The Liberal democrat. [volume] (Liberal, Kan.) 1911-1924, 1913-12-12

tie sitting room. When II mad peer
opened she asked with the familiarity
of trusted servant: as your head
ache better, missus?"
"Yes, Judy" was the answer "ant
is Barbara home YETI"
mo, missus, she just sent word that
she would come home little later
with Massa Arthur"
Very well, Judy, have supper ready
when they come, and Judy"
Eyes, missus."
Tell Barbara I'll not be down to
supper tonight, but not to worry, as
feel much better"
Eyes, missus."
And Judy disappeared from the door
and hurried down the long hall.
Slowly Mary Crawford went back to
the arm chair.
Barbara is so happy" she unused,
"and Arthur Is so noble and true,
There is no one that l would rather
| give her to. But 1t Is so hard and so
soon, too, only next week and l shall
be all alone"
"All alone" she repeated, "but Bar
bara must not know that care so
much. She must be happy, and lit
makes no difference about me. l will
keep my promise for your own dear
sake, Gilbert"
Slowly her eyelids closed, and SO
still she sat in the arm chair with her
head resting against the cushion that
one would have thought her asleep.
She must have been asleep an hour
later, for when the great brass knock
er on the front door echoed its signal
through the house, she did not move.
Judy opened the door to admit tall
stranger powdered with snowflakes
and apparently almost exhausted from
his journey in the storm.
judy" faint voice exclaimed, and
then the man sank helplessly on the
old-fashioned hall seat.
However, that one word was enough
for the old servant. In minute she
was on her knees pulling at his coat,
and murmuring words of endearment
"Massa Gilbert! The good Lord be
praised. l has prayed and prayed for
this day, and now you is come home.
Bless you'll"
By the great stove in the kitchen
Gilbert Arnold obediently swallowed
the hot drinks Judy prepared, and
tried to answer the good old souls
questions.
He had Travelled day and night since
that memorable afternoon when they
had told him that the guilty one had
confessed, and that he was a free man.
He thought of Mary Crawford, and
something told him that the woman
who once loved him had been worthy
of his trust.
"Massa, Gilbert" Judy was saying,
"Missus will want to know you is
come, and If you is thoroughly warmed
I'll go tell her."
Judy" the man said, where is
your mistress?"
in her sitting room, Massa Gill
bert"
And you say Barbara will be home
soon? Then your mistress is alone?"
Yes, massa."
Let me go to her, Judy, know just
where the room is, for used to play
there when a boy"
The little woman by the fire must
have been dreaming happy dreams for
she smiled in her sleep, and did not
start when she suddenly opened her
eyes and saw tall form opposite her.
Gilbert" she said softly, this
dream of you has lasted so long to-
night, longer than ever before. But
shall wake soon and then you will
be gone"
Something in the woman's eyes
made the mans face glow with Joy
unspeakable. Softly stepping to her
side he took her hands in his.
Mary" he said, Il am free and
have come back to you and Barbara"
The light of great happiness stole
into Mary Crawford's soul as she real
lied that he was no dream.
Gilbert" she said, Barbara is
happy. Sne is going 10 De the wire
of a noble, honest man and II am
happy because she is"
Gently Gilbert Arnold raised her
face so that he could look into her
eyes.
Dear one," he said, you must be
happy because have come back to
love you"
ITO love me-" she repeated, "how
do you know that will make me
happy?"
Because you told me when you
woke and found me here"
She did not speak, but let her tired
head rest on his shoulder. Slowly he
bent his head down to hers.
How long have you cared for me
like this, Mary" he asked.
81 think always" she softly an
swered.
Copyright 1913, by the Mcclure News
paper Syndicate.)