Shoshone journal. [volume] (Shoshone, Idaho) 1884-1931, 1918-08-16

WdlQrOn Morse. seventy, worn out
had come to Shell Beach TO die. VIII
ton Revere, thirty. at life's choicest
phase, had come to reconstruct a brok
en- life. Because the one was exhaust
ed in mind and body and the other
| world-weary, the mutual seriousness OF
manner and face attracted each to the
other. The older man, wheeled along
the beach in his invalid chair, looked
eagerly for the only sojourner at the
famous health resort who attracted
him because of his gravely sympathet-
&c ways.
There was poise, gravity and clear
ness about the younger man that led
Mr.. Morse to accept him as a person
he could rely upon.
The fact that he seemed to be well
yersed legally added to Mr.. Morse's
regard for him. The old man was
wealthy, but his affairs had some COM
pick features that disturbed him, In
view of his condition.
"All fear for" he told Revere, "la
that my daughter Ethel, If left alone in
the world, would be at the mercy of
self-interested persons who would not
| guard her interests. If l could only
be sure of living until some pending
litigation Is settledr'
"Cheer up, dear friend !" Revere told
him. you may live for many year
, to come" But the next day Morse
was taken fatally i'll. He called Re
we're to his bedside and seemed to re-
| ly upon his continued presence as a
solace until his daughter, who was
living with an aunt in the city, arrived.
Revere was fascinated at his first
glimpse of the sweet, innocent face of
Ethel Morse. He was sent for in ur-
gent haste. Mr.. Morse clasped his
hand feryently as he sat down by his
bedside
Revere" he said, you have been
like son to me. The doctors say I
may live but q few hours. I have
learned to esteem you, more. TO rely
upon you. Oh, my friend, help me
to die in peace by conserving to cher
ish and look after my daughters inter-
ests."
81 will do all you may wish to bene-
cit her." assured Revere.
'A1ore than that Revere, I beg Of
you to do what L suggest. She will
have q fortune, she is a wife any man
may be proud of. viii you marry
herr"
Revere was dumbfounded. He got
as far as 81 dare mott am" but a
spasm of pain overlook Mr.. Morse,
and Revere had to call for the doctor. !
An hour later he was sent for again.
At glance he realized that Mr. Morse /.
was dying. BY his side was his daugh- !
ter, pale and benumbed with grief. A !
stranger in clerical attire sat at dis
lance.
Revere, it is all arranged" painted |
the dying man. ethel has consented
she could not deny my last wish. Be
kind TO her, protect her. make her life
happy" And in the whiri of hurried
events the words were spoken that
made Wilton Revere and Ethel Morse
husband and wife.
He did not intrude upon her until
the funeral was over and she started
for the home of her aunt. As he
helped her upon the train, he said,
simply, quietly, definitely:
81 shall soon be In Chicago, whittier
shall remove my Office to take up
the affairs of the estate, as your father
has desired. When any business occa-
sion arises where 1t is necessary to
consult with you, I will notify you. l
would suggest that we keep the mar
-iage secret"
There followed for the wife a
strange experience. Only twice in a {
rear Revere came to see her. and then {
,nly long enough TO submit some legal /
,apers, and in the presence of her
Iunt. Then one day he called at her I
lome, TO find her alone. I
81 am about 10 leave the city per-
he said, Having closed up ]
II matters of the estate. l have n
olfession TO make. I am not your /
that marriage ceremony was =
lvalid." t
She regarded him with speechless t
mazement 81 could not deny your C
ather's WISH" he continued. land I U
lncled l saw way TO protect your
lterests in the way have without II
upon you. Two years since &
parted from my wife. an unworthy v
oman. whom have never seen since, d
ut + am still her legal husband" o
ooh, why did you not tell me be- II
re ~ suddenly breathed forth Ethel. Is
It was unmanly, 1t was cruel, for I c.
Il II
She hurried from the room In tears r.
Id Revere left the house In strange u
axe of emotion. Could 1t be possible
at she cared for him? And he-oh, &C
at fatal tie, that shut him out of al
Iradise Il
Hope, doubt despair were In his ST
oughts as, week later. he again IN
He'd at the home of Ethel. There Gu
rs a certain plaintive expression In mi
r face that seemed to upbraid him. IN
II learned only yesterday that my US
fe died over year ago In a rail- ,e
ad wreck in Canada. 1t was pre- III