Year: 1878

IConcluded.l
The funeral services were simple and short,
and when the clods fell upon the cofined
body of Kate Phelps the sun was just sink
ing amid the western clouds. The little
band of friends who had gone to the grave
with the two mourners dispersed and left
the husband and child alone by the newly
made mound May had seemed to compre-
hend the sad reality of the scene, and yet she
was quiet in her sorrow showing acalmness
far beyond her years. She clung tightly to
her fathers hand, now and then pressing it
more closely as if to strengthen her poor lit
tie trembling form. Mr.. Phelps gave no
heed to what was going on about him, but
with bended head and compressed lips gazed
steadily down upon the grave at his feet
He was reviewing his past, his earlier his
tory, the sadness he had brought to one
Woman's heart, the pain that had been his
own lot since that moment; memory, faith
full mentor, brought to his mind Kate Mason
as a gay, beautiful woman, as he had chosen
her for a wife, and then step by step led him
to her deathbed a little while before, and
again and ag4in he repeated dead, dead,
dead" The complaining, unkind voice was
forever hushed, the cold rebuking eyes for
ever closed: the once beautiful face, marked
by lines of repining and discomfort, forever
shut from him. And yet he grieved for ner
with a remorseful regret that was
selfish in its pangs. He had been the shadow
on this woman's path even as he had been
once before on that of another, purer and
more innocent than even the dead. He re-
membered in a dull, dazed way Maggie's
face as he had hidden her "good-by" in the
old parsonage parlor so many years ago. He
remembered even the old fashioned furni-
ture, the streak of sunshine that shown
across the room and fell upon the well worn
carpet. and even then, by the grave of his
wife-the mother of his chiid-he could
feel the clingiDg of Maggie's arms, the
warmth of her kiss upon his lips, and he
stretched out empty arms and cried, MY
punishment is greater than l can bear" The
sexton, waiting at respectful distance, came
to him as he saw him tottering, but he did
not fall, for little May, seeing his agony, but
not understanding its import, said tender
ly: Papa, love you He caught the child
up, kissed her with passion that frightened
her with its vehemence, and then, turning
abruptly from the place, he went back to
the "home." Maggie met them in the hall,
and, taking May by the hand, led her to
her room, caressing her affectionately.
She bathed her hot, swollen eyes,
the tired limbs, and soothing her gently she
soon fell asleep; and holding her lovingly
Maggie sat quietly rocking her, so absorbed
in reverie that time passed unnoticed. At
last rap at the door aroused her. A servant
had been sent by Mr.. Phelps Ito see what
had better be done about May. She would
not allow her nurse TO touch her; would
Miss Maggie exercise her judgment as to
what had best be done tonight" Maggie
hesitated before deciding to keep the child.
She knew it was but planting thorns for her
own feet TO press in the future. If she
assumed any control or care of her it would
necessitate consultations with Mr.. Phelps,
and OF all persons in the world he was the
one she wanted to avoid. She felt that for
her own sake she must refrain from meeting
him, for alas for the weakness of her heart
she felt the old love again. She tried to
keep it under her control to remember that
she was nothing to him, that they were sep
arated by his desire, that he was not worthy
of her affection, but il was all In vain and
recognizing this, she determined to keep
from feeding this love by any meeting or
greeting. She would starve it by absence and
neglect; she would send May to him, and
bid him take charge of his child. She
placed her in the servants arms, but in q
moment she sobbed piteously, ''Oh, Miss
Maggie, please keep me; don't send me away
tonight" There was no resisting the plead
ing voice, and hushing her again to sleep
with the promise, Maggie waited until she
was quiet and calm. Then sending for Mr.
Phelps to meet her in the parlor. she went
steadily about a few duties through the
house before she could summon courage to
quietly talk to the man whom she yet loved.
He was by far the more agitated when they
met, and it was some moments before a
word was spoken. At last, summoning all
her strength of mind and body, Maggie said:
MAY is sleeping in my room. You had
better let her alone tonight" "And after
tonight, will you accede to her mothers
request and take charge of herr" mo,
can not. l am not 30 situated that 1 can
properly care for her, and I do not desire to
assume such . responsibility" Poor little