The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1935-12-27
nine discernment and constancy.

mime iiscernment and constancy.
"When went to the war, l left be-
hind girl who pledged herself to love
and wait for me. When l came back
1t was to find her married to my best
friend. The discovery shook my con-
fidence in human nature, and espe-
cially in women, to Its foundations.
derided love, vowing / never would
marry and be made puppet of a
second time.
"The remainder Of the story you
know.
II stumbled, stranger, into your
home and instantly you set at naught
all my preconceived theories Of wom-
anhood by believing in me with an un-
reasoning faith. You asked no ques-
lions. You did not even exhibit a
legitimate curiosity In tie peculiar net
work of circumstances that entangled
me. You were new type of being and
l regarded you with wonder.
"Still, was not satisfied. felt sure
that If pressed too far your trust in me
would crumble and, therefore, tried
deliberately to break 1t down by throw
ing obstacles in its pathway. When
suspicion closed in upon me put you
to further tests by Withholding the ex-
plantations I could easily have made.
1t was contemplate piece of egoism
selfish and cruel-and dearly have I
paid for it. But at least remember
that If 1 caused you suffering have
suffered also.
"For, Marcia, through 1t all / loved
you. I recognized from the moment
1 first looked into your eyes that
force mightier than ourselves
drew us together-a force not to be
denied. Nevertheless, so bitter had
been my experience 1 dared not yield
to this strange new power. Instead l
opposed 1t with all my strength, giving
my love reluctantly, fighting inch by
inch the surrender l sensed to be in
evitable.
"You, on the other hand, had like
myself known betrayal, but you had
taken the larger view and not allowed
it to warp or mar your outlook on life.
When love came knocking a second
time, you were neither too proud nor
too cowardly to answer 1t, but freely
gave your affection with the gladness
and sincerity so characteristic Of you.
II do not deserve such love.
"Beside the largeness of your nature
my own shows itself chlldish-a small,
poor thing for which blush.
Help me to erase the past.
II love you with my whole soul.
dear. Everything in me loves you. My
life is worth nothing unless you
share It.
"Wih you?
"Ah, you need not fear, Marcia. Syl-
via has told me everything Beloved,
there is not and never has been a bar
rier to our marriage. We have mis-
understood one another. Let US do SO
no longer.
II am a free man-acquitted. Come
to me and let us begin life afresh."
She came then, swiftly.
AS he held her in his arms, the last
shadow that separated them melted
away.
Under the glow of the MONDAY sun,
they walked back toward the Home
stead, hand in hand.
Sylvia came running to meet them
and, throwing her arms about Marcia,
kissed her.
Everything is all right can see
that" she cried. "Oh, I am so glad
so glad for both of you! I believe I
just could not stand 1t II you were
not happy, because ] am SO happy
myself. Hortie Is here, you know.
Didn't Stanley tell you? Why, STAN
ley Heath, aren't you ashamed to for
get all about Hortie and me? Yes,
Hortie came this morning. We're en-
gagged. See my ring!"
''Ringw repeated Heath. "Mercy
on us, Marcia, you must have ring
I cannot allow this young sprite Of a
niece to Guido you. I am afraid was
not as foresighted as Mr.. Fuller, how
ever. Still, can produce ring, such
as it is. Here, dear, you shall wear
this until can get something better"
He slipped from his little finger the
wrought-gold ring with Its beautifully
cut diamond.
II picked this up in India" he said.