The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1875-06-04

even tnough you destroy my hopes
forever. Speak, for an unspoken
hope tells me who you are"
ut is a long story and the hour
late" V6e
Without needing her reply, he
gently took her hand and led her to
a seat. A sweet smile fitted across
Marianne de Camargo's face as she
noted the look Of eager inquiry that
lent new fire to Clarion's eyes. a
"You know that am Marianne de
Camargo, the widow of the Marquis
de Camargo."
eyes, but what more?" the words
were spoken breathlessly, his brow
and lips set as he bent toward her.
II am coming to it, f" she said slow
ly. As she spoke the crimson tide
flooded her face and neck, and then
retreated, leaving her as white as the
marble Venus against which she lean
ed. Turning from him she continued:
"My father was merchant in Ly-
ons. Through mislortunes he lost
his wealth, and when l was about
sixteen years of age we removed to
Paris.
But the tide Of fate was against
him. For two years he strove with
a willing heart, but endless failures
crushed the life from him and he
died, leaving to my care an invalid
mother. Being almost penniless, we
were unable to return to Lyons,
where we had friends, and too proud
to make known our distress, / en-
deavored to obtain work, but having
no influence, could not succeed.
81 saw that my mother was dying,
dying for want of actual necessities.
One night after q day Of keen priva-
ton, | determined to solicit aims,
and making some excuse / hurried
out. 1t was almost dark and pierc-
ingly cold and stormy, I drew my
vail close around me. At first ]
shrank from observation, and family
whispered my request One by one
the people passed me by, but the
thought Of my suffering mother urg-
ed me on. l hastened to address q
J stranger saw approaching. As
did SO my arm was rudely grasped by
one of the night guards. Trembling
with fear | leared toward the stran,
ger, who kindly drew my arm within
his own, and led me away. To be
brief, he gave me alms-gold. 1t
seemed to burn me as it touched my
hand, and yet l felt it to be tails
man. His words fell like a sweet
balm"
As she spoke, Diderot bent over
her the great love that was in him,
trembled for utterance; his dark eyes
burning into hers as though seeking
n response. Without appearing to
observe him, she continued:
''In a moment more, l was hurry
ing down the dark street, the proof
of the strangers kindness clasped
tight in my hand. He had disap-
peared, but his name was known to
me. On reaching home found one
application had been answered.-a
position in large store had been Of
fered me, with an advance of salary
which I accepted, and the gold coin
given / treasured
/ had been with my employer but a
month, when the Marquis de Camar-
go met me, He heard my story from
others, become interested, and finally
offered the protect N Of father to-
gether, with his proud name. He
was an old man and honorable For
the sake of my feeble mother / ac-
cepted, and but brief space of time
elapsed ere she died, blessing me
with her latest breath. Her death
was soon followed by that Of the
Marquis, and / was, although rich in
worldly wealth, nevertheless alone in
the world" gs
"And the stranger you speak of,
did you never see him after that one
night?" inquired Clairon huskily.
Eyes, one evening prior to my mar
riage, as | was returning from the
store, 1 met him. Unseen | followed,
but approaching too near, he saw me
and fed"
II remember" he replied eagerly
and since your marriage have you
never thought of him?"
"Since my marriage" she reitera-
ted thoughtfully, Il have in gratitude
watched over him, and through the
influence my position could com
mand have endeayored to further his
success. " -.
"Grati'udel only gratitudel So
fades nay dream" murmured the
anxious listener, a cold smile curled
his lips, and the throbbing Of his
heart was almosJ audible. The bright
light had faded in his eyes, his white
lips quivered painfully, and as he
strove to rise his strong frame shook
with emotion, and his words Of fare
well we're inaudible. As Diderot was
about TO leave the room, he heard his
name softly spoken.
HClaironl" There was a wealth Of
meaning in the one word
Turning quickly, he beheld her
standing with her arms extended,
her fearful eyes riveted upon him, as
though yeaIning to speak that which
trembl-d upon his lips.
"Claironl Clairon'
He stood motionless, his whole be-
ing flooded with Joy. That she loved
him he could no longer doubt; this
the quick rise and fail Of her bosom
and the soft light in her half veiled
eyes proclaimed. All pride was for.
gotten in the thought that he was
leaving her,
Marianne, speak" he murmured.
''Dare I believe that you love me?"
His whole soul seemed 10 hang upon
her answer.
II love you, she whispered "and
have loved you all these years" The