimate companion was
Charles Brennan, a younger brother OF
the Major. n the sou of Judge David
Brennan of the State Supreme Court.
AS we grew older his friendship for
me ripened into love, a feeling which
found it impossible to return. | liked
him greatly, valued him most highly,
continued his constant companion,
yet experienced no desire for closer
relationship. My position was rem
dered the more difficult as it had long
been the dream of the heads of both
houses that our two families. with
their contingent estates, should be
thus united, and constant urging tried
my decision severely. Nor would
OH"i ~ ~ dP AoPC.
he was twenty and l barely seventeen
a most serious accident occurred-a
runaway-in which Charles heroically
preserved my life, but himself re.
ceived injuries, from which death in
a short time was inevitable. In those
last lingering days of suffering. but
one hope, one ambition, seemed to
possess his mind-the desire to make
me his wife, and leave me the fortune
which was his through the will of his
mother. | cannot explain to you. Cap
tain Wayne, the struggle passed
through, seeking to do what was rignt
and best; but finally, moved by my
sympathy, eager to soothe his final
hours Of suffering, and urged by my
father. ! consented to crafty his wisk
and we were united in marriage while
he was on his d%eathbed. Two days
later he passed away"
She pau ed, her voice faltering, her
eyes moist with unshed tears. Scarce
knowing it. my hand sought hers,
where it rested against the saddle.
His brother" she paused slowly,
now Major Brennan. but at that time
a prosperous banker in Hartford. q
man nearly double the of Charles.
a named as administrator of the
estate. to retain its management until
l should attain the age of twcnty-one.
Less than a yea later M father also
died. The final settlement of his es-
tate was likewise entrusted to Frank
Brennan, and he was made my guard.
ian. Quite naturally became a resi-
dent Of the Brennan household, upon
the same standing as a daughter. be-
ing legally a ward of my husbands
brother. Major Brennan's age, n
his thoughtful kindness to me. won
my respect. and l gradually came %
look upon him al, ost as an elaer
brother. turning to him in every time
of trouble for encouragement and
help. 1t was the necessity OF GU.
business relation which first COM
PEELED me to come South and join
Major Brennan in CAM: Is he was
unable to obtain leave of absence. /
was obliged to make the rip. Not
until that time, Captain Wayne-in-
deed, not until after our experience
at Mountain View-did 1 fully realize
that Major Brennan looked upon me
otherwise than as a guardian upon his
ward. The awakening period panied
me greatly. especially as was
obliged to disappoint him deeply: yet
1 seek to retain his friendship, for my
memory of his long kindness must
ever abide. ! am ure you will under
stand, and not consider me unwoman"
ly in thus making you a c~onfidant."
" - 10 -, gS tn ~~ot~.
full that you have thus trusted me-" l
said with an earnestness that caused
her to lower her questioning c-es 1T
has been a strange misunderstanding
between us, Mrs. Brennan, but your
words have brought a new hope to
one disheartened Confederate soldier.
/ must be content with hope. yet l am
rich compared with thousands of 9th.
ers; infinitely rich in comparison with
what | dreamed myself an hour ago"
l held out my hand. There will come
a day when | shall answer Vour in
vitation to the North"
You are on your way h<,me?"
Yes; to take a fire. -old upon life.
trusting that sometime in the early
future / may feel worthy to come to
you"
Worthy" she echoed the word. a
touch Of scorn in her voice, her yes
dark with feeling. Worthy? Captain
Wayne, 1 sometimes think you the
most unsellsh man l ever knew.
| Must the sacrifices, then. always be
made by you? Can you not conceive
it possible that l also might Ike I'd
yield up something? Is It possible
o deem me a oma to whom
money is a god?"
No" l said, my heart bounding to
the scarce hidden meaning of her i'm.
petuous words, .no< h"ye the sacrf.
! fees always been mine: you yer
once my prisoner"
She bent down. ner very soul In
| her eyes, and restec one white hand
upon my shoulder. For an instant we
read each others hear in silence.
then shyly she said. II am still your
prisoner"
THE END.