Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1864-11-30

winch sue knew nothing. .Aslley's ac-
qualnianceS had long ago decided that if
he was not mad, he was ot least eocenfrio
enough to make his society undesirable.
and had fallen off one by one, leaving him
none but professional circle. lie had
the reputation Of being skillful, and his
practice was large one his spare hours
were devoted TO his home, which was his
heaven,
Two more years passed, years OF the
most perfec. happiness. Mary differed in
nothing row from other women, save for
that blank existence OF more than twenty
years Ier memory of that time neye:
returned. She lived entirely within doors :;
Ashley had cne evening taken her fora
walk, and the unaccustomed sights and
sounds Of the streets had terrified her 50
much that he never repeated the expert
ment.
AT times longing to introduce his wife
to his old friends aud relatives in England
was very strong, out Tie difficulties of ex-
PLANTATION, or Of deceit, which it would in
yolve, combined ~ith her extreme aver
sion to the project, always prevailed, and
the idea was dismissed az the thing was
impossible.
Six years had passed since the evcntful
night when Mary had been brought as
dead to Astley's door, when walking one
day he met an old friend whom he had
not seen since his departure from Eng
land. The recognition was mutual, and
Ashley insisted upon his friend returning
with him to dinner, The invitation was
cordially given and willingly accepted,
and thinking 10 surprise Mr.. Holt by his
wife's loycliness, he said nothing of his
being mrried, picturing TO himself what
his astonishment would be when he saw
her.
Though he had anticipated some eYi-
dence of surprise, he was quito unprepar-
ed for the excess Of emotion di displayed by
Mr.. Holt upon his introduction 10 Mrs.
Ashley. The color left hi. face for mo-
ment, and then returning violently, dyed
it crimson, and the words of acknowledge.
ligibiy. Resc'o5EHsPlRgAlgn 8Ib6RpIQ2st.gniptel-
strong effort, he offered his arm to lead
Mrs. Ashley TO dinner, but she declined it,
laying her hand upon her hus bands. Du-
ring the whole time OF dinner Mr.. Holt
scarcely moved his eyes from Mary's face,
who did not seem at all disturbed by his
intense gaze, and took no notice Of her
guest beyond what hospitality demanded
Aslley's Supicions were excited long be-
fore the meal was ended, and his heart
took jealous leap as he thought ii posi-
ble that his friend was falling in love with
his beautiful wife. He cursed the impulse
that induced him to bring Holt home With
him, and busily invented excuses for rid
ding himself of his guest as soon as posi-
bic. a
GEolt's agitation increased TO positive i'll
ness before long, and rising, he asked Asst
ley to accompany him to another room.
lie was scarcely able to walk, and Ashley
took him by The arm and asked if he were
i'll.
"Ill" he groaned. II wish l was
dead w
lie sat down and covered his face with
his hands.
you'll think me fool Ashley, but the
Likeness Of your wife TO mine has over
come me-"
Are you married, then 2" said Ashley.
81 did not know
81 was married eight years ago. mar
rie,l an English girl with your wifo's hair
and eye's her height, too, and with her
sweet voice. [ brought her over here di-
rectly after our marriage and we lived the
happicst life in tie world for two years
and then she diei."
hSllSy was slltUl. iio Soui' N"
no words Of consolation that would not
be a mockery to man who bad lost such
a wife as Mary.
"Ded," Holt continued, after a pause,
"whllc was away from her. had gone
a three days journey, leaving her in per-
feet health, and returned TO find that
she had died suddenly Immediately al
ter my departure, and was already bur
led"
"How long ago ~ asked Ashley, hoorse-
ly. A horrible light was breaking in
upon him.
"Six years, left Lima the following
day. never even visited her grave, but
returned to England a: once and now,
after these years find your vile so like
her in ever feature and every look, that my
old wound is torn open afresh, and the
intole rable anguish has made me cry ouI
in this way
Astley started nm and laid his hand up