Middletown transcript., 1912-02-17

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 I passed
through, seeking to do what was right
and best; but finally, moved by my
sympathy, eager to soothe his final
hours of suffering, and urged by my
father, I consented to crafty his wish,
and we were united in marriage while
he was on his deathbed. Two days
later he passed away"
She paused, 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, a
man nearly double the age of Charles,
was named as administrator of the
estate, to retain its management until
l should attain the age of twenty-one
Less than a year later my 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 l 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, and
his thoughtful kindness to me, won
my respect, and 1 gradually came to
look upon him alrlost as an elder
brother, turning to him in every time
of trouble for encouragement and
help. 1t was the necessity of our
business relation which first COM
PEELED me to come South and join
Major Brennan in camp; as he was
unable to obtain leave of absence, L
was. obliged to make the trip. Not
until that time, Captain Wayne-in-
deed, not until after our experience
at Mountain View-did fully realize
that Major Brennan looked upon me
otherwise than as guardian upon his
ward. The awakening period panied
me greatly, especially as 1 was
obliged to disappoint him deeply; yet
I seek to retain his friendship, for my
memory of his long kindness must
ever abide. am sure you will under
stand, and not consider me unwoman-
ly in thus making you a confidant."
Il can never be sufficiently CRATE
full that you have thus trusted me-" 1
said with an earnestness that caused
her to lower her questioning e'-es. "It |
has been 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 1 am
rich compared with thousands of 9TH |
ers; infinitely rich in comparison with
what dreamed myself an hour ago."
held out my hand. There will come
4 day when shall answer your in
Titation to the North"
"You are on your way homer"
"Yes; to take fresh Aold upon life,
.rusting that sometime in the early
'utGre 1 may feel worthy to come to
7ou."
Worthy" she echoed the word, a
ouch Of scorn in her voice, her eyes
lark with feeling. Worthy? Captain
Wayne, I sometimes think you the
most unselfish man 1 ever knew.
Must the sacrifices, then, always be
made by you? Can you not conceive
t possible that 1 also might like to
'ield up something? Is it possible
-ou deem me a woman to whom
money is a god?"
NO" I said, my heart bounding to
he scarce hidden meaning of her i'm
'etuous words, nor have the sacri-
Ices always been mine; you were
nee my prisoner
She bent down, her very soul in
Ter eyes, and rested one white hand
pon my shoulder. Fer An instant we
cad each others heart in silence,
hen shyly she said, 'I am still your
risone,."
THE END.