Saint Mary's beacon., 1918-07-25
A TOTAL ECLIPSE
By HoRTENsE DAVIS.

How did you happen to come to
this out-of-the-way place. Edithf"
Il came because heard you were
here" she told him frankly, ''but ]
didn't dream I'd be so excited. The
old hack simply crept up the noun
tain with me the lone passenger, and
when It finally stopped in front Of the
hotel porch verify trembled with ex-
citement at the thought OF meeting
you In the crowd. Where were you
then, JimT'
Il came in late from days fish-
ing"
THAT was why / didn't see you at
diner." she went on. Il could scarcely
eat for watching the door, and when
you didn't come In the dining room at
all. l was almost sick. wondered IL
had come too late, and you had prob
ably gone"
How did You know was hereYs
he. asked. curious.
"Never mind. I've found you.
went Immediately TO the hotel clerk
when ! had finished dinner, and asked
II you were still registered here, and
he told me you were. and that your
party had telephoned 70 have dinner
saved for you. Finally, from my win
dow, saw someone strolling up this
path In the moonlight. and I could
barely get your outlines, but I recog-
MED your walk. and when / saw the
flicker Of your cigar here in the arbor,
that was when / wanted to come to
you"
The orchestra Of the little noun
tain hotel began. Then: perhaps
you'd like to dance with mefr he
asked.
"No, no; that isn't what carne here
for. I've had enough Of that; too
much Of It, Jim. It's because rye fall
en- in love with you. Jim, that's why
I'm here" she burst forth.
But my dear girl. that's all past"
"No, II isn't all past" she cried. "It
can't be past with you here and me
here. You were always 80 good and
patient. youTl forgive me. know.
When / asked you for a divorce II
was because / thought we were not
suited TO each other. You didn't love
people and parties and lights and mu-
sic as did,
Il did enjoy them.7 he interrupted,
but told you often what / loved
more than that I wanted home,
Edith; wanted a flreside longed 70
see your beautiful face glorifed with
the light Of motherhood. Ny very soul
was hungry while you played on and
didn't seem to understend."4
Il couldn't, Jim. I didi't know any
thing about making hons. / wasn't
taught to make home. was taught
20, haye good time. nnd--to marry"
impatient with retrogpeetIon.
THAT was tho trouble" he sighed.
God help some Of the mothers OF to-
day They are NOT tralnIux tleir
daughters 70 be wives. but plsyshings."
"But, dear, understand novs. / am
older. and time has taught me many
things. It's you love now, Jim, not
just pleasure. I've learned to love all
your IDEAS, and I believe can live up
to them" -
But you forget That
NO." she broke in, II haven't for
gotten, but I want to. / want to
empty my heart OF II all. All The
money and freedom you gave me with
the divorce has failed my whole view
point IL changed, and just want you.
Jim. Won't you try me againG"
Her arms crept, about his neck and
her eager tears gllstened in the moon
light.
tits impossible, little girl" He took
her hands in his moment. "Let me
tell"
"Please, Jim, please" she cried. ''Pm
different now. I'll make you happy.
You surely can't forget how you once
loved me; that you've held me In your
arms" she sobbed.
"But. little girl" he answered grave
ly. Il can't forget, either, that I'VE
recently held my little son In my arms.
! married again, Edith. didn't think
you'd care"
A cloud passed over the moon just
then.