The Hope pioneer. [volume] (Hope, N.D.) 1882-1964, 1912-03-14

"nSA
you thought that of me-"
Il am going to tell you my story,
Captain Wayne. It is not a pleasant
task under these circumstances, yet
one l owe you as well as myself. This
may prove u last meeting, and we
must not part under the shadow of a
mistake. however innocently it may
have originated. l am the only child
of Edwin Adams, q manufacturer, of
Stonington, Connecticut. My father
IA also for several terms a member
of Congress from that State. AS the
death of my mother occurred when l
was but five years old, all my fathers
love was lavished upon me, and l
grew up surrounded by every advan-
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, and the son of Judge David
Brennan OF the State Supreme Court.
AS we grew older his friendship for
me ripened into love, a feeling which I
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
Charles Brennan give up hope. When
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
n 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,C 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, consented to crafty his wish.
and V were united in marriage while
he was on his deathbed. 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, a
man nearly double the age of Charles,
was named as administrator of the
estate, to retain it's management until
should attain the age of twcnty-one.
Less than a year 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 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 I gradually came to
look upon him all ost 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 camL; 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 l fully realize
that Major Brennan looked upon me
otherwise thar as a guardian upon his
ward. The awakening period panied
me greatly, especially as l was
obliged to disappoint him deeply; yet
l seek to retain his friendship, for my
memory of his long kindness must
ever abide. l an sure you will under
stand, and not consider me unwoman-
ly in thus making o a %confidant."
Il can never be sufficiently CRATE
full that you have thus trusted me- !
said with an earnestness that caused
her to lower her questioning e-es. 1T
has been a strange misunderstanding
between us, Mrs. Brennan, but your
words have brought a new hope tc
one disheartened Confederate soldier
l must be content with hope, yet | am
rich compared with thousands of 9th
ers; infinitely rich in comparison with
what l dreamed myself an hour age.
l held out my hand. There will come
a day when l shall answer your in
vitation to the North
You are on your way homg?"
Yes; to take a FREE. ..old upon life
trusting that sometime in the early
future I may feel worthy to come tc
you"
worthy" she echoed the word, .
touch Of scorn in her voice, her eyes
dark with feeling. WORTHY? Captain
Wayne, | sometimes think you the
/, most unselflsh man ever knew
Must the sacrifices, then, always b.
made by you? Can you not conceive
it possible that l also might like tt
: yield up something? Is t possible
. you deem me a woman to whom