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Short stories from Life

WHICH?

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By Joseph Hall

They were two women, one young, radiant, the other gently, beautifully old.

“But, Auntie, it’s such fun.”

The older rose.

“Wait.”

In a moment she had returned. Two faded yellow letters lay upon the young girl’s lap.

“Read them.”

Wonderingly the girl obeyed. The first read:

“Dearest:

“I leave you to John. It is plain you care for him. I love you. Just now it seems that life without you is impossible. But I can no longer doubt. If you cared, there would be no doubt. John is my friend. I would rather see you his than any others, since you cannot be mine. God bless you.

“Will.”

The other:

“Beloved:

“I am leaving you to the better man. For me there can never be another love. But it is best—it is the right thing—and I am, yes, I am glad that it is Will you love instead of me. You cannot be anything but happy with him. With me—but that is a dream I must learn to forget.

“As ever and ever,

“John.”

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