Middletown transcript., 1875-12-18
and bending closer to him she whisper
ed: II would dien

through the agony, all, all-if it W
different perhaps you would die. b
death does not come when most w
coined; therefore, you would live al
suffer. Oh! Clara, love me less r
added with heart-rending eroan.
For sometime she lay quietly in b
arms. the white lids closed the bl,
orbcs from sight and the long LASH
rested on the cheek Bending over b.
be whispered her name. Opening b.
eyes instantly. she exclaimed rs
true =? is it true?''
"Clara! Clara it is too true th
moment he uttered these words, word
that all the passion Of bis ardent sou
revealed; although they were word
that was to separate them, be still love
her with all the ardor Of that soul. Sh
slipped from his clasp in white hea
on the floor before him. Kneeling be
side her with clasped hands, be cried
20, my God have killed the wifi
Of my heart and soul ?"
"No." she whispered family, at th,
same time. rising to her feet. s.Is thi,
what you have had to tell me? Do 20,
mean what you say?"
"Clara. l have not told you half
when l do. you will spurn me as every.
one else does" Hc turned his face
away to hide the emotion that passed
over it.
why would spuru you? Are you
deceiving me? Do you love smother ?
or, perhaps worse. worse" she whis-
pered hoarscly. leaning against the
woodbine-covered trellis work Of the
srbor, unable to say more.
Putting forth bis hand, as if to ward
off a blow, be said, +" No, Clara, not
worse, not worse. l never sinned
agaist woman. Thank God. I remem-
bered my sainted mother was one. /
have vronged you BY gaining the love
I was forbidden. Some day. when you
know all. perhaps you riU forgive me.
cannot tell you more tonight, as it is
late. Meet me two nights hence, and
you shall know all cannot say good
bye as I have done before. All can
'av is goodnight. Remember me in
your prayers ; be patient, bear with me
little longer" then covering his face
With bis hands. he bowed bis head.
Clara did not move. Placing be,
land on his head. she said in q firm
'oice, "Mort, it matters not what your
in has been. | forgive you. You have
'ot wronged me in loving. and teach
ng me to love you. For three short
months you have made me SO happy
hat earth has seemed like heaven. You
ave thrown sunshine over part of
ny life that time cannot efface Good
light! may God preserve you from all
vii hereaft.r," then she was gone.
A calm rested on his soul, sweeter
ne be had never known. Let come
hat may. be knew she would always
rust him.
When Dare reached his rooms, be
'und Harry Percy with letter await
'g him Without passing salutatious.
larry said, Mort. you cannot see
lara again. Wait! let me explain.
be detectives are on you. 1t is not
lfe to remain here twenty-four hours
niger. The letter will. no doubt. con-
rm my words. I was in Washington
'-day. and heard what have just told
ou Tonight accidently heard part
your conversation with Clara | can
lily sympathize with you. old fellow.
r l am an engaged man, although un-
nown to Clara and Mr.. Mousley. You
ave time to write her letter; do so,
ID I will deliver it." So saying, he
# the room.
1t was past midnight before Dare
mpleted the letter. Doing so. be
aled and gave it to Harry, then
ey left the house.
Goodbye" said Dare. taking Har- {
3 hand for the irst time as a friend. ,
II will see you part of the way, !
ort."
I" No, Harry; you probably would j
danger YOURSELF" be replied, and rode I
'ay. a
That morning. Clara was sitting in J
g bower endeavoring to read, but her
oughts went back to the night before.
len che parted with Dare. She could s
think Of him leaving her: a hope q
IS still cherished that he would stay. I
,r golden head was bowed upon her t
nds, in a deep study; SO deep that b
. did not hear approaching footsteps r
the gravel walk. nor see the tall. s.
nly form Of Harry Percy standing t
fore her. G
"Clara! Clara! may speak with Ii
aw When be spoke, she slowly v
sed the bowed head, and without
king up she replied. wearily with tc
b. suppose So" @ e,
: Poor little Clara" said Harry, d.
cling his hand on her head.
Z Harry. why do you call me that? ? te