Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1872-06-14


while. She married him that she nigh
be near him in those last, sad moments
She travelled with him-wstched beside
his bed-gave him her last hopeless kisl
land closed the eyes that had nevel
locked unkindly on her; then camt
back from his lonely grave, colder
harder and prouder than ever. Ambi
tion led her to extend her triumphs, and
bidding her parents long and sad fare
well, she sailed for Europe. There, fol
a time, those who had sought her were
at fault-her name was never mentioned
But when, after short delay, she burst
upon the enraptured eyes of eager au
diences, once more rendered perfect
in her role by that short period Of utter
seelusion and arduous study, they fell
and said that she was lost to America
forever.
With such plauiits ringing in her ears
with princes and lords at her feet in
place Of plain civilians, could they ex
pect her to return to a land that had
only painful memories for her2
There were two more graves beside
Robbie's and new family lived in the
little cottage which had been the early
home Of the brilliant actress. Young
children played upon the grass beside
the door, and a sweet-faced woman rose
from her work and gazed out at them
with a pleasant smile. But landeau
drawn by two beautiful milk-white horses
had halted noiselessly beyond the house,
and lady, closely veiled leaned over
the gate and looked mournfully at the
familiar scene. She walked up the little
gravel path, and acknowledged the cour.
tesy of the mistress of the house by a
graceful bow. f ttf.
| am weary" she said, in musical
voice; will you allow me to rest here a
few moments before | resume my jour
nes2, z aDlIl,. I0.
and the young wife led her guest into
the little parlor from which no article of
its early furniture had been removed.
The lady threw up her vail and gasped
for breath as she crossed the threshold
of the room. Her hostess sprang to her
side and assisted her to the sofa, while
the children shrank back from the death
like face turned toward them. The lady
stretched out pale, emaciated hand
glittering with costly jewels, and beck
oned the little girl toward her.
What is your name, pet2' she
asked, parting the curls from her pure,
sweet face
"Lorena Vance RutIedge,' was the
timld reply.
she was named alter an old school
-
mate OF nine, said the mother, who
has since become rich and famous.
And your Manner said the lady
quietly, while a flush went and came
over her pale face.
May barton-now May Rutledge.
And mine is Lorena Vance May,
was the low reply.
hank, fame, fortune, and the silence
ana 'estrahgement OF years were all for
gotten, as the TWO friends wept IN each
other arms.
And my motherY said the actress
at last, dashing the tears from her eyes.
low reply.
Tears forced their way through the
thin hngers that would have hidden
them.
Leave me, May she murmured; and
the young wife took her children and
went into the next room.
y 10 see that the beautiful horses OF her
guest and the taciturn servant in livery
were duly cared tor, and to provide all
things IN the little south chamber
which had been Lorena,s home IN her
girlhood, were her next duties; then, at
ter tempting tea-table was made ready
and decked with fruits and flowers, she
sat down to tell her husband of the
strange meeting with her early play
mate. The purple shadows of the twi.
light grew longer and deeper, and still
all was silent as death itself in the little
parlor The mighty hand OF the past
had humbled that proud spirit to the
very dust. The children, grown weary
OF waiting, began to cry for their supper
and their bed. t.t
Hush, Rena, said her father soft
ly, hush and see what am going to
do.
The child held her breath in delight
as his clasped and uphfted finger threw
the shadow of kitten upon the wall.
At that moment Lorena stood among
them. The scene called up too forcibiy
short turned verv male and swayed 10
and fro like reed.