Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1873-04-18
the office, found upon my table let
ter from Mrs Grar

tHe once, found upon my table q let
ter from Mrs. Gray.
"Annie is very ILL., she wrote 'and
has asked to see you"
The next boat bore me to Clover
nook, when I found the little village
white with snow and death-like in its
Winter quiet. The shady avenue, the
walks recalling our old Summer life
were stripped of their dark green
drapery, ssand the windows of the cot
| tage all closed. Hector, the house
| dog, barked my first welcome, and
then Mrs. Gray came out to meet me.
Her face was very pale, and her eyes
| filled with tears, when she took nv
hand and whispered 81 am so glad that
you came"
followed her into the parlor, where
she led me, and there found my
Arbutus lying crushed and blighted.
Mrs. Gray shut the door and left us,
81 hardly know how to speak to
you, Mr.. Arnold" she said, ssI must
know the truth of him.
[ well knew to whom the Chin re-
ferred, SO I could only hold the small
fair hand within my own, and listen
to tremulous and scarcely audible
words.
Last summer, with my mothers
consent, we became engaged, and after
he left us his letters came regularly
till three months ago. Since that l
have written and hoped and waited.
Then cruel rumOr was whispered,
which he failed to contradict. In fact,
more than fourteen weeks have passed
since his last letter was brought to me.
My mother did not consent readily
TO this engagement, because he said
that for the first half year it was neces-
sary to withhold it from his fnmily.
But she yielded to persuasions be-
cause loved him..
did he ever tell you of his affairs.
Annie?'
I felt that the whole truth was re-
quired now, yet L was scarcely brave
enough to disclose it. God forgive
him ? I said, half aloud, and she
caught the words.
Tell me all-tell me at once, Mr..
Arnold"
/ hardly know how / accomplished
her request, but 1 felt her hand tight
ened convulsively, and heard her low
moan. when in broken words 1 told her
that the night before he had married
the richest heiress III New York.
No complaint escaped her, no re
proach for his broken faith, bnt as she
lay white and gllastly, 1 saw the great
tears roll i'll silent agony from the
closed eyes, and then / realized that
no word Of comfort could be spoken.
for felt that this man S perfidy offered
10 eXtenuating circumstance.
A faint sob startled me, / saw the
crimson stain upon her handkerchief.
ma [ knew that the struggle would b.
Il short duration.
''Take these to him" she said. as
she gave mo his letters aud her ring
Give them all back, and say that /
an not angry, but the pain is here,
and she pressed her heart. Then |
kissed the pure pale throw of the girl
and left her.
Good morning, Frauk Why were
you not with me last Wednesday ?'
Because yOur own affairs occupied
my own attention. And Harry, for the
reason, that we have been constant
friends, must speak frankly now
He drew his chair next my own, and
l handed him the parcel.
II will not spare myself, Arnold,
for [ cannot offer single excuse.
When we first went to the cottage, l
but fate seemed to Will differently, and
you may recall the music of the first
night. Well, she was too exquisitely
beautiful to remain unnoticed, and be-
fore [ realized the truth, | felt that [
loved her, and God help me, [ love
her nowi ] have never cared for the
woman I have married, and when !
placed this little ring on Annie GrayS
finger really believed that 1 would
make her my wife. But, l had time to
reason with myself, Arnold, and with
an insufficient income and a long list
of debts, 1 could not allow the AlcOtt
fortune to pass uncared for. Her let
ters changed me, but L had deter
mined to be strong, therefore refused
to open them.
Ibid you also cease to write -
81 did, Frank for prudence dicta-
ted but one role
He was under the shelter of my roof.
therefore l tried to be calm; but
could not listen TO another word from
him, for | thought of her, as / had
last seen hex CHASTITY and pale, with her
life's blood staining her pillow.
I rose from my chair, for i felt that
the interview must end, and quickly
replied You are unworthy of your
Col. Huntington, Tor you
have broken her heart.
The old fire flashed from his eyes as
he walked away, and l have never
spoken to him since.
They laid her to rest when the
Spring came, just where the river
bends by the Summer willows.
And he dashes by me in the park.
recklessly driving his splendid
thoroughbreds with his manufactured
wife beside him.
There is Il worn wan look upon the
handsome face, far amendable to 10
laws, freed from the worlds indict-
ment, he Will yet stand i'll that high
Court from which there is no appeal,
and he will be held accountable for the
life he so selfshly sacrificed
Justice in the south.
The Cincinnati Enquirer's special
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