The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1879-06-05
Mr.. Surgery.


my chamber, slipping my after-dinner
coffee, when of all men in the world
who should step in but Harry Clayton.
L was very glad to see Harry, as | had
a great regard for him. He was my
chun in college and some years my
Junior; so that looked upon him with
almost paternal feelings. He sat down
and we talked on indifferent subjects for
some time. At length Harry rose, took
q turn or two about the room, then,
coming up to me. ne spoke few words
in an indistinct and hurried manner
SIN the name Of all that is curious,
say that again, Harry, and say it slow
ly."
"Dick Morton, l am going to be mar
ried" repeated Harry Clayton, in sounds
of unmistakable import, but uttered
rather nervously.
''Mariied.' said [, echoing him.
''MaIriedr' said he echoing my echo.
There was pause. At length [ broke
silence and said
Compose yourself, my dear fellow;
drink your coffee and then tell me all
about it"
And Harry did tell me all, or, as the
saying is, he made 'ccan breast of it. "
He told me the progress of his love-
the charms, personal and mental, of the
girl; the manner in which, despite all his
shyness, and his peculiarities on the
subject OF the sex, he was led, on so
short an acquaintance, "to offer her his
heart and hand" How he pleaded his
suit; how he took her hand how he
raised it to his lips; hoS--
But | here interposed, and begged to
be excused the recital of his love pas
sages, assuring him that | could have
them ready made in any of our modern
novels. He complied, and in plain
English told me his addresses were ac-
copied, and asked me to come to his
wedding.
"Well, Harry" said |, II will not be
at your wedding, but | will tell you
what | want you to do. When you are
some time married, and can speak from
experience, if you are able and with u
true heart can say that all your bright
dreams have been realized-that you are
happy-write to me, and believe me no
light matter will prevent me from going
to see YOU"
In due time Harry was married, and
in few days after I received letter
from him dated at Brussels, full of rap
lures, etc, declaring that his wife was
an angel, and he was the happiest of
the human species.
Il hope all that may last" [ thought,
when | read it. Those raptures must
come to an end, and then-well, sufii-
Gent for the day is the evil thereof"
So | dismissed the subject.
Time passed, and one day, as l vas
medtating a trip for pleasure, a letter
came to me bearing the Paris postmark.
Recognizing Harry writing, | opened
it at once,
"MY DEAR DICK Ny dream of
happiness IS over, and my eyes are
opened to the reality Of wretchedness.
Come to me, Dick, without delay. You
said you would come when was happy.
w" FlAa TOh ehii tiAt IiboO iIliotitbIC
Of men. viii you not come to met
HARRY CLAYTON.
was greatly shocked at this commu-
nication, and the mex. day found me in
my friends apartment Harry flung
himself into my arms in an agony of
grief that was alarming
"Oh, Dick-I am the most wretched
of beings-a deceived and dishonored
husband Dick, do not lsathe Inc, do
despise me. / am murderer!
l was horrorstruck, amazed-almost
unnamed At last found my voice
and said
"For Gods sake, compose yourself.
Let me know the worst-I will never
desert you"
Harry grasped my hand and wept
ike q child. He aroused himself soon,
and gave . sigh so loud, SO long, SO deep,