Short Stories From Life — Which? 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."