Litchfield enquirer., 1875-05-06

on your part to arrest such a proceeding. there is sufficient upon hers. The first moment of your married life would be her last. Hester has one of those strong na- lures that snap when the tension is too severe."z rf n5! in9t Lna iiel gad usa s1 don't understand yousss said, Seaton.
 'I must believe you. " I cried, driven to desperation; '10ut it is almost beyond credence that you should be unconscious that the poor girl within there has con. ceived fatal infatuation for you. "Hesteri'' cried Seaton, with an indefn. able intonation of amazement, of den1al of unbelief. ,-s ..-.., ~..+ . elf you were not the coldest egotist the world ever saw" l said, you'd have seen it long ago."
 A flame shot into Seaton's eye. ''The mere possibility of your marriage was like 8 cannon-ball to her." contin ued; ''and she was only galvanized bach to life by one exceedingly strong feeling you have for Hester vivid reflection O your only absorbing passion-a love fo yourself!''
 Enough, Morgan, 5 cried Seaton. an grily confronting me. "Td like to bt alone, if you please. ..-...
 Three hours later had finished my round of calls, and Seaton met me at the | door. His face looked new to me, some how, with peculiar warmth and feeling the hand he held out to me was eager and trembling.
 ''She is awake" he said, as if there was but one woman in the world, "but alarm ingly weak; her pulse is very low. feal for the result, Morgan. What would you do? Tell me, in the name of Heaven Do you think as strong tonic as love would be good for her, or would such { | revelation kill her outrlght?" et l went in to the couch where Hester lay. She scarcely noticed my approach but trembled perceptibly at the step O Seaton. A long sigh escaped her lips; |. relaxation of every muscle was visible; al | alarming languor had followed her sleep l stood for moment irresolute, ther motioned to the tall dark figure of Sea | ton.
 "Tell her" I said; Git may save her And may God bless you, Seaton, for you, promptness! A little dallying, and al | would have been lost. "..- 5i.. went out softly and reverently. The fact was, was fond of the child myself Presently Seaton came out to me again. ''Go to her, Morgan, The said, in a voice husky with emotion. ''It appears yor are to be the arbiter of our fate.' The poor child stretched out her hands to me from the couch.
 "What shall do?" she faltered.
 Marry him, Hetty," said promptly ''for all our sakes. Hasn't he said tha he can't do without you?" s'But-the other one?" she whispered ssTut child. he refrses to think of ha without you, and it is against the law tt l have two wives
 'He tells me am necessary to him, she said, faintly-''that life would b, worthless to him without me. How can believe that?"
 Because he has told you, Hetty. Ca1 you die for h1m and not believe him?" Hetty sank back upon her pillow, ani lifted my hands to her lips. ...
 "I can't understand it." she said.
 "Don't try, Hetty," replied. ''Cal | we understand always the highest or thu best? Accept it, child; that is all that i | needful."
 Then I left the room without" anothe word. And as said before, Hetty was a Mrs. Brabazon's kettle drum the othe night, the sweetest and brightest blossom there.
 ''To think" sad Seaton to me, in SUI preme exultation, ''that Hetty is mine now once for all, for better, for worse;fo richer, for poorer; in sickness and il health Those lines in the marriage serv ice are beautiful to me, Morgan"
 Naturally, growled. but was glad tt remember that, however it came about HettY had scrambled into happiness.