The Atlanta constitution. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, February 01, 1887, Image 1

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Newspaper Page TextVOL. XVIII. ATLANTA, GA„ TUESDAY MORNING FEBRUARY 1 1887 PRICE FIVE CENTS HANDSOME PRESENTS FOR ALL Wo c*U attention to oor plan for distributing a box fullofpreeenteto our friends,described on the lut column of page elx of thia nook’s issue. Wo want every subscriber to share in those Ike plan la simple. Ton send ns a new sub. serlber. Your name Is at once written on stag and put in our present box. On March the box is shaken and the tags mixed up, and Committee draws out a tag. The name on that tag gets the $100 present. The second tag the $50—and so on till all the presents are taken. Of course every person who sends a subscriber Will not get a present, lut every ono will HAY* AN equal CHAircx. The lady who sends one subscriber msy got the $100. Somebody ■duly will. Why not you? Bemcmber your name goes in once for every subscriber you send, and once for your own subscription. If you send fire subscribers at one dollar each you get one of our superb pictures free. For five subscribers at $1.00 each, by adding $1.25, Watch and chain. For ten subscribers at $1.00 each, and at one time, a watch and chain free. In each case your name goes in our present box for overy name you send. Mowwo urge every subscriber to bo repre sented in our present box. There la not one of the 93,000 subscribers this week who cannot get one subscriber—that one subscriber may get you $100. The box is closed March 31st, promptly. No names will go into the box ox. cept those sent in during the month of FebrU' ary- Our Story Corner THE DEMON flF VANITY. By Florence Ilarryatt. "There, I assure you, my dear, he’s the most genteetest lodger Tvo had. Another eup of ton? O, you must; this Is a better cup of tea than the first. I know, so don’t say no. There; yes, my dear, having been brought up better myself, knew hp was a gentleman the moment I saw him, and one, though down in the world now, . I’m sure has seen better days, like myself. 8o I took to him in sympathy-like and didn'i trouble About his references.” “Every one knows your kind heart, Mrs. Buck, and how superior you is to most of us about hero, hut I do hope you won’t bo took in ns you was with, that German count, who was a patriarch.” “Patriot, Mrs. Crump?” “Well, of couso you knows best, Mrs. Buck; VmtCimnp, who reads his papers on Sun lays, told me when I naked him aa patriarchs, cr whatever it is, was men as becamo so for their country's good,'thongh what good they can do their country by smoking all day and never paying their laundresses, as was the way that German lodger of yours served me.' “Yes; bnt, Mrs. Cramp, what were your claims to mine?” “Very true, Mrs. Buek, which well I know It, and you a hard-working widow, and that’s why I hopes this new lodger won’t turn out to bo a liberator, ail patriarcbUm and no 'cels to bis hoots.” “He's nothing of the kind, for ho gave mo in advance—ah, that’s him returning; I must ran op stairs and see If ho wants anything. Ah, poor fellow! ho looks to pale, and thongh ho hasn’t ■aid much I knows he's an Invalid.’ “A hlnvalid!” muttered Mrs. Crump, as Mrs. M her Idea of Ido hopes athe CCrump poured her- aclf out another eup to begullo the time till Mrs. Buek returned, then, musing aloud as sbestlrrod the tea, continued. "Ilia paying in advance may bt only a trap, but I could toon toll if 1 saw his boots.” Mcanwhllo Mrs. Book had reached the sec ond floor. Itwasthensnal gloomy London lodging. Orl (finally the rooms had been ono apartment, but lodging-letting ingenuity bad erected a trim wooden barrier, with folding doom, and so con- > a sitting and bod room, verted the place into cell in which a heap of modern furniture had by tome unaccountable means been left until called for, at It were, and, naver having bean reclaimed, had a depressed look about It, from the carpet to the chandelier. In fact, each ar ticle Kerned to bo Imbued with that look of re lation to peculiar to the inmates of a well- lplined orphanage. ml yon please to wantanythlng, sir?” asked Mrs. Back, entering after rapping at the door. “No, thanks,” answered the lodger In a soft volte. “Pardon mo for saying to, sir, but you looks worried after your walk, i have the kettle on the bile and a cap of tea—” Tho lodger smiled in a melancholy way at he answered in the negative. “Shall I open the windows, sir, and let in a little fresh alt? the room teems close.” “if you like,” he replied resignedly, as ho aw Mrs. Buek seemed determined not to go Just then and and ho appeared too listlea about the matter to care whether ahe stayed or went “There used to bo a nice view from this win dow,” aid Mrs. Buck, as she opened the case, ment to let in whatever breeze might bo loiter ing about, under the Impression that its smoky flavor might freshen the room, “before they built tbit place there and all those chimneys, be can so, yon see, there was a full sight of a window boxed round with mignonette, till it looked like a perfect little garding, that, to gether, sir, with my own tree there,’—this was in alltitiou to a both droopii •nee away in a most unfrull bloom always remind yon a much of tho coun try.” She stsrped and looked wistfully toward her lodger, ills hud was retting on bis band, and ahe saw at once by bis vacant stare that be was not paying attention to her chatter. Taking the bint she moved to tho door, then suddenly paused. “I beg your pardon again, sir,” she said, “but if you would oblige me with your card, iu case anyone—’’ “No oaf will inquire about me,” he inter rupted, WRh a sigh. “I took your rooms because they were quiet; but there iafmy aid. Of course it is only natural you wish to know my name. “Thank yon, air,” said Mrs. Buck, opening tho door ’’and if yon want anything touch tbe bell.” “Half , r - aa he spoke toward a mausoleui builtout from the wall. "IsceyoabaveacoUec. t oo of rare books there. Would you mind my looking into thc&r “Certainly not, air, you may hare the key VThh pleasure,” and disappearing down ataira •K»iA she commenced ft sraxch for the article in question. Jut ae the had fouadii ahe sudden ly remembered the card. “O!” she said to Mr*. Gnuni forrin, 1 hope/’ exclaimed that lady anxiously. “Foreign? No, it's a good English nara Then, holding tho card at a distance, she read aloud: : Charles fVltoxT I “Charles Fulton,” she repeated slowly, as one trying to recover fionio past memory. “Where have 1 seen that name; where?” Then with a start she pounced upon some newspapers. She selected one about a nr nth old aud read from an advertisement column: “If Chores Fulton, late of the Manor Grange, Budby, Notts, will apply to Henry F. Jenning, Solicitor, Lincoln's Inn Fields, ho will hear of something to his advantage.” Mrs. Buck replaced tho paper, heedless of Mrs. Cramp's expressions [of surprise, and re< ascended tiio stairs. She pnusidas she reached the door and heard the lodger muttering to himself: “Too late,” she heard 1dm say, “why did it not come sooner? It might havo saved her lifo; as it is, 1 take no joy in it now.” Mrs. Buek coughed, then knocked at the open door. “Come in,” said the lodger. “There is tbo key, sir. I generally keeps them lockod, sir, for they were left hero by a lady as had the room above and disappeared mysterious like.”. “Disappeared?” echoed the lodger, with look of interest on bis face for tho first tit during the landlady's chatter. “Yes/’ said Mr*. Buck, as if glad of a farther chance to keen him in conversation. !“Sho came here about—oh, there’s the area bell!” Aud _ serving the history for some other time sho bustled away. • • The eventful night arrived at last and we reached the theatre. It was n bespeak nigh*, and the place was full. The play was the “Lady of Lyons.” How I watched with devouring looks the lovo passages and listened to the flowing eloquence of the tinsel hero, Tho sorrows of tho heroine watered my eyes with hot tears and when I left the theatre that night, I carried with me, framed in my heart aud set in bright thoughts, my first and only love! The handsome face and noble bearing which id wou *’ * * * From a passion. My parents humored the fancy and I was a constant visitor. One night my father left me to visit for a moment or two somo neighbors iu the opposite L Among them was one of my would-be era. Ho spoke to my father just as I hap pened to glance that way. I saw my father' start and I knew by the strange look be shot toward me that I had been tho subject of rc- mark. ■ ^ • .t Y'htn he returned to raft the open, trusting smile nag gene, and in its stead thero was a tbonphtfui frown. I was on my gnard, for I found him nowand then watching mo covertly, and I knew my secret was in danger, but iu spite of my care! saw »uougb, for when we arrived at home 1 ft cut straight to my mother’s apartment'at fiom that night my visits to the play coasod. One certain evening wo met for the first time. It was at the houso of a mutual friond, noto rious for her lovo of convcrsaslono and her literary ar.«l artistic lion hunting propensities. My hero, being a fevorito of hers, was au in vited guest. We were introduced. Our ejea told tho story of each other's love, id, In — " ' * actions, the dectarstkm that ho lovod me from the first moment he saw me. I neod not say more than that my willing heart listened with eagerness to the welcome avowal. We met again and again, till our socret trys- ting spot became a plsco of constant resort. In time ho proposed marriage, aud offered to sec my father. This roused mo from my trance of bliss, for I knew my parents’ proud nature, and I was compelled to say how hopeless was our pas sion. Then ho pleaded for a hasty wedding, m known to auy but ourselves, and as I had hoj that the idolatry my fother had shown for n._ would in time soften his heart to such a step, I consented, for tbo idea of a secret marriage fid my romantic disposition. I look back, and through the gloom of the present I see a quiet little church, with its mossy tower, steeped In sunshine; strange faces pause and smile as a youthful couple pass its miniature porch. The focca gather around and peep curiously in. Those two figures are kneeling at the tiny altar and solemn words foil from the lips of a “ ” dform. _ there is a lull, filled np with tears, blushes and the unsteady scratching* of a pen. Scarcely is this done when a suddon com motion startles the peeping faces at the porch. There is a sound of grinding wheels tearing over the gravel pstb; an excited face confronts the jouthfal pair, one glance shows the jour ney has been useless; for a moment a spasm of pain ctin the museles of that face; then, with a look of lofty scorn, those features tarn to coldest marble and fade away as the troth dawns on my throbbing heart that I have lined a husband and lost a father, mother, omo and all! Such was the commencement of my wedded life. V • e . * e • The last line caused me to break off and I have taken my usual walk by the Thames side. • 00000 I sin back to my desk once again. • * • • 3 0 Under the circumstances we thought it best for my husband to give up his engagement, which he did, and we left the island.; Brighton was onr destination, then looked upon as the stepping stone to London. My hnsband, by bis natural and gifted man ner, soon became a favorite there, and whis pers were wafted to our gratified ears of the poasibility of a London opening. All seemed happy and prosperous with us. In time » daughter brigbtenel our home, it I soon fonnd that the event which should havo knitted onr hearts closer to other cost the first shadow over our young love. My husband doted on the child to such an exetta that 1 grew jealous of her. As my rctulant indifference soon made its:lf manifest, tire breach between ns widened slowly but sutely. 1 was to Marne. I steeled my heart against her, and reveled secret as I saw the pain which my conduct was causing h : ru. little thinking what a scourge «h preparing for my conscience. It was at this time there came the turning point of our lives. A newly made acqaintance was intro duced to our Lome. He was one of those theatrical butterflies that love to flutter in the artificial atmosphere only to he found behind the scenes. e was not handsome, but there was insinu ating eoftneas in his manner which, together With ft ftir of deep, dipemy eyes, mad# a faw- able impression on you, almost before you were conscious of it. " * He was well bora, had money, and possessed influence with West End London managers. J baalong entertained a desire to bo on the stage myself, but my husband was opposod it. Our new visitor was not long iu divining my secret yearning, aud slowly ho fanuod the smouldering fire. “Why not?” he began one day, aa we were? on the Parade waiting for my husband to join us. • “Why not? But perhaps I havo no right to put the question,” no added i " “What question?” I asked. ‘‘How is it, may I inquire, that yon havo nevor evinced any desire for tho stage your self?” Tho words wero spoken slowly and 1 felt that he was watching mo as he waited for my reply. 'it has been my most ardent wish,” I an swered; “but—” “But whnt? I am sure, with tho excel advantages you possess, the stage won) nnotker name on the scroll of fame. Pray, what is the objection?” “Not miuo,” I replied. “Whose then?” ho asked. “My 1 nsband,” I added, with more indigna tion in tho tone than I intended. He was silent for a time. “Would you feel annoyed,” ho ventured at last, “if I were to try to remove his absurd scruples?” « “It would be useless,’ I exclaimed, despondent ly, for my vanit y was at work woaving garlands and painting in seductive colors a successful futuro which might be-mino but for tbo for tho shadow of a wayward husband's opposition. “Well, I ran bnt try and fall then,” ho said, softly, “but if I should succeed?” “1 should bo ctcrually grateful,” I cried, im pulsively. Here my husband jotnod us, and no more was said on tho subject then, but my heart was aglow for tho admiration which I know my looks would commaud if ho could only bo per suaded to give his consent. Our friend was absent for a week or so, whon he suddenly sought us out one evening, and in a hearty manner said to my husband: “I havo looked you up, old fellow, at this unearthly hour bccauf o I have some pood nows for you both, and 1 am anxious to unburden myselfi My friend, tho manager of tho Royal Grand, will commence his winter season with a new niece; and, alter dining with me yes has promised to make you an offer.” “There,” he continued, after a pause, “Am I forgiven for my intrusion?” My husband, who was ambitious, was de lighted with tho prospect of a London engage ment, but the news, as far as I was concerned, had tbe opposite effect on mo, for I saw with his success there would bo loss hope than over of my dream being realised. I was presently aroused from these reflec tions os after a fow remarks relative to tho sub ** question our friend said: M “I have turned tho matter over in my mind, but as yet I have not yet hit upon any idea, but there is plenty of timo.” “Quite so. Still it is Just as well to havo some notion of wbst yon think of doing. The season has not been prosperous?” “No.” “Then the greater need of novelty. Of course, I know your narno would command a houso, still I think I could suggest a way to make as- suranco doubly sure.” “How?” My attention was fully centered on the con versation, and though no look or tone gavo mo warranty for the thought, I felt I was to bo tho t of It. f/cll,” responded our friend, “some of our fellows, knowing :uy lovo of the drama and what an enthusiastic amateur I am, havo boon persuading mo to join them iu a matinee per- I’oimance.” •You?” 'Yes; I havo done something in that way, you know, for charities.” “And why not again?” “Well, you sco, 1 was thinking, as wo steamed down from town, that Inatoad of going through a long pcrformace, suppose we solect'Wolfin Sheep’s Clothing' and play it hero for your bene fit! Would that not mako an attractive item in the programme?” “ mm r dear friend,” began my husband, “I—” you like tho idea it can be done; we are already op in the piece I have named, and tbe cast a onld include some of the best farallios about hero. What do you say?” ho asked, in an oft-hand manner. My husband expressed himself gratified at the interest taken in hit affairs, but was stopped by my friend rising to leave, which wosuoue in the moot genial, yet respectful, manner. In tho course of a day or two a correspond ence was opened between the London manager of tbe Royal Grand and my husband. Our friond was no folio prophet. Bated to bis glowing proepocU and tho love for oor little one, which otemod deepening day ly day, ho appeared to pay but unall head to my abee.it looks. Ill* great joy wu that he had a chance opening to Urn securing but to four, and O, how earneetly he prayed thetbUdroara might bo racceisfol, for hit wife and chill's rake, and in hi* sleep our namee ware Hoped together, »• if they wero linked in holy unison by tome half-told prayer for our futuro fete. Whilst wo were in tbU atato anolhcrvi.lt wu made. Thia timo our friond wu grave in hia tone and expreued himself u in a .light dilemma. III. explanation wu that hi* notion oa to tho "Wolf in Sheep’. Clothing” scheme had boon retdlly conrented to by thou concerned, but nnfortunately tho Hon. Un. Hatbcraage, who had always played their Ann Carow, wu abroad and no lihcUhood of her return. What wu he to do? Hltfriendo would be dfuppolntcd, and u tho ladiu who wore to play the reat of the femalu were of their own set, they, without moaning any offense, would not hear of a professional actress taking her place, and ts think, too, how In > spirit of ardent friendship be had eet hia heart upon tho ocheme. True, there wu one way out, and u he .poke his .yes turned to ward mo. My hniband started. I watched the struggle anxiously. Yielding to hil feta be at lut consented; ttdly, it lx true but It wu enough for mo. My mediator tri umphed, and I wu to ploy Ann Carew. In time the attraction was noised about, while fell and fashionable house wu prophulod u the remit. Oor friend wu to play Aaper. I smiled u he told me the fact, bnt a cold shiver trembled through my frame and I could not realize for a time whether 1 wu moot pleased or annoyed. The doubt soon resolved Irclf Into a {feeling of pleasure, for no man coold ho more respetful in manner than he wu, so gnorded wu every look and gesture. Every attention ires paid to rehearsal, formy heibin! having once given his conw.nt ho was anxious that 11horrid succeed, and bis leisure hours were all directed to that pnrpou; nor wu his teaching vain, fer when the night arrived amd tho ordeal triomphautly. _ Joshed with excitement and pleasure I be lieved oil that wu told mo; my hnabaad’s qualified eompUmentsirritated mound I sought all the more eagerly tor th* congratulations of straag-re, no matter how insincere they might U. 1 need not say that my vanity wu forded to tho top of its bent and the seeds of ambition already germed in my heart were now burst- for my s spirit tho Boyal Grand wu present. Ho paid a visit to onr homo tho very next day, and to tho astonishment of both myself and husband oflbred me tho heroine of his now play. It seemed like o dream. Every pnlro iu my breast throbbed with Joy. My husband urged ray lack mf pjyttAial k nowlcdgo. Th is was fouud to bo ad accomplish* incut; the part was anuncouvention.il typo, re- qufring beauty and uuattalncd artirasnoas of manner, ind be thought that ho hn.l found inch rcqnisitea in mo and wished to engage tho wife as well u tho husband, why demur? Tho argument, backed by my ploadlug looks, wu unanswerable, and once more my husband consented, and onco more anothor blow wu struck on the heart of our domestic unity. As far u oor circlo was concerned In all this I atone saw thut tho undercurrent of our friend’s lniiuenco had been again at work. I was glad when wo returned to town and the rehenrsnls for tiro new picco at tho Royal Grand crmmonccd. J felt no fatlgne, for m; heart was in the work, and my rest! h oped fer tho opening night. At length It canto. I was dressed and ready early. My husband came to sco me In tbo green room oral pro- uounced my costnmo perfect. I was calm as qould bo, whllo ho wu ncrvoni. I saw others about mo restless nnd uneasy, yet thero wu I, a stranger to the nrt, wailing for tho cno u if the task (had undertaken wu a nightly occur- rencc. Old acton wondered at my composure, hat the secret was, I had made np my mind to ‘succeed and I know my looks would help mo through. When my cno came’tls true I felt a alight flutter aud a mist rose before my eye. as 1 saw tho crowds of shadowy faces. By tho end of the act my success wns certain. Every chaugo of roslumo brought fresh ap plause. 1 had not relied upon my looks In vain. Bnt my triumph was my husband 's fall- nre. Through his anxloty fer rue ho had missed the Are and spirit of hia own part. Tho picco over, laden with bonqnnts nnd compliments. I sought my (Iressing room, at tho door of which stood our friond. There was a strange light in hb soft brown eyes u ho sold: . , ' . "1 hare not failed, yon secain my portion of ‘ * You said, oui contract. Will you you know, yon would bo incrccd. Are you so?” yours? 'ly grateful If X Iglancedupat btoj WM somcthluglnmy M —d aa, pro— n raising kb hat u ho saw' jay husband _ pe tng In my looks must ha'vo satisfied him, for tiro light in hand and his eyes deepened as, pressing my (hen raising approaching. "Allow me most heartily to congratulate you; your success is certain.” Then taming to my husband ho uld in a changed tone: “I am com- _ joame the fashion. Tire papers prattled about my beauty and magnified my histrionic ability. I wu pictured, paragraphed and so besprinkled with flattery that my brain roolad with the Incense or *o much adulation. As I rose my hnsbsnd seemed to fade farther away, I wae nolongor jealous of his lovo fer our child, fer I lived in an atmosphere brighter aud rosier far than theirs. What was the lovoof their purohoartstotho smiling homage which nightly tnmmndod mo? That wu tha question tbit I uked myself in vanity bad brokon loou and I thought of my homo u a cage. Chafed and fretted by my petnlant end frlv- Iona manner,(at lut my husband'* hearth gave ay and a serious illness nixed him. For a time something of my old lovo return- I, but the light wu too weak to last, and It .on flickered out agalo, for tho spell of my HrUfltielllfewu too strong upon mo to care for oiick room. Tho restraint of a husband’s presence no longer claimed mo. I felt myself in a measure free. Mcanwhllo our friend, u If aware of my cbeagtd feelings at home, dropped hb visit* there, but tbe thoatro uw him every night. Ho woo always foremost among tho group waiting for mo u I poised to my room lad on with floral trophteo. Hb man as r had changed' ■toco say husband’s sbunoo from tho theatre; h* no longer syoks to mo from tho depth of those deep admjring eyes, wbbh had long told mo of his lovo withoot committing hlmoelf to one wrongly spoken word. He bad assumed a sort of right over mo, opened tbo door for me, gave ordere concerning me and acted generally so u to cause slgnlfi- taut looks to pom around aud I laughed—yes, aa I should havo laughed at— O, My God! bow short lighted, how blind b woman’s folly! 0 * 0 0 0 0 Tbo river-side once again I stand and gait, where tho shadows are deopcat by tho stone arch beneath which tho waters flow. How tho rlpplm sparkle and leap and atom to look berk at me ore they pass on thoir way, with a bughlng sound at my want of resolu tion to Join them. Not yeti No, not yet! My hnsband bad been very ill, hut tho doctor bad pronounced him out of danger and ho wu slowly recovering. Why should ono so lost to feelings u X, sham* to aay, I felt no Joy in the rows? Bucb wu the fact and now I write it. 1 dreaded hb nreseaco in tha theatre; hb looks of late had been so strange; the loving, trusting gaze wu gone. Ho bad ashed offer our friend and wondered why bo did not come to see him; answered ah- scatty, and It wu then for th* first time 1 no ticed tbo at ran ten ess In hb eyu u mine fell before the steadiness of watchfal glance. On* night, when be wu so far recovered as to walk about hb room, though forbidden uyet to leave It, be noticed a dbmond ring on my Anger which I had hitherto concealed, for I did not wish him to know of my preoenb since I had •eon hb distrustful looks, and so kept them from hb sight. “Wbstbthst?” he uked. "Which?" I said, u if unconscious of what ha meant. “Th*t ring?” he replied. “O, I forgot to tell yon,” I anawered, with a Took of feigned innocence. “It U ft present from—” 11Auied and then mentioned the name of our friend. He wo* silent for somo time, then asked: ' Why did ha not bring it and give it to jou my presence?” I was evasive in mgr answer. Again there was a pause. “Did be not come horno with you last night in you* cab?” ho questioned, with another of his strange looks. i started. He noticed my confusion, and hi* fsce turned a shade paler os he resumed, in ft stern tone: “Did be not?” “No!” I hastened to reply. He rote os if to ray something passionately, but sec rued to alter his mind, and, after ft hur ried pace or two over the carpet, eat down •gain, to all appearances overcome with pain. Something had taxed his strength toe mock, for bis eyee closed as if in sleep. I went to the table end wrote ft harried note, the purport of which was; “For God’s sake do not meet me tonight by tho stage door. I am suspected.” I then loft tho room to make ready for tho i theatre. Whon I returned ho whs still sitting in the samo posture. I looked cautiously over tho writing tablo to make certain I had not loft tho note in my agitation. I gave a startled cry, ss I saw the leaf whieh I had used in ttte blot ting vdd was gone. Turning, I found my hus band s eyes fixed upon me, and iu my coafitsion with u hasty “good night,” I hurried from the room, scarcely knowing, os I did so, whether tho look that followed mo was ono of wonder or of bolplcss wrath. At last the performance ended. Disrobing myself of my stage attlro. T dimmed nnd, with a trembling dread at my heart, loft the theatre. At the ntago door our frloud was waiting. Ho approached to speak. Waving him back, I hurried past him into tbo gloom, followed bv an uproar of blows and curses, among which I heard my husband’s voice. I stopped, irresolute for a moment, whon a hand was laid upon my arm and a woll known voico whispered In my car: “1 am here, ia spite of your caution, darling. And,hark! Fato is playing into our hands; your husband Is half-murdering his friond, under tho impression ho is yonr lover, whilst ’tis I who am tho favored man. Como, my carriago is at hand. Tho affair is only hastened, after all Come, qnick! His homo is no plsco for you after this.” upon me, till my braiu ol of Inool I eddying thoughts. But my momory will down. Years have passed, yet overy dsylts j hated greenness freshens more and more. Therein lies my sconrge. At the sound of tuy husband's voico I had stopped fora moment—bnt that moment show ed mo his figure like a risen spectre, with his S quint hand at the throat of oar friond, as I nvo hitherto called him. j 1 guessed in an instant the secret of the miss ing blotting paper; he had read the lines, my ready lie, too, ss the giver of the ring, together with the fact of finding tho fellow loitering for ruoat the stngo door, all led him to boliove that his friend was tho guilty one. His friendship was a snare! Ho hod sought our roof for one sot purpose; his schemes wore laid with all tho skill or an arch plottor. He closed the blinds of mv husband’s eyes, os it were; ho nover startled my suspicions, till the influcucoof his eyes had found a byway to my heart, and then he pleaded his cause with ar dent looks nnd broken sighs. He might havo been successful, too, but that another and bold er bidder for tho prixo had stepped in and, aided by circumstances, wrested me from him. ] With my new life 1 grew callous. Riches wero placed at my disposal by my new lord, who was a titled and elderly rone: thero vros no mockery of lovo in tho question whatevor, it wns simply a mutual transaction, a bartpr of jcutli for gold. • W’c hid onrsrhr* on tho sens nt ilr.it, I nine days' wonder of the wundal wiw _ tlitn we flitted from foreign capital to capitil. Months sped on and merged Into years. 1 saw through tho windows I knew so well a bowed fonn whoso head w'ns streaked with gray, patiently wailing till tho twil'gbt of JIfo’a day should melt Into night Her chair wan empty. Heft my room for my usual walk. _ reached a cottage dose by the path which led to tho river's bank, and glancing at it casually * * ** “ tno open-casement my h im watching by t O, God! shftwas ill, perhaps dying, and her mother, shut out by her aet beyond too world's palo, conld not see her; could not spenk to her! Could not nurso or even spesk to hr. O! now my punishment had come, indeed! Night after night 1 kept that lonely vigil! Through a torn corner, of tho blind I could see them both; how with almost womanly tou- dtrness ho watched and soothed her pain. When the was awake his smiling, hopeful lodes seemed to give my little ono fresh courage to battle with etch new attack, bnt when sho slept tho pained look in his sunken eyes and tho wornout expression told plainly enough wbat his brave heart was suffering. Then 1 thanked Providence for that love of which I had been jealous! _ O could I but see her and' clasp her to my breast, with her tiny arms twined about my neck Conld I but obtain, by any means, any* thing that had been hers, that 1 might keep as ft remembrance of hor, that I could press my lipo to! Or, if I could only see hor lips prosed fo th< so of mine! ov VI UJIUV. ■■=' f. Ah! Th* thought came Tike a welcome fliii. - It was too lato that night, but I was carl, at mj post tho next I had noticed a little bunch if flowers w Tho face that bad stolen to my room years „m*by and had peeped down lovingly upon mo wuo not three. 1 searched and fooud her, found her where tho earth was quiet and sad, and the flowers growing around, so sweetly pretty, were her only monument*. 1 left the piece with faltering etope. Tho stone about my heart was softened, and from that moment I felt what It was to bo enned with memory! * * * We were In London. It was In tho height or tho aoason, and the Writ End wu steeped In its usual round of Kcioty gaieties. Wo wore (o go to a thoatro ouo night, not that there wu anything singular in that, only th* theatre on that occulon was tho ono which I bad acted at and not aeon since I bad so sud denly deoerted It. Tho place had ebaogod hands. Wbat urged me to visit that particular thea tre on the evening In question, X could not ex plain, but whatevor tbo Impulse wu I fouud It imjwwrible to redst. Bo a hex wu taken for ux Tho characters changed before my eye*. Th* play wu tho one I had acted in. I seemed to •eo tbo reflection of myself going through my old part. I uw my husband'* anxious face; I boaid tho woloomo appianu; sow a shower of bouquets falling at ray foot, and thou 1 woke to And that 1 bad fainted. The carriago wu sent for. I recovered myself and never wu in gayer spirit*. I evinced gnat Interest in tbe play, till my partner, deceived by my moaner, forgot my sudden illness. The play wu ovre. Wo prepared to luvo, my companion wrap ping me up In fere, so carefully that scare* a breath of air conld reach me, and we duomdod tho etepa. I passed tbo loitering crowd into onr carriage. As I seated myself I lUtlesily •canned their envious face*. When on tho ont- sklrta of tho throng I uw, mlKrabiy clad and with ftaturu ut in haggard wretchedness, my hnsbsnd and onr child, and u tbe carriage whirled away for tbo second timo that night I lay u on* dead to all around! For a time, how long I know not, I wu an- der the influence of a dream. I uw Strang* faces seriously watching me; important looking men held whispered consultations, while day and night the spectre of a nurse, gliding about stealthily, haunted the room with her ghostly presence! . One day I ebook oflT tbo terror of. that dream and looked about uc. Tho nuree wu still there. But I conld see, by the film light that stole Into the room, tbe sru no ghost. I spoke, and y voice sounded, O! so strangely to my oara She placed her flngen on my lips, and i knew the action wu meant to Imply siionco. But why? And time important looking men again ..hitpered, u a»u*J, oven u thoy had dono io my dream, but thia tiino leaving mo with ap- iTtvlvg nods. I wu bewildered. What conld it all moan? At lut came the truth. I had paaeod through a terrible illness safely, so fer, bat even then great care wu needed. Day by day I gained strength. Tha lint day I wu allowed to leave my bed I notice? with a Strang* pulsation at my heart that my room contained no minor of any kind! The nnrto sew my look; her oyee droopei before my etortlcd gage. I pressed my hinds upon my swollen face and knew that my bcaaty wzsgone! I toon found means to prove my lastinctwu right, though I little dreamed that elckneu could so fcarfuUy have changed me. The glee, reflected no features of mine and I did not withering on tho table close by hor pillow, I procured more and arranged tliam with my own bands. I knew his timo for coming tothe window fora breath of air. I approached It, laid my tribute liuttly on tho sill and shrank away to watch. Tho coKmcUt opened, I uw tho lnuk of plcaKd re it rise; how my hurt fluttered as I heard the dear old tonos say; “A preunt from somo of tor little neighbors.'' To my joy, tho withered flowers were thrown •way, and u tho window cloeed, 1 gathered them up with more care than If they lufi Itoon spiny! of gold! Oh! what n thrill shot through me M I watched tho effect of tho new bunch; Sly dar ling wu kissing them, and her eye* wero It with a plcaeed glow, whilst ho hxikod smiling tenderness. The eontaniiuatitm of my touch conld not Ulpt the parity of thoao little God-gifts to tho urtb. No; tho freshens of their beauty pleased hor, I uw her cuross them, end thanked heaven that neither of them knew the water glistening upon them wu iytears! My neat visit wu mode with a lighter hurt thin I had known for many a day, hnt tho sight of tho place, u I neared it, causod mo to . start. What it wu I could not tell. But T turned only too soon! I looked, and thero was roy little one, with her bauds clasped over hor bn art—her fonn was molionlcM. for her young life lind fmied away, leaving oi’dy u calm and holy imtlo frozen to her lips. • 0 0 * 0 • "So yon rce, Mrs. Cramp, thst's how tint wciiitin served mo,'' raid Mrs. Buek, us she con- eluded 0 long recital of niistnken frioudzilip, "Bnt don't you think,” aaid Mrs. Back, "tlmt my lodger ought to want something hr this time? I’m not curious, but it do look strange.” "well,” sntrwcrcd Mrs Crump, “I’m ono ao don’t want tomaku bad worse, but I'm sure It sln’tail right. 'J here’s something wrong, and I esu bo no’elp to you, Mrs. Buck, till I sou ’ :eof a man as you lea at tho ’Arch ■■rara „ _ U to-— That’s him; andaln’t he in a burry, now ho has rung?’’ “Barely, ho couldn't havo rung before whilst we wu a talking, and wo haven't hcortl him?” And as she spoke Mrs. Back one* more gasped her way np stairs. "Oh!” uld the lodger, u aho entered tha room, "yon were about to toll me something of tho iedy who formerly lodgod with you, who—" "Disappeared mysterious?” "Yes," replied the lodger; “rray, what were tho circumstances?” ’ boeaE Ml lly over spoke a tho did speak * voice was that soft and fow, ilk* u If she 1 her "Well, you see, sir,” began Mrs. Bock, "»b# lived all to hoiself, and hardly over spoke a word to any ono. But whoa oho did n>uk her voice was that toft and tow, ilka u if she had been used to people u wu always ill.” "She lived by painting the awutest little pic- tares, and when not at workeho wu road, log. So quiet, too, oho was. wo nover knew when she wu In or out, which didn't so muck Into my month through thinking her a ghost.” Mrs. Buck paused for breath. “Well, sir,” she continued, having rested her tongue for a moment, “one night aho came In uwMtoulfahohad really seen a ghost her- piaos accordingly. Withoot a word of my in tention 1 arrayed royutf in my ptalqost drew and couciou of my loot dignity guilt and ahaue. ” I bond my preoent lodging, and wbat had boon my pauion in early life now bosom* my mease of livelihood, my tkillln relating, •elf, and no ouo could toll what had b air, for whatever hor troubles wu the kepi ’em to herself—not that I over wanted to know —oh,dear, no! fer bo It from mo—balmy bosom friend, sir, u wu then, wu the curios- est woman oat for wanting to know other poo- ple'a attain. "So sir, u I wu uyiag, after the ahock, whatever may have bun tho cause, ebo norox wu the somo ogoin. Bho wandered about more thin she hadevor done. Hor work war neglected, and I almost dropped ono morning, being the first time for two (lays 1 bait seen her, whon I uw her hair had gone white as •now. Whatever tho trouble wuithad dona its work.” "I bad been out for the dav, sir, and got bom* later than I expected. The servant said she wu glad I’d corno, for she wu oore there wu something wrong with oor lodger, fer aha tad rushed out of the place like a mad woman. .Vhflo we were wondering about it who should come but the men from tho Humana Society. "I its. upset yon may be rare, for i gueesed whst hsd happened. The men add ther knew her by her watching tbe water so much about the bridge. They bed aeon her Jut before they heard tho splash, bnt ebo wu dud when they recovered hor body.” "And aho wu batted In n pauper’s grave, I suppose?” uked tho ledger, u n shiver paosel over his frame. “No, indeed, eir,” replied Mre. Back, with a touch of dignity in her ton*. “Yon mistake* me and my nature if yon think so. We brought her here, give hot u decoat a burial u wo could offonCond a tad thing It was, air, for mo end Mm Crump to ho the only onu to toiler her to tho grave.” Thero was* paure. Tho lodgor rooo au<l walked to tho window. Suddenly ho uked: "Where is ib# buried7’ Id tho chnreh-ynid eteu by. *«*. *h* »»• zwer, “nnd if yon would like to see It you will know it by having no bead-otoMto It, but only some flowers on it which I had planted those myself.” To Uw ootoeikhment of Mm Duck the lodge* clasped both her hands In hia u be exclaimed, "God bleu yon, foryoorkindneuto her! Mho area my wife!” aud the poor fellow sank sobbing by tho isndiady’s side. That evening in tho dim twilight a solitary figure stood by the solo ofan obocuro grave, watching with tearPil eye* the spot where loy all that remained of the wife he had loved w well snd fondly.

Georgia Historic Newspapers

The Atlanta constitution. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, February 01, 1887, Image 1