The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1870-05-04

We were, .QQ .tqQBeF knRR sINpu lHifos pu$
sepayated for all time. It was las ithis
ssR sSe K a1s aoa
ssaos ths,;osideSts eSe %SiSS took pace 4ia New New
York. At first,, T Intended TO Speak, and
explain ALL really did, Juliet-but I
loved you SO devotedly, could NOS give
.u up-tho> temptation was too great
for me. Nor do not think T intended
any debasement to the idol of my idola-
try. You were ever to me hallowed
shrine, on which was poured the hottest
and. the purest incense of my life. In
the sight of heaven, there would have
been no sin, for unto you only would I
cling with my latest breath, and as for
the world, though Gretchen might have
been considered my legal wife, on only
would be 80 in reality, and the world
would never know. I could not speak.
I was borne on by the irresistible cur
rent of events. Gould I dash this cup of
Joy from my lips, when it seemed held
there by the hand OF fate? It was this
mental struggle which influenced my
conduct in Ashburn. But at last, I ceased
to struggle. julie should be my own
my treasured wife. Alasi I was bnffied
outright. Koepig was in New York.
After we left, he heard of our intended
marriage and followed me to the univer-
sity. He is etrict tLutheran-has studied
theology and adj that, aud positively re-
fused to allow the marriage, unless con
fessed the real state of things to you. I
knew your principles, and tbatyo would
never marry me, SO long as Gretchen
hved-so the revelation was never made.
How often since have wished that had
told you everything then! My story is
done. T have told you oil, with perfect
integrity-an undisguised statement Of
facts. Try to place yourself. for q mo-
ment, in my position, and I think you
will judge me more leniently than you
have seemed disposed to do tonight.
All that remains for me now, ere I say
farewell, is to beg you to forgive me for
all the sorrow you have suffered on my
account. Ever since you first knew me,
IL happy.hearted girl, have been the
dark shadow which has saddened your
life. I-who would willingly die for
you-have lived only to cause you un-
happiness. Do you forgive me?"
II do not blame you atall, now, Karl, {"
said the weeping Juliet; ''if there is any
thing to forgive, do 30 freely and en-
tirely."
.'rhank you. And now goodbye.
Julie goodbye for all time, but you
know our plighted VOWS were for eter-
nifty. and none shall divide us there!"
He canght her hand, pressing it pas
it. it was wet with tears. At that mo-
Theodore appeared on the threshold.
Juliet barely glanced at him, then, utter
ing q wild shrek, rushed toward him.
"Villainl' exclaimed Theodore, with
set teeth. He Ieveled the pistol and took
aim, and in a moment more Karl would
have been in eternity; but quick ms
thought, with the agility of tiger, he
sprapg across the room, grasping Theo-
dore's hand and trying to wrench the
pistol from his grasp. This he conld not
do successfully, with his broken arm still
lame, and in the terrible scuffle which
ensned, the pistol went off, lodging. not
i'll the wall, as Karl hoped, but in Theo-
dore's body. He tried to speak. gasped
and then fell heavily to the floor.
"Oh, Karll what has happened?" cried
Juliet, frantically wringing her hands. sis
Theodore wounded-oh. have you killed
him, Karl! Is he dead2"
II hope not-I trust not-God grant
be may not be, said Karl, kneeling in
despair over the PROSTATE form. "If I
have killed you, Thed.-if I have killed
you, my friend. my brother-then indeed
is my wretohedness oomplete-then in
deed am I the most miserable, the most
unfortunate wretch on the face of Gods
eurth!'
He began tearing the clothes away, to
find the wounded part. Juliet heard u
foot-step on the front piazza. It was Mr.
Clay burn. He looked in astonishment
at the PROSTATE form, the kneeling figure
on the floor. A few words only, suifced
to enable him to comprehend the situa-
ton.
"This is horrible!'' said Mr.. Clayburn,
''horrible! horribleij What fatality is
there about you. Juliet, that some dread
fnl catastrophe always happens in con-
nection with your wedding day? Why
can you not be married quietly, like
other women, without collisions and
bloodshed?-a death, perhaps" he
mnttered, gazing sadly on the corpse
like face.
He was bleeding dreadfully," sail
Karl, still on the floor over the body, and
pointing to the CORY mass on the carpet
''but I've stopped it now. have put n
ligature over the wound. For God sake
take care of him until go for the doc