Page:Middle Aged Love Stories (IA middleagedlove00bacorich).djvu/143



Ah, fool, give up your senseless hope! You had your chance—you lost it. Fate cannot stop and wait while you grow wise.

“When that shadow covers the hill, I will give it up forever. Then I will write to Henry’s wife and ask her to let me come and help take care of the children. She will like it, and I can get tutoring if I want it. I will make the children love me, and there will be a place where I shall be wanted and can help,” she thought.

The shadow slipped lower. The fresh turf steeped in the last rays, the birds sang, the warming earth seemed to have touched the very core of spring. Her hopes had answered the eager years, but her miracle was too wonderful to be.

A light knock at the door, and a maid came toward her, tray in hand. She lifted the card carelessly—her heart dropped a moment and beat in hard, slow throbs. Her eyes filled with tears; her cheeks were hot and brilliant.