Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1918-01-18

companionship. They had become en-
gagged. For over a month his letters
from distant city had ceased. After
the death of her father she had writ
ten Vane Powers, telling him that he
/ was the only friend to whom she could
appeal for sympathy and counsel.
| Waldron Merritt could not get Anita
Berdon out of his mind all that day.
He could not confine his thoughts to
business. He did not return to his Of
flee, but strolled about the streets. His
meditations were of the helpless being
who so appealed to his sympathies and
his emotions.
81 will do It'll" he spoke aloud at
length, and his lips set close as though
he had formed a mighty resolution. 1t
was mid-afternoon when he turned his
! face towards the bereft home of Anita
Berdon.
"You will forgive my intruding up
on you again." he said, "but I could
not get you out Of my thoughts, Miss
Berdon. am plain spoken, honest
thinking man. You are homeless, in
the midst of trouble. I tremble to real
lie how bitter and hard must be your
battle with the world. Let me share
your burdens. I have a competency.
Become my wife,"
She stared at him with unbelieving
eyes.
"Say that again."
81 ask you to marry me-" repeated
Merritt. "We will not talk Of love-
that comes after respect and esteem.
I cannot see you go out alone into the
world, and my name will shield you
and my means afford you comfort.
Poor child" and his manly tones quiv-
cred. "Wed me and go to your aunt.
Rest, adjust your life to new condi-
tons. At the end of six months, or a
year, l will come to you. Then, If you
are willing to become my real help
meet, will be glad-very glad"
He saw the tears come into her eyes,
his own were humid with infinite COM
passion. She put out both hands to-
wards him. His own trembled as they
received them.
"You are a good man." she said
simply. II will try-try hard to learn
to appreciate the nobleness, the sacri-
fee Of one who would honor a poor,
soul-wearied girl, whom he takes on
trust"
He obtained the address of her aunt
and ordered the things on the porch
sent there. There was a simple cere-
mony at the home Of clergyman. At
once he took her to the train.
GAS my wife," he said, "you will
send for what money you require. You
will not have to send for me twice to
have me hasten to you, when you care
to see me-"
The weeks went by, and the only
word Waldron Merritt received from
the woman he had welded was a form
al, almost humble note, briefly telling
that she was well and comfortable, and
asking him to discontinue sending the
liberal monthly allowance he insisted
on transmitting to her. Anita declared
that she had no need of the money,
that he had originally fully provided
for her.
Then Waldron Merritt made a dis
covery that disturbed him greatly. By
mere chance he heard of the engage
ment of Anita to Vane Powers. He
began to investigate. A dim fear and
suspicion grew in his mind to mighty
proportions. He made some investi-
cation as to Powers to find that he
was out Of work In a certain city.
Through legal agency he had a posi-
ton found for the man, some money
supplied him, and then completed his
sacrifice by writing to Anita.
He told her frankly that he had
learned of her engagement to young
er man than himself; that her love
being his, he should not stand In the
way of their happiness. He indicated
that 1t would be little trouble legally
to void marriage that had been a
mere hollow form. He was coming
to see her, and he named the time of
his arrival, indicating that If he did
not meet her he would come to the
home Of her aunt. He wished to ar
range for legal steps necessary to
their separation and to place Vane
Powers more completely on his feet.
Waldron Merritt went to the town on
this set mission. 1t was dusk when he
arrived and his mind was so occupied
with thinking over all the sad vague
situation that, as he took a lonely road
leading toward the present home of his
wife, he did not notice that he was
followed. He scarcely felt the blow
that lurking footpad dealt him, but
went down like shot, and, wonder
of wonders when he opened his eyes
his head was lying pillowed in the lap
of woman who was staunching the
flow of blood from a wound in his face
his wife!
"Oh! what has happened" cried
Anita. II was on my way to meet
you. Let me hasten for help"
~ was attacked and have been rob
bed" explained Merritt. "No," as she
made movement to arise, "the WOUND
is nothing-With YOU here"