Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1878-08-22
VICl'OR:
The story or u II Ad Lover.

VICTOR:
The story Of u Mad Lover.
Do people often wonder at their own
hAppiness2 Certainly was wondecinga at
mine as sat alone in my pretty drawing
room, resting back in my chair, allowing
nv Berlin work to fall UNDECIDED on my
lap, while my eyes wandered here and
there, survey ing with fond pride my pos
sessions. "
Many of the LECTURES on the walls, the
bionzes on the mantel, the clock, chair
here and there, had been bridal presents;
nd.as,only one short year had passed.
since I came to my kingdom, l had no
time to weary.
a year ago. and had then thought
myself happy girl. I had yet to learn
the full happiness which comes to every
loved and loving wife; but had especia!
cause. for gratitude in fact which might
present pam. T.,
Before / met Will, my husband, had
been engaged to young man by very
fen; years my senior, when one discover
I'd his father and grandfather before him
had died innat ties of a )unatic asylum.
My parents II medlately broke off the
engagement, and was too sensible not
to bow to their decree. For. a time I
was very miserable but soon after / met
will, and learned that into his keeping
had passed the one true love of my life,
and he held it SO tenuerly, 50 sacrcdiy,
that soon there was not even 4 scar to
mark the cd wound.
But the tears came freely to my eyes,
nor did VIII reproach me with them,
when, some six months after my marriage,
l Learned. in the full flush Of my happiness
that Victor Struthers sad fate had over
taken him, and that he, too, had followed
in the steps Of those gone before; that
never again the light Of reason would
shine within his eyes, or the words Of love
he so we'll knew how to utter fall from
his lips.
These thoughts slowly came back to-
night as sat alone first evening
had spent alone since my marriage; but
Will had been called away by important
business, and would not be back until
late. perhaps not until tomorrow.
Once more the tears came within my
eyes,as contrasted my lot with Victor's,
or shuddered at the fate which would
have been mine had foil WED my first
mad impulse to be his at any cost.
Yet, had not the loss Of the girl he
loved fastened his doom? The physi-
clans said not; but their verdict would
not satisfy my nervous dread. sighed
a long tremulous sigh at this latter
thought.
And surely-was it imagination?-
somewhere within the room the sigh was
re-echOed.
We had in the month of roses two long
French windows, draped with blue satin
and lace, opened on vernada, which, as
the evening was cool, were closed and
fastened; but as glanced rcund, with a
strange misgiving at my heart, saw the
folds of one trernble.
The window must then be open: yet l
felt no air.
With this thought ] arose from my
seat, stepping forward to ascertain the
cause, but had barely taken a single step
when stopped, MY blood frozen, unable
to make another movement, or even part
my lips to cam for help.
On the blue surface was man s white
hand-no ruftian's hand, but white and
handsome.
A ring cleaned on one Of the fingers,
and on its lustre my eyes rested, fasci-
mated as the dove by the serpent. Where
had seen that ring before? Somewhere,
surely, though where my tortured mind
could not reason.
Then snmmoning all my strength and
courage, with desperate effort I turned to
leave the room. Once put closed door
between myself and that white hand,
whose invisible owner might at any mo-
ment step from his concealment, and
might know what best could be done.
Now was bind with terror, and could
scarcely see, though the room was bril-
liantly lighted, to grope my way to the
door,
At last I approached It, and stretched
out my arm to open the way to freedom,
when FIVE white fingers, one bearing the
cleaning ring, we're lad on mine. and
slowly drew me back into the room.
"Look at me!' said voice. "It is
your work-you need not fear
Then realized the truth; and glancing
no, saw Victor Struthers standing before
me. -.
My first sensation was of relief His
eyes, peering into mine, were lit by the
old softness; around his mouth was the
old smile; and, though his words we're
bitter, his handsome face was only kind.
Could he be made Or had recovery
come to him, spite of the PHYSICIANS
hopeless decree2
l. Il laughed nervous laugh, as / an
swered, "How conla you 80 startle me,
Vlctor7 What strange way to pay me
visit! Surely you could not doubt your
welcomed" :.s''. : !
81 have not received it" he replied.
though have walked one hundred miles
that you might give it to me. I take no
welcome but the old one, Elsie."'
And he stopped as if to kiss me, but
drew back, shuddering.
"What! no greeting?" he exclaimed;
and slowly there crept into his eyes look
had never seen there >before--a look of
cunning and of mortal dread.
He, glanced round the room.
II have waited so long-waited to find
you alone. We are going on journey
tonight, you and I, Elsie. But you will
not fear it if you are with me, even if
Death be tile boatman to row us across
Listen, Elsie. 4 am tired 'o1 life. But
=. one thing only has made me cling to it
80 long, and that is, the gates Of heaven
would not open to receive me -unles you
we're BY my SIDE s0 IIhAve come for You.
In that moment T sknew the truth
.kneF, that this, man by my side. quiet US
; he was, was indeed mad, ready at fany
moment to- throw off even this musk of
sanity, and seize me in his powerful
lasp.::I ~" - '''' .'''*' ":~|
Once more I glanced around my pretty
room.