THE
A WILFUL MAIDEN.
Baltimore News : "Why , Froya , I
rrasjust coining in to look for youl "
I nm cnught ! Rollo stops In nt the
rrlndow with un air of BUtisfoctlon a
lull , straight , blue-eyed follow In a
brown shooting suit unceremoniously
SothronoB poor Onto , nnd sits down upon
the cushion tit inv'Hido.
"Why do vou disturb the cat ? " I say
crossly. "Wouldn't the arm-chair hnvo
, uono UH well , or bettor ? "
"No It wasn't so near you ! "
Ho Is looking nt mo Kenttmontallv ; I
[ t | ow It without glancing uix I used to
llko Hello very much before ho took to
being Hcntimontalthough ho wnu always
Bpollcd byhlsiiiother. I used to do everything -
thing for him , und ho always looked to
ino for help out of all hla hcrapcfj , and
that , 1 suppose , Hindu mo fond of him.
I noyor thought ho would behave llko
tills !
I pink up my neglected knitting and
click my noodles Industriously. Ho sits
silent awhile.
"I say , " ho begins presently , "hns my
mother " been saying anything to you ? "
"A-groat many things , " I icply. "She
wns tolling mo not an hour ago that the
preserves " wanted looking at. "
"You know I don't mean anything of
that hind !
Why tire you to obstinate ,
FrcynV"
"I think that cap would fit another
hoadP I retorted. .
"You know what I moan. lias she
been saying anything to you about mo
anything to make you BO provoklngly
wrong-minded mid yes , I'll say It again
if you " do sneer at mo obstinate ? "
"Do you suppose my mind would bo
different if your mother chanced to bo
ngreoablo to to your wishes ? "
"Well , I thought it might bo , if she
did " not worry you into going against
"I have done all I can to mnko you
understand thai I nm noting of my own
free will nnd as I wish , " I exclaim
promptly.
"As you wish ? " ho queries , in eager
lover-ike ] fashion. "Your own free
will , I know , for you would do anything
you believed lo bo for the good of any
ono of us ; you have always placed our
welfare , our pleasures , before your own.
But is it really your wish the true
wish of your heart Hint , after our years
of companionship and and love , wo
should never bo anything moro to each
other anything closer dearer ? "
Ho him Bank down upon his knees by
my side and is looking up into mv face
with appealing blue eyes. Hello has
very nice eyes when ho does not use
them In this foolish way ; ho makes a
good pleader , too I am aware of that ,
though I remain unmoved.
"That's just it , Hello ! After all the
years of companionship you speak of ,
you ought not to think of being any thing
but a brother tome. "
"Ought not ! Why not ? You can't
have any idea , Froya , what a sweet ,
pretty , lovable girl you nro even when
you look as cross as you are looking
now ! Nobody could help falling in love
with youl"
"Then I pity mankind in general , " I
observe grimly.
"So do I , " ho retorts , "if you'ro never
going to have any more mercy on any of
them than you show towards mol"
"Oh , I did not say that ! " I return wil
fully.
. VWlmtl Then there ia some ono
, Jso ? " Hello springs to ills feet ; all his
humility gene in a moment. "I can't
etand that , I won't ! If I catch him
here , I'll "
"Do not bo so foolish I" I interpose ,
coldly , with a disdainful upward glance.
I suppose it is because Hello is the hand
some ono of the family that his mother
has spoiled him so. Godard nnd Luinloy
are quito plain Aunt Kllon snvs they
favor their father , while Hollo'belongs
to her family. "Am I not as free ns you
to chooiio ' where I will ? " I continue , for
Hollo's wrath at the possibility of
my
having any lover beside himself has in
spired mo with an idea. "I am not
obliged to fancy myself in love with you
bcoauso you fancy yourself in love with
mo. " And I don't fancy it I know I'm
not !
"Bocauso you know you nro in love
with some ono else ? " ho domnnds jeal
ously.
"i shan't toll you anything about it , "
T rnlnrt.
"Very well ; lot mo moot him , that's
all ! Ho'll rue the day. "
"And that's the way you show
your
.lovo for mo , is it ? " I cry in hot scorn.
' 'It's a poor love that would injure the
; being I loved to further its own selfish
ondsl"
Ho looks rather ashamed at this.
"Nobody could love you bettor than I
do , " ho says sulkily. "Nobody could take
. .better care of you than I would. No
body" boldly "has a better right to
you than I have , "
"Well , I like that ! " I exclaim , facing
him indignantly : "What right do half
n dozen years of childish friendship give
you ever rno , pray ? Any ono that I love
bettor than you has a better right to mo ,
lot mo loll youl"
"And is there any ono you love bettor
than mo ? " ho questions , in a doubtful
tone that enrages me.
"Yes , " I answer , coolly and deliber
ately.
I am thinking only of dear old Uncle
Sam and Cherry Moldon , but Rollo sup
poses immediately that there is a fa
vored lever in the background , as I
meant ho should. It is the only way of
convincing him that ho in not first with
mo as ho is with every ono elbe ; and I
shall lenvo him in his error , for the
present , nt any rate.
Ho turns upon his heel and Is out by
the window and across the lawn before
I realize what 1ms happonod.
I fool rather guilty when I think ever
what I have said. I have sold nothing
but the simple truth , but I hnvo spoken
It In n way calculated to mislead him.
Well , 1 will not umlocolvo him , for his
own sake , for as long ns ho thought ho
had no rival ho would never have given
up the point.
Now it will bo a cnso of sour grimes.
Ho has another fortnight of leave yet :
1 wish it wore only another day. Ab
sence will euro him sooner than nnv-
thing.
It is two months since I first cntno to
6tny nt old Mrs. Scarr's. I miulo Wood
lands too hot to hold mo. nnd wrw packed
off hot-o in disprnco by Aunt Ellon.
Uncle Sam has written to mo twice
once when Aunt Kllon was nt the vicar-
njo for the Bowing mooting , and ugain
when Miss Molluish uainc to lunch.
Cherry Moldon writca twice a woolc
Cherry is Godnrd's inlondod nnd they
nro to ho married boon but I urn very
lonely , for nil that.
Miu Scarr roads Horvoy's "Medita
tion Among the Tombs" most of the
time when she is not lecturing mo. She
will not lot mo do my hair on the top of
my head ; she bays it is nothing but van
ity , and Unit she hoood to teach mo the
folly of such things during my stay with
her. As long as I am neat and clean ,
what else have I to trouble about in my
ainxjaranco ? she asks mo. Well , cor-
talnly there is no ono to bee how I look
here , for it is the dreariest jilace in the
world , and I am nlwor allowed to stop
outside the door without Mrs. Scarr.
It i * all through Rollo. When ho found
I really would no ) Union to him , ho ox-
rhangod into a marching regiment , and
.started for Kgypt with the troops llvo
woolen ago. There was such u commo
tion ! Hut all Aunt Ellen's crying and
praying and entreating wus of uo avail ;
the thing was done before any ono in the
house ivftH allowed to hoar of It. Aunt
was always HO proud of Hello in his uni
form : but wlion it came to lu'lunl light
ing aha would have liked lo Hlrlp it off
anu put him in hla baby frocks ngnln.
Rollo was very quiet through all the ox-
cltomotit. but very llrm.
Aunt Ellen was too mlBornblo about
losing him to ho very angry with him ;
but nil her fury was expended upon my
luckless head. I was mcl ut oil hero in
disgrace , without having the ehanco of
wishing him good-by , for which , however -
over , I was hardly sorry , as n parting
between us would have boon somewhat
awkward ,
* * *
" \Vo nro all PO glad to have you bacld"
exclaimed Lumloy. "The house has not
been the same without you ! "
Luinloy is a quiet and rather awk
ward boy of twenty , the dull ono of the
family , /or / whom trade la considered
good enough. He IB to look for his start
In Hfoto his uncle , George Stewart , who
long ngo offered totnko ono of his broth
er's boys into his London business.
Lumloy in to leave us for his now life in
n few moro months. I shall miss him
very much : ho has never teased mo llko
Godard and Hello liax-o , but has always
been quietly affectionate , the kindest of
brothers.
"Mother missed you as much as any of
UH , " he adds.
"Sho was moro glad to see mo than I
expected she would bo , " I allow hesi
tatingly.
"O. she has got over her vexation
nowl" Lumloy speaks rather hastily and
his face Hushes a little. "Sho hns made
some frcrih friends the people who hnvo
taken Oak Hull and she has got news
of Hello , and so I dare say it will all
blow ever now. "
"What news is there of Hello ? No one
has mentioned his name to mo. "
' 'i'hov haven'tVVoll. . I sunnoso
Ihoy diuti t mean to keep It a secret , "
ho falters. I look at him in some sur
prise , because of hla nervous , hesitating
manner ; it is so Unlike his usual t-odutc-
ness. "Hollo has got his promotion al
ready , " ho goes on. "Yes , lie's Lieuten
ant Steward" smiling at my surprise.
"Ho has boon wounded , too only a
scratch on the temple in the skirmish ,
but mother was terribly upsjt about it ,
until a letter came in Ins own handwrit
ing , saying that the wound had laid him
up for only twenty-four hours ; and that
ho had boon in action over since. That
quite cheered her up. "
"So she sent for rae homo in the ful
ness of her heart , " I suggest.
"Not exactly because of that , " ho an-
swort ) awkwardly. "Of course she know
you could not could not love to order
and and "
"And it would have been a good deal
worse if I had , " ' I interpose briskly.
"Well , perhaps it would , " ho agrees.
"But lot us forgot it all now , and bo
happy again as wo u&ed to bo. Hello
writes bravely ; the stirring llfo out
there seems to have cured him. "
"I hope it has , " I declare heartily , but
nevertheless I am blightly piqued at
Lumloy's calm assurance. He is too
simple-minded to imagine that such nn
announcement could bo received with
anything but unmixed gratification by
the author of all the raibchiof. "And ho
really wasn't much hurt ? ' I inquire.
"No the merest scratch ; but the
nowanapoi's exaggerated it. "
"Chorry never told me anything about
it in his letters , " I say half resentfully.
"Perhaps she thought it was of no use
to alarm you for nothing , or perhaps she
considered it best to leave the subject
alone altogether , " ho observes.
I fool scared and cla/.od after Lumloy
has gene away and loft mo alone with
aunt's housekeeping accounts to cast up ,
as if I had passed through some great
danger with a hair-breadth escape.
Certainly , if Hello had been killed , they
would have laid his death at my door.
That would have boon dreadful ; and yet
all this time it has never occurred lo
mo that ho is in daily danger , and that.
any newspaper I take up may con
tain the 'tidings of his death !
How thoughtless I have been ! Oh ,
I s.hould not like to have that burden
to boarl From this time I watch the
newspapers feverishly , dreading that
any day I may bo pronounced Hollo's
destroyer. Every night , too , I offer up
a prayer for his safety a selfish prayer ,
having moro to donvfth my own ease of
mtn/l thnnvltl lllft wnl fn vn _ _ litlf. ofltl in
my sternest moods of self-accusation I
cannot find it in my heart to leave that
prayer unsaid. Nobody knows of it , so
no false conclusions can bo drawn.
The time scorns to pass but slowly , for
all in the nouso are in anxious suspense ,
though wo affect much gayety , and Aunt
Ellen talks with apparent certainty of
the time when our soldier shall return
covered with glory. Miss Vonna , the
only child of the wealthy barrister's
widow , who has lately como to live at
Oak Hall , about a railofrom Woodlands ,
is a constant visitor. Aunt Ellen treats
her like a daughter , and fills her cars
with stories and praises of her absent
darling till I should think the girl is
lircd of the sound of his name ; but , if so ,
she does not show it , for she asks artless
questions about him and listens unwear-
iedly to the most trilling details.
It is very easy to see aunt's drift ; Alice
Vonna will have a considerable fortune ,
and it is wise policy to interest hnr in
Hello beforehand , until ho is on the spot
to spoaic for himself. Wo do not hko
Alice Cherry and I. It may bo only
projudlco very likely it la on Cherry's
part , for I know she is rather nervous
about Godard and Miss Vonna but there
can bo no feeling on my side beyond a
growing certainty that the pretty vain
girl who. is placed ever my head in
everything now is utterly unworthy of a
good , bravo , earnest man , sucli as Hello
is turning out to bo. Wo road of his
doings in the newspapers , though ho
says little about himself in the letters ho
writes homo.
# # # *
Wo have got Rollo homo that is our
ono comfort and , when the time comes ,
he will pass away with the faces ho
knows and loves around about him.
There is no hope the doctors have
never given us any but ho may bo with
us longer than was thought at first.
Our soldier Captain Stewart now has
Indeed como homo covered with dory.
but what are honors and wealth com
pared with the precious lifo of the ono
wo love ? And yet all my aftordays if
indeed they can bo many when
Rollo is gene I shall glorify
the memory of our here and
dwell on his noble deeds with a
heart filled with prldo and grief !
When I looked upon the terrible scar on
his temple , when 1 boo the empty sleeve ,
and think of the havoc that the cruel
bullet in the loft side has worked in
that vigorous young frame , I see also
the true bravery , the manly endurance ,
which I would not believe in before , be
cause nothing had happened then to
bring out hia horoiu qualities , and because -
cause , forsooth , Rollu was his mother's
darling ! I called Aunt Ellen hard and
unfeeling in those days ; but what was I
myself that the honest passion of this
noble heart could leave mo untouched ?
Wtill , it is all ever now , and I know my
own mind just too late.
' Froya , have you got the jolly ? "
It is Aunt Ellen who breukn in upon
my t < ad and bitter train of thought no
longer in the almrp accusing tone of old ;
the Imperious woman has quito broken
down under the blow which her love and
jirido have received.
" 1 am just going to the kitchen to get
it , " I tell her , putting my arm around
her with .u few Btuuimoriug words of
OMAHA 71ATT/V
comfort. I should not have dnrod to do
it a year n o ; but Aunt Ellen and I have
got on better slnco our troubjos began.
She kisses mo and pulls out her handkerchief
chief- poor aunt Is often crying out
nnd I go and take the jolly to Hollo.
IIu is lying on a couch In a room nd-
jolning his bed room which has boon
hastily fixed up as a Bittingroom for
him , the doctor havinir advhod us to got
him up every day as longan his strength
will allow of'11. Ho IP so quint and palo
and wasted that It is somewhat difficult
to believe that ho was the vigorous ,
laughing stripling who kept the house
amused but a lew months ngo. Hie eyes
are as blue ns ever , but so sunken and
they have a mournful expression in thorn
that Aunt Ellen and old Barbara say Is
the sign of approaching death. I ill-
mots wish that ho loved mo still , ,
that I might comfort him whllo yet
t'loro ' is time : 1 would force my
grief away and give every moment to
cheering him , if no cared to have it HO. ,
But ho has quito forgotten His boyish
passion ; ho is exactly the same to mo as ,
no is to every other person. Those , sad'
eyes never light up at my approach , and1
what little ho says in his low weak volco
shows by the manner in which it is said
how completely indifferent ho is. Well ,
I was not worth remembering.
"Vou will like a little jolly now , won't
vou , Rollo ? " I say , going up to Ida side.
Barbara is in the room , busy with snmo
needlework.
"No , thank you , " ho answered list
lessly.
"Try to take a little it is freshly
made , " I urge , speaking awkwardly , for
I fool so very ill nt ease with Hello now
in his altered condition. I know I shquld
bo of much moro use if I could overcome
the wretched fooling , nnd I have strug
gled against it , but hitherto with no
success.
"It is so much trouble , " ho objects ;
* * fitnl ilrm't ivunt. nnvl.lilnnr 'J
Then I bring forward the most power
ful plea I can think of.
"AUnt Ellen is coining In a few min
utes. It was she who asked mo to bring
vou this , and she will bo so disappointed
If she finds you haven't had any ! "
Ho yields , and I administer some
haif-dox.cn spoonfuls , when ho stops my
hand , declaring that ho can take no
more.
"I think you nro a little better today , "
I ob.sorvo , experimentally.
"For my poor mother's sake , I could
almost wish I wore , " ho replies.
At this moment Aunt Ellen comes in
with n great assumption of cheerfulness.
"You have had some jolly , darling ? "
she begins , nnd stoops down to kiss him.
I look on , thinking wistfully how easy
it is to act the nui-bo when ono may soothe
and coax the patient with endearing
words and caresses. My service must
scorn so cold and awkward after aunt's
fond attontivciichs. Even old Barbara
addresses him as "Master Holey , dear. "
I am thjonly ono who may not show , the
warmest love and tenderness lo the in
valid ; I forfeited my right to do that
seven months ago.
The days pass on , bringing no great
change , either favorable or unfavorable.
The patient lies in nn apatholic stale ,
from which it is difficult to rouse him
for more than a minulo or two rttra timo.
Ho is considered to bo iflowly sinking. My
heart is ready to broak. Oh , if only I
might toll him I have long since repented -
ed my girlish cruelty and beseech his
forgiveness. But ho is passing beyond the
woman's love that is his now , nnd not to
bo spared a lifo-timo of self-r6proach
would I risk disturbing that quiet spirit
hovering thus between earth ami heaven.
All the household is subdued , ns if
Rollo were already dead. Wo have very
few callers , tho' neighborhood being
sparsely populated. Mrs. Moldon and.
Cherry como or send every day , bqsidca
having Godard's frequent reports of his
brother's condition. The Vonnas have
gene away , Alice having first condoled
with Aunt Ellen and assured her how
glad she would have been to stay andi
help her , but she was never o
any use In sickness , being so
very sensitive. Aunt Ellen looks
ton years older , and the white
hairs are coming thicidy in poor uncle's
brown lockJ. I do not know that I , too ,
am altered I have not had tlmo to think
about myself for a long whllo now until
ono day Rollo says to mo. as I am bond
ing ever him , moving his piltows very
carefully :
TTrMv Mitri vnn linvn rrrmvn. TiVnv
And where is all your pretty color ? "
Ho speaks in the listless tone which
has become usual with him now ; but his
remark shows that ho has been moro
alive to people and things about him
than wo have supposed sometimes , at
any rate.
"Wo can't always keep young and
pretty , " I reply , with n great effort at
cheerfulness.
Ho smiles very faintly.
"How old are you now , FrcyaV I for
got how Uio time passes. "
"I shall bo nineteen in two months
from today. " I toll him.
"I shan't bo here to help you to keep
your birthday , " ho says gravely , "I
must glvo you my good wishes now. ' '
I do not answer , , because I cannot , for
a lump seems to have risen in my throat
and to bo nearly suffocating mo.
"Froya , " ho continues presently ,
"thoro" is ono thing you could do to
please mo before before I go that is ,
if vou didn't mind ; if you did , I would
rather not. "
"I will do anything for you , Hello , * ' I
manage to say , all my strength being
coucontralod in ono supreme effort not
to break down and agitate him.
' Kiss mo , then. Froya. It will com
fort mo till I dlo. "
At this my tears burst forth , and , ter
rified at possible consequences and overcome -
como by opposing feelings at this un
looked-for request , I sink upon my- knees
at the side of the couch nnd hfdo my
face among the rugs and shawls that
cover him.
"What's the matter ? " ho inquires
quito calmly , to my great relief , "What
are you crying for ? "
"O , Rollo , do you care for mo to kiss
you ? "
"Caro ! " I fool his hand laid weakly
upon my "lint-whito locks , " ns ho used
to call thorn. "It would make mo happy
for the rest of mv lifo ! "
"Dear Rollo , then why didn't you aslc
mo Iqng ago ? "
"Oh. I thought you wouldn't llko it ,
and I didn't moan to ask you at all ! But
today I foil as if as if 1 should not bo
hero much longer , and that perhaps ho
your lover , I mean wouldn't mind
now. 13ut I meant , before I asked that ,
to have begged your forgiveness for
forgiving you so much trouble , jou
know1' !
Ho sinks back exhausted. It is the
longest speech ho has made slnco ho
came homo. Ills voice is as weak and
listless ns over , but a faint color has
tinted his wasted cheeks . .while
speaking. It dies away now , loav -
ing him so deathly pule that I
rlso to my foot in sudden terror and
despair. Can this bo the end ? IB ho
going without knowing that all. mylifo
and love nro his dedicated to his
memory for evermore , eiuco they may
not bo spent on himself V I stoop ever
und press the longod-for kiss upon his
lips the lips that I would gladly have
kissed twenty times in an hour had I
Known that ho would care for It. -
"Dearest Rollio" I > ay in wild agitation
and fear , "I have longed to ask forgive
ness of you ! I was false to myself as
well as to you ! There was no ono else
there never was ; I spoke only of undo
and Cherry ; nnd , when I saw how you
took it , I I wns wicked enough
not to explain to you , because
because - Oh/ dear Hollo. I
think I must have love you then ,
darling , almost as well , ns I love vou
now , though I was so' hard nnd wilful !
Donrcst my love ( fa'i 'you ' hoar ? "
But ho lies still and nshy pale , the lids
closed ever the sunkou eyes , never , I
fear to ho opened ngnln. I rush to the
boll , nnd then ndmlnistor what restora
tives there are at hantl until assistance
arrives. '
Hello is not dead. , ' Q ur efforts bring
him back to life : nnd , when nt last ho
opens his eyes and lool round on our
anxious faces , Hunt is unable
to kcop up any longer , and I
nsslst her out of tlio room. I see
her through the worst of her attack
of hysterics , and then I leave her with
the housemaid and steal back to Hello *
I moot uncio coining out of the room ; ho
is going down staird to see if the doctor
is in sight. I find Luinloy nnd Barbara
with Hello , silently watching him ns ho
lies with his eyes closed , looking much
the snmo as when I loft him. Lumloy
gets up , nnd whispering to mo that ho
is going to fetch the doctor , passes out ,
and I tnko his seat at the side of the
couch.
Presently a cinder drops from the fire
grate : the noise is very slight , but
Hollo's eyes open directly. I am rather
relieved , for I was dreading that ho
might pass from this sleep into death
without oven n warning.
"And waa that a real kiss you gave
"
mo ?
"Yes , " I say very softly , and under
pretense of reaching a pillow that bus
slipped down I bond ever him and give
him ano'hor.
Ho smiles faintly and for a moment
there is so much color In Ills face that I
am alarmed.
"You must try lorost , " I loll him.
"No ; for then 1 shall think it wns a
*
i r tnn itrt II ra
Ho falls asleep almost Immediately ,
liowovor , waking about half an hour
later , during the doctor's visit , as I
iifterwards hear. I have a habit of keep-
ing out of Dr. Allfalr's way , because 1
buliovo ho expects what has happened.
This morning I hoar him toll undo that
there is a change in tlio patient ; but
whether for botlor or worse ho can
hardly toll.
"I'vo been dreaming , " ho whispers ,
looking vaguely before him ; but 1 make
n slight movement which at once at
tracts his attention. "It was about
you , " ho adds.
1 rise and bond ever him , stroking
back his curly hair from his forehead. I
am no longer afraid to show nfl'oetion for
him , oven though I know old Barbara is
watching mo keenly.
"It was a dream , " ho says , in a wist
ful tone. " 1 thought that you said you
loved mo , and that you kissed mo. "
"It was no dream , dear , " I reply ; and
how thankful I am that Barbara cannot
sco my face ! "I was tolling you that
there was a mistake , and that I did love
you don't you rometnlicr now ? "
Four days pass.rhonovor I am loft
for a inomont alone Y'HU Rollo , he looks
at mo imploringly , and I go to him and
kiss him , murmuring some word of en
dearment in his car.ijt jHo never speaks
in return , but his eyes grow eloquent.
At the end of a week the physician
from London comes down again at the
request of Dr. AllfdiJ1. He sees the
change instantly. After a p'rivalo con
ference they decidiJPoa \ n different
course of treatmont.t-.jriio | case is not
quito what they imaghied it to bo that
is all they will admit ; 'hut it is enough
to brighten every face in the house.
A fortnight lutor vDr. Allfair an
nounces that Rollo hits a chance of life
now , providing that ho has the greatest
care and attention. '
"Ho will have thatVyou may bo sure ,
doctor , " says Aunt Ellen , amid her tears
of joy and thankfulness , "botweon Bar
bara and Froya nnd mo. " The doctor
looks at mo ns my name is mentioned.
"O , Froya is the best of nurses ! " my
aunt adds , seeing the look ,
"There haw been a curious change in
the patient's state of mind"hoobserves ,
with his sharp eyes still fixed upon my
face , "It has much to do with this un
looked-for improvement. "
Aunt Ellen does not pay much heed ;
she is to joyfully absorbed in the pros
pect of her darling's living after all.
As Hello gradually grows stronger I
refrain from givng him the silent car
esses to which wo have both looked for
waru uay by any , anu no ceases to asic
for thorn. A cloud scorns to IIAVO como
between us , and I am not so happy. Ho
is less bright too.
"I shall never bo of any more use in
the world , " ho says despondently ono
day.
.That you will , " I assure him. "And ,
oven if you had lost both arms instead
of only ono , you would still bo of the
greatest use in comforting your mother
and nil who care for you. "
"All who care for mo ! " ho echoes
drearily. Then , after a pause , ho adds.
"I couldn't comfort you , Froya , could IV
You you're all right now ; it was only
while you thought I was dying"
Ho s'tops. I see now what has been
troubling him.
"You are all the comfort I have , " I
toll him. "If if you had died , I should
hove longed to bo put into the grave
with you. "
"O Froval But I am a cripple a bur
den that "
"You are a bravo man , " I interpose ;
"a hero. All sorts of honors await you
the first tlmo you show your faco'in pub
lic ; you must not waste n thought upon
your father's penniless orphan nicco. "
But , though ho is still confined to his
sofa , ho is strong enough now to stop my
mouth with his hand and then to put-
ray fnco down to his.
"Froya , when I got well enough to
marry you , will you will youV Don't if
yon think you will over got tired of mo ! "
"If you won't got tired of me , " I mur
mur , with my face hold close down to
his with his ono arm.
It is in this position that Aunt Ellen
flnds us a few minutes later. I spring
up with a crimson face ; but Rollo only
laughs and tolls hot-to look at his future
wifo. 4 ,
"You might have ) < jlfl mo before , "my
aunt observes. 5 ,
"Muv T linvn lilm now."mint P.llnnV T
ask somewhat shamefacedly.
"May you ? " she echoes. "Ho ought
indeed to boiong to you , Froya , seeing
that you have saved Jiis life.
"I saved his life ! " , . But the thought
has occurred to mo before this.
"Dr. Allfnir has .tdld mo ho had
sharper eyes than I hjiu but no wonder
just then ! And Barbara said something
to him as well. " *
My happiness is great when Aunt
Ellen clasps mo in , li'or arms and calls
mo her daughter. And It is exactly six
month Inter , when , just uftor Goddard
and Cherry's marriage and Rollo and I
are fixing our wedding day , a letter nr-
rivoB from London with the news of
Lumloy's engagement to Uncle George
Stewart's ward , who , according to my
future brothor-ln-liiw , is the loveliest
and sweetest girl in the three kingdoms.
"Bar ono ! " observes Rollo.
No griping , 110 irnusou , no pain when Da
Witt's Llttlo Kurly Hlsprs are tuUoa. Small
pill. Safe pill. Boat pill.
The Illinois legislature li nt work ; on a bill
providing for u tux of 15 per cent of the cross
receipts of racinir associations , utid limiting
the number of duys in each .year on which
rucos inny bo conducted upon any rnco track ,
grounds or oncloturus lu that state. Its passage -
sago would cripple racing ut Chicago.
Why buy a foreign artlclo when you can
got u hotter at homo. Try Cook's Extra Dry
Imperial Champagne.
SIXTEENTH AND FARNAM STS. , OMAHA.
Jewelers , Opticians ,
THIS FINE GOLD FILLED
Ladies'HmBpIoanWatoh '
ONLY $13.75.
Same- style In SolU Gold , S25.
FIner Solid Gold Wfttch3810 ! to $2Z
Fine Solid Gold Spectacles or Eye Glasses
[ any style ] from $3.00 up.
Fine Steel Spectacles or Eye Glasses [ any
style ] from $1.00 up.
Your Eyes Tested Free by PRAC
TICAL OPTICIAN.
OPERA GLASSES ,
FIELD GLASSES ,
TELESCOPES ,
MICROSCOPES ,
BAROMETERS , THERMOMETERS
Etc. , Eto.
Our assortment of LADIES' and GENTLEMEN'S SOLID
GOLDmi\ ( \ GOLD FILLED AMERICAN WATCHES is
the LARGEST in the WEST , and our PRICES arc as LOW
as any other first-class house in AMERICA. We sell Solid Gold
American Watches from $25 upwards ; Gold Filled American Watches
from $10 up. EVERY WATCH WARRANTED.
CHAINS , LOCKETS , RINGS , and EVERYTHING
ELSE IN JEWELRY at LOWEST PRICES. STERLING
NOVELTIES IN ENDLESS VARIETY. BEAUTIFUL
SILVER NEW SOUVENIR SPOONS , in all sixes and styles ,
from 75c up to $5.00 each
5oo NEW CANES and UMBRELLAS just received , from
$1.50 upward.
Over 3000 New Scarf Pins just opened the prettiest ever shown ,
in solid gold , sterling silver and finest rolled plate. 5000 Fine Solid
Finger Rings , including every kind manufactured , for Children ,
Ladies and Gentlemen , 50c up to $25.00. Genuine Diamond Rings
frnrn 19 n nn tn
Genuine \ I Diamond Ear Rings from HO up to $5 $
Genuine j \ i . Diamond Lace Pins from $10 $ up lo $1 $ ,
Genuine \ I Diamond Studs , Scarf Pins
PinsMTGHES ,
And other goods sold on
EASY
Weekly or Monthly
PAYMENTS
to persons ofknown respon
sibility , or those furnishing
satisfactory references.
) o (
Old gold and silver bought
or taken in exchange for
goods.
Or a Whirl by Rail to Six American
Pleasure Resorts.
EVERYTHING PREPAID ANDllRST CLASS.
How a Little Effort Will Secure You One of
These Trips.
ArrnnseinentBhnve been effected by the
publishers of TUB HI.E which enable us to
mote a novel nnd attractive offer to par
ties who are disposed to devote their time
nnd energy toward procuring now sub
scriber * for THE OMAHA WEEKLY HKK or
Tin : SUNDAY HKK between this date nnd
tbo 10th day of Juno next.
Tnls offer will bo open only to parties
sollcltlng-subscribera In Nebraska , Iowa ,
South UaKotu and Kansas.
A careful recorded will be Kept of 11 sub
scriptions forward , nnd the awards will
bo made without partially.
The European Tour ,
To the person that will secure tbe lar
gest number of cash sabscrlbors for Tun
OMAHA WKKKI.Y HEK or Tin : SUNDAY HKR
before June 10 , ] Mtl , will bo given free o.
cost a round trip Kmoncnu tour tlciceti
This ticket will Include llrst class passage
from Nuw Yoric to Europe and return
Tlil.i Includes also all trawling , liotol and
sight-seeing expenses. The trip wll be
'ninde wltb nn excursion party gotten up
by Mrs. M. I ) , t'razar of Iloston , and will
bo In charge of competent guides. The
trav olcr has no cares , whatever. The tour
covers nil the principal countries of
Europe .Rnsland , ( Jermany , Switzerland >
France , Jlelgluin , Italy , nnd tnelr princi
pal cUto.i. Including London , Paris , Urus-
Dels , llcrlln. Home , Morcnce , Venice ,
Milan , Ocnoo , etc.
Seventy-Three Days of Sight-Seeing
Tno party starts from New York Jane
27 and returns to that city by September
11.
Taken by any Individual alone , this Ku-
ropean tour would involve un outlay of at
least $700.
American and Canadian Tours
I'or the second largest list of subscrib
ers we offer a free ticket from Omaha to
San 1'rnnclsco and Los Angeles ana re
turn. Mnffnlllceiit mountain scenery , tlia
beautiful Gulden Uato , the land of sun
shine , fruits nnd llowers. "Who has not
seen California will not die happy. "
Travel Is an educator , and to properly
appreciate the vaatness of our great coun
try ono must see Its best features.
For the tin ret largeitt list of subscribers
to TilK WEKKf.Yor.SC.NDAY llKK WO offer
a ticket from Omaha to Quebec and re
turn. What could be grander than a trip
down the beautiful at I.nwruiicu in midsummer
summerTo contemplate tne beauty o (
Thousand Isles Is delightful. How much
more delightful to vUlt them while In
verdure clad.
Ana nil this pleasure for obtaining sub
scribers to TIIK WKIKI.V mid HUN HAY
For the fourth largest list of subscrib
ers wo offer a free ticket from Omnha to
Now York , Philadelphia , Wnblngton nnd
There nre no points on this continent of
greater general Interest thnn these three
cities. An American born citizen hm not
completed his education until ho ha < seen
the neat of government. Tlio persons and
points of Interest In Wnshlngton nro m-
nuraernblo and to thn Intellgenl obseper
n visit there Is full of interest. Nowiork
nnd I'nllndelphla nstbo commercial nml
llnanclal centers of tne country uro
always Interesting. , . , . _
All thU sight nosing and traveling given
awoyfor obtnlnlau subscrlUors to IIIB
WKKKT.Y or SUNDAY llr.K.
Fur the llfth largest list of siiVorlborS
wo offer n free tlcKet from Oiuuha to
Mitgara Tails nnd return. Every Hlnce
your childish wonder was arousml by the
description lu the old acJiool readers pt
these wonderful falls you have desired to
see them. Hern Is"nn opportunity. A
most delightful excursion nnd ono with
out expense , given for sucnrlnp biibscrib-
er.s to TIIK WKKKI.Y or SUNDAY Jinn.
For the Hlxth largest list of BUbscrlberfl
wo onvr n free ticket from Omnhn to halt
Lake City nnd return. The famous Jlor-
mon city Is fast becoming n Gentile xlty ,
and will In time lose much of UH Inteiost.
Now , this summer would bo n good time
to visit the booming city. ( InrlleId beach
Is of conrsa included In the trip. ' { hlH
Bummer reaort on the lake Is n delightful
place to pnsi few of the hot summer
days. Why not secure n number of sub
scribers for TUB WEKKLY or SUNDAY UKK
and take atrip ? ,
For the seventh largest list of subscrib
ers wo offer n free ticket to Denver and
JIanltou and return. While a shorter trip
than anv of the others It combines many
pleasant features. Denver-tho oueon
city of the plains-Is nlwnys worth saclnir
while the health and Biimnirr resorts of
Munltou arc delightful Indeed. HenUh-
glvlmr. inspiring , reslful amid aubilmo
scenery what trip could bo moro restful !
All thl.s pleasure for securing subscriber *
to TIIK SUNDAY or WKIKLY : IIKK.
Conditions.
Now what nro ths conditions upon
which these tickets nro given away ? The
Hocnrlntr ot the largnit list of HUhsrrlnors
to THE WKKKI.Y or BUND * YllKK. No news
paper In thn west Is so well nml favorably
known and solicitors have nlways round
It an easy mutter to secure fufiscrlberH.
TIIK IIKK'S subscription list has nlwnvs
kept pace 'vltn lt < reputation nnd It do-
Hires to add newnntuos to Iti long list of
friends. Doing at nil times n neoplo's pa
per it makes frlsnds with nil classes.
Thosub-scrlptlon price of TIIH WKCKMT
IUnU : SI.IH ) per j-cnr poitpnln tonny place
In this country or Canada , or tiOj If sent
to a foreign country.
TllKHiJNJKV Hun Is ft'.0) per year , but
O in dim subscribers for TIIK StJuniY HKK
will not be counted In this tompetltlon.
( Intupalat ) HIITO your friends sub.
Bcrlbe for the paper. Sample copies forwarded -
warded frt'oon ie < | Uest.
IVrsoni desiring lo rompote for one of
these prizes will please say so when Bend
ing In their llrst orders.
lleiulttnnce In full must accompany
every order.
Two nix months subscription * or four
tliroo montbs suuscriptlona will bo coun
ted as ono order.
NO OURRr NO PAY.
1316 Douglas Street , Omaha , Neb.
Seventeen jetr * oxporlcnsi ) . A rojulsr xmluita In imollctno , at dlplonnt heir , Ii itlll trailing with
IhoKroiUratiuccoii , all Norrom , Chronic and I'rlriil * Illiottui. A pjruiiinmitcuro ituurnnuinl tor fijUrrn
SrormalorrlKua , Jo > t Manhood , bemln l Woakmnn. Mvhll.oiiu * , Iinpotoncr , Hrphtlli , Ptrlcluro , nudiulrtli.
c e * of tlit Illood. Skin nnd Urinary Ortfani. Nil. I KU ruuto < IJfWfor urerr c o I umlortiko ami full t >
cure. Consultation fru . Uook ( Mytterloi of LUoB ) ul fro * Oaioahour . m. toil p. la. bunUnr W
a. m. to 11 m.
THIS FINE GOLD FILLED
Gents' American Watch
ONLY $15.00.
13
Pinor Solid Gold Wntohos from $30 up to $500
Some style In SolU Gold , $ Hb.OO.
Wa'.chcs ' , Clocks , Jewelry , .Spectacles , etc. ,
thoroughly repaired. 1'riccs reasonable. ALIi
W011K WAIMUNTK1) .
18G8.
KU8IMP80NI
1409 and 1411 Dodeo St. , Omaha , Nob.
-nuiujuns OF-
P'irst Glass GarriaQBS ,
Tlio Loading Ktyles. Tlio Lowest I'ricos.
1'ATKONAGIS .SOLICITED.
Medical and Suifid
INSTITUTE.
Hortliotr.TUmcMlof nit CIIUONIO AND HUUOIOAr.
DlbKABKi. llrncoi , Appliance ! for Duformltlostuul
Tru ouH. licit Facilities , Apparatus tail Itemoillui
fursnocosiful troitmont of ovary form of ilNomo
roqulrlnjr Meillcnlor Huritlcnl Treatment. NINETY
IIOOMS 1OII ) I'ATIKNl'd , Hoard nu < l AtUimlnnca.
H it Acoomniodnltoni ' . .
.Vint. Write for circular * on
Doformitloi nncl llrnct > 3 , Tnnvn , Club Foot , Curva
ture * of tiplnn , Pilot , Tumors , Cnncur , CiiUrrli ,
llrunchltU , liiliilutldn , Kli > ctrlcltr > 1'ftrntjrMii , ICpll-
cf r , KMnnyn , llltuldor. JCye , Knr , Skin nnd Illoo I ,
and all HurtJcM ( iparntluni. IHHUASKrf OK WOMItN
n [ > cclalu > . Hook oj Dlioaioi of Women Krun. U'u
IIHYO littelr ndrtpil iv ljrlnln Department for Woman
During confinement ( Htrlctljr I'rlvilo. ) Only llelln-
bloModlrnt InUltuto linking a Spoclalty of 1'ltl-
VATK IHHKASK3.
All llluod I > l ( m > es miccnjsfully treated , Meillclno
or InUrmnenti Kent by mull or oxpresi saourjly
pnclced , no mark ! to Inrtlc.-ilo contunU or nenilur.
Ono perona Interview pruforrutl. Cull ami consult
unornond hltorj of your cam , nml wo will sunil In
Inln wrnpporoiir HOOK TO MKX FIIKK ; upon I'rl-
Tfttn. Hpoclal or .Vnrvou Ultomoi , nlttiquottlun Hit
Address all Ittturi to
Dr. A. T. McLaughlln , President
Otli and Hurnoy titrcnts. Omuutb
LA GRIPPE.
TurkisliTea taken at night
and occasional doses of Quinine ,
will relieve all pains in the
bones , cleanse the system and
makyou feel like a new person.
Sure cure for liver , kidney ,
and nerve affections. 250 pack-
ago. Sample for 20 stamp.
Turkisk Cough Cure. The
only cough cure that will re
lieve cough at once and euro
with a few doses. Take nn
substitute ; will return money i |
it doesn't cure the worst cough
Price soc bottle.
Turkish Remedy Co. ,
Omaha. Neb.
KEHCHlPECIFicr
A POSITIVetandporminenlCURE'orall
dlse.i.iotlHeyRlNARY ORGANS. Cures
where olhertrcatmentlallt. Full direction * with each
hollls. Price , one dollar. Sot slyntturaot E , U
6TAHL For Gale By All Drugijlat * .
RufforlnR from
tllO OltlMjt ) Ol
youthful urmn
early decay , vrittUnK weaktiou , last inauliuod , cto.
I fll < t nl avaluaUu trcatlw ( x'/U ili coutnlnln ]
full tmrUeulara fur homo euro , 1'IIKK of rlmrk'u
A > plundld iiuxtlcal wurk ) ilioulil lw read by over )
man trho U iiPrvnu ait't duMIJlat'ut. Andnirft
If tot. 1' . C. 1'OlVt.EU , nioodui , Couu.