River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1914-07-16

duu iO'C CdCu UlueF- he udS dShtu
me to be his wife"
May | have her for better or for
worse! he asked the parents
Mr.. Bryan's face had paled. You
must talk with her mother he said
will you join me in the library after
you have been to your room. Nelson o.
The wind puffed down the great
chimney and filled Mr.. Bryan's library
with the fragrance of burning oak and
pine. The logs cracked above their
deepening ashen bed The night had
come. and the we'll shelved room was
snug with the glow from the hearth
Nelson, began Mr. Bryan leaning
forward in his armchair. you are ask
ing us for the best we haye-our only
Daughter Are you worthy?
Il have tried TO be-
You must know that you have been
the subject Of gossip because you have
lived as hermit
Yes"
And you have admitted that there is
something in your own life which you
do not feel that /. Molly's father.
should share"
Il know it,
Have you anything to hide from me
now?'
The eyes Of the younger man stared
into the FIRE The dancing flames east
2rOtesIue shadows on his bearded face
Il cannot give you my confidence
he replied. Il cannot. now
"Ne.sOn. my measure of a man is by
his Integrity and his intelligence" Mr.
Bryan urged. You have brains and
industry. Whether you were found
ling at birth or child of the streets in
the north will not weigh heavily in my
decision" His voice was kindly and
assuring.
MY boy" he said, you must open
your heart to me- cannot let my
daughter undertake to share your life
with her eyes blindfolded. Tell her
Tell her everything. She is of the
stamp of her dear mother. She is
young woman. but brave and serious
one She would countenance nothing
that would bring touch of dishOnor
to her or to her parents"
"Tell-her?" gasped Nelson.
Yes"
Molly entered the library, coming
from her mother. radiant with smiles.
She paused as she saw the pallor of
her lovers face and the serious look
upon her fathers
What is the matter?" she demanded
Mr.. Bryan rose from his chair
Il shall leave you together for
awhile" he said as he left the room.
john
to him, and be took her in his arms
and kissed her.
Let US go outside on the piazza" be
said. Il feel as though 1 should choke
in here. There is something / must
tell YOU"
She turned from him and flung wide
a deep window. The night scowled at
them as they left the warm and light
ed room for the rain and the dark.
81 have something to tell you" he
repeated
THAT you love meY' she asked.
Love you:" he repeated. "NIy heart
is torn with love for you"
Nothing else Matters
She crept to his side and clasped his
hands in hers
Your father wants to know who |
am" he told her.
Il know who you are. You are John
Nelson. my lover"
To ,ke, 70 ~ who I
From heaven-to me-" she answer
ed with a little laugh of content as
she kissed him.
From prison." be said. II am an
escaped convict | was sent to prison
in the north for life. was convicted
Of
Il know what you were convicted
of" she whispered. smothering his lips
with her own. "You were convicted of
being too kind and too good to your
fellow man. Christ was SD convicted"
The words fell solennly from her
lips. and they startled Nelson.
Il was convicted of murder" he
said. "of murder in the second de-
gree. was innocent. | was sentenced.
an innocent man. to life in prison. My
name is James Montgomery, and the
police seek me-
She fell back from him for mo-
ment. the shadows enshrOuding her.
But she did not leave him for long.
Her arms were again about his neck.
and her lips turned to his.
Il knew that you had been hurt by
some one or something she whisper
ed. pressing her cheek against his.
"lou do not need to tel! me of your
innocence. | shall share your sorrows
and your joys until death do us part"
Il have no moral right to marry
you" he said
But you shall take me for your
wife," she cried. 81 shall live in the
mountains with you and never leave
your side, and If they come for you
they shall never take you as long as
have broofh Of Iifo ThQy can't