The happiness derived from doing our duty is the greatest joy the world
affords.
"How I miss Brother Hallock and Brother Johnson!" exclaimed Anna, as
she and Venna settled down to a quiet afternoon with their sewing and
books.
"Yes, we will all miss their influence--even babe," returned Venna,
looking at little Anna playing on her pillow.
Baby smiled her assent.
Anna leaned over and kissed her.
"My precious little angel!" she said, hugging her wee one tight. "You
know, Venna, I always called her 'angel,' but now my pet name for her
has a significance!"
"Yes," replied Venna, "how much more beautiful life seems, now that
we have learned so many wonderful truths. You know, Anna, life has a
different perspective for me now. When I think of the wonderful purpose
God had in placing us here and the short period of probation that our
lives afford us, I have no other thought than to do my highest duty."
"And that is?" asked Anna.
"First, living up to all my vows. I know you'll be surprised at my
decision. Read this letter I received this morning from Will."
Anna took the letter and read:
"Dearest Venna:
"I'm in a strange mood tonight. I feel as though life had ended for me.
I don't know why I should write to _you_ since you have cast me off as
worthless. But somehow I'm not myself. I'm weak stuff to write to one
who despises me. But love makes a fool of a man anyway. The counterfeit
of love ruins a man's youth, and then when the real thing comes along,
it's just about as bad. No satisfaction in any of it! I'd be glad to
finish myself tonight--but I love you too much to create a scandal. Are
you so hard that you can't even write me a friendly word? I'll be true
to you, whether you love me or not. You might be at least _kind_. Write
me a letter--any kind of a one, won't you?
"Venna, if you ever love a man you think good enough for you, let me
know and I'll slip out. You haven't the least conception of my love for
you. You're so ignorant of the world. You think of those other women.
They were nothing to me. I guess you're right about men not stooping to
such actions, but there are two sides to every question, Venna. They
tempt the young men. They deserve all they get. I'm sorry for my past
because of you. I don't pity _them_.
"It's useless to write more. You'll write the same hard, uncompromising
note in return, I suppose.
"Well, throw my devotion to the dogs if you wish. You may need it,
though. If so, it's yours.
"Always your devoted husband,
"Will."
As Anna handed back the letter to Venna, her eyes were filled with
tears.
"There's lots of good in your husband, Venna," she said seriously.
"And I am stifling it," returned Venna quietly. "In the light of the
Gospel, I see myself as I really am. I'm not living to save souls, but
to save myself from unpleasant experiences. Anna, I'm going back to
Will."
Anna's eyes glistened through her tears.
"You dear girl! Now you've struck the right keynote to your life. God
will bless you for it."
"He has already. I have never felt so happy as since I wrote this
letter. Read it."
Anna read eagerly.
"Dear Will:
"I shall come home tomorrow. We will begin all over again and make our
lives a success.
"Yours faithfully,
"Venna."
Anna looked up with a smile. "Wonderful, Venna! But couldn't you write
'Yours lovingly?'"
"It wouldn't be true," replied Venna, coloring.
"You can't love him then?" asked Anna doubtfully.
"No, but I love _duty_, Anna, and I'll pray God to make me love him in
time. I'll do my _best_."
"You can't do more," returned her friend. "So I am to lose you also. I
don't think I'll stay here long alone. I've come to dislike Ashfield
so."
"It don't seem the same, does it? We mustn't forget, however, that here
we received the Truth."
So the following day Venna quietly left Ashfield. None knew of her
going, and as she sat in the train, bound for New York, she was
thankful she was leaving the "simple life" which only two months ago
she was idealizing.
At the New York station, Will Hadly met her. She felt shocked at the
change in him. He was thin and pale, with that drawn look upon his face
which betokened mental worry.
Her heart smote her. Pity surged within her, and she looked up at him
with real concerned emotion, which he mistook for love.
"Dearest," he whispered, "I can scarcely believe my exile is over! I
received your letter this morning. The servants are so delighted you're
coming. They're hustling all day to make the home fit to receive their
queen!"
When they reached the Fifth Avenue home, Venna entered with a strange,
trembling fear. A new life was before her--a happy life, but one of
sacrifice--and sacrifice was a new experience!
As they entered the door, the fragrance of roses greeted her.
Everywhere flowers! Hadly had spared no expense to have the home filled
with nature's best.
"A garland of roses for my bride!" he said, gaily laughing at her
surprise. "And now to the feast!" he exclaimed, leading her into the
dining-room. Here the daylight had been shut out, and all the lights
were ablaze.
The table was set for two, with every conceivable dainty for a joyous
feast.
"Does my bride approve?" he asked tenderly.
Venna looked up at him tearfully. "You couldn't have done better." was
all she said.
The dinner over, Venna and her husband went into the old library. Venna
looked around and vivid memories of her life filled her eyes with tears.
"What troubles you?" Hadly asked, fearing she was regretting her step.
"This room makes me think of dear father. It was almost _his_ room."
"Yes, I know," returned Hadly, relieved. "Look over your shoulder, you
will see a present for my bride."
Venna turned and there upon the wall, she beheld a life-sized portrait
of her father, gazing down upon them, with an almost life-like smile.
"O Will!" she exclaimed.
She could say nothing more, but moved slowly to the picture and stood
gazing up at the familiar face with an expression of intense yearning.
She did not even hear the bell.
Hadly heard it, however, and stepped to the hall.
"We see no one tonight," he instructed the servant. Then he quietly
closed the door and stepped over to Venna's side. Putting his arm about
her, he gently drew her to him.
"You like it?" he asked, pleased.
"Oh, it was so thoughtful of you!" she exclaimed gratefully. "I can
feel his presence here tonight."
The door opened so quietly that neither one noticed it.
Hadly stooped and kissed Venna.
A loud laugh made them turn suddenly.
"The kiss of death!" mocked a woman's voice in scorn.
There in the doorway stood a woman heavily veiled.
She leveled a pistol at Hadly and a loud shot followed.
Her aim was true. Hadly fell heavily at Venna's feet. The woman turned
and fled.
No sound escaped Venna's lips. White as death she stooped and gently
lifted his head. The servants, hearing the shot, rushed in. She ordered
them to summon aid. In fear and trembling they instantly obeyed.
Alone with her husband, a terrible fear possessed her. Was he dead? Was
she too late with her pity?
Slowly his eyes opened and looked up into her face.
"Venna girl," he whispered, "it's all over--my dream--it's a rude
awakening, but it's best--best for you--Venna, my bride!"
"No! No! Will! We will save you! Have courage!"
She stooped and tenderly kissed his forehead, then gently stroked his
hair.
He smiled happily.
"The kiss of death! Yes--how sweet! Good-bye, Venna--find a man worthy
of the best--little"--
The sentence was never finished. When help came, they found Venna
sobbing hysterically with Hadly in her arms!--dead!