Year: 1877

the cushions when she desired 10 rest. Her
mother looked on and smiled; he was hand
some, rich and arIstocratic, splendid trav-
cling companion. Ed saw the pleasant look,
heard the kindly greeting, and believed he
was on the highway to success.


Arrived at Denver the hotels were full,
not decent room to be had but the two
that good old mother Benson had telegraph
ed for and had reserved. They were ready
for Eds arrival Everything that an in
valid could desire was in them, for such had
been the telegraphed instructions. Chairs
and bed and tables were as Ed always liked
them. The location was the best of any
room in the house. The Strongs were dis
consolate; they had heard from Mr.. Benson
of his good luck, and they never ceased to
regret Tin his presence) that they had not
been as thoughtful. While they were in the
parlor awaiting the result of the landlords
hunt for room, Miss Clara had a nervous
attack" and, clinging to her mother, declar-
ed family she knew she was dying. That
decided Ed; he ordered his trunks down.
the baggage of his friends was sent to "Parlor
s." and Miss Strong recovered, thanking the
gentleman with close clasp of the hand and
a loving smile as he assisted her to the room.
He was put in the attic, with window as
large as palm leaf fan and about as trans
parent. Tom grumbled little to himself,
but if Mr.. Benson got well with such treat
ment it was simply his duty to help him to
take his medicine, and if he liked the dose,
all right.


Ed forgot that he came to Colorado toIget
well; he remembered only that Miss Strong
was sick and he must take care Of her, and
he adhered to his duty, if ever a man did.
He took her to ride, and carriage in Den-
yer means plenty Of money. He made ex
cursions into the country for her benefit, al
ways taking Mrs. Strong at Clara's solicita-
ton He presented her with everything
choice and pretty he could find, and was as
much slave to her whims as any southern
darkey


One day he noticed that every time he
coughed she frowned slightly and trenbled.
She was always trembling-a kind of human
aspen leaf. At last she told him she could
not remain in his company longer, for his
coughing made her nervous. He promised
to annoy her no more, plead with her to stay
with him, and ever after stifled every incli-
nation to even sneeze. He patiently climbed
to his attic evrey night, charmed into bliss
full hope when his adored would allow him
to press her hand or linger to say good
night" They had met mutual acquaint-
ances who bad put him into position of as
surance and respect by referring to his fam
lily, and had assured Mrs. Strong that he was
worthy even her daughters hand. Ed had
and he had bought for betrothal ring one of
the handsomest diamonds he could find in
Denver City. But every time he broached
the subject indirectly, she would have a
nervous SPELL" and her mother would rush
in, and camphor, smelling salts and brandy
are certainly not conducive to g declaration
of love.


The season was wearing to a close, and Ed
had answered his mothers many letters
briefly with: II am getting better every
day. am very happy, and have no desire
to return" This pleased the old lady, for if
her son was getting we'll she was happy
Day after day, as their stay grew shorter,
Miss Strong led her lover nearer TO proffer
of marriage, until he could stand the uncer-
tainty no longer, and resolved to brayely ask
her for her love and her mothers consent to
the marriage. He felt entirely well-Miss
Clara had once told him she disliked sick
men, especially those who were always tax
~ l. l.ol
coughed or opened his chest of powders and
cordials, and he was so busy all the time
waiting on her that he had no chance for
thinking of himself a


She knew he had bought the ring, for Tom,
thinking TO help Mr.. Benson along in his
love affairs, had expatiated on the value
and beauty of the brilliant jewels and the
weight of the gold. And when he had
finished his account she took from the lace
at her throat a single rose bud and sent it
by the garrulous servant to his master, and
said to her mother, ''He loves me; I'll win
it" She had been very gracious to Ed, al
lowing him to take her in his arms, to lift
her from the carriage and to hold her fingers
for one brief moment as they parted at the
door.


Ed found her in her private parlor alone,
and though his voice trembled, his heart
was full of love and devotion for the wo-
man who received HIM so kindly. He told
bis story eloquently, and, holding her hand,
begged permission to slip the jeweled cir
clet on her finger. She answered him not
until 1t Was pressed into place with a pas
sionet kiss, and then timidly lifting her eyes
she said, my dear Mr.. Benson shall al
ways be thankful that this summers jaunt
gave me such noble friend, and believe
me; l will never wear this ring