The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1879-07-18

ended, only few hours before, to do as b,
lad suggested. She had been mad viii
misery she told herself it had been wild
horrible dream, and now she was awake
once more to the cold, blank life that la,
before her. If she could but bear all the
pain If she could but avoid seeing tht
face she loved 30 madly change as her OWL
had done How could she tell Geoffrey
The question kept ringing again and again
IN her ears, but no answer came.
She heard the gate open she heard his
quick, firm step come up the garden walk
He opened the front door for himself. took
off his hat and coat, and entered the room,
closing the door behind him; but still she
had formed no notion of how to break the
news gently to him. She turned and faced
hin-saw his glowing, happy face coming
toward her-saw it change at the sight OF
hers, and the light go out from his dark
eyes as he foresaw the coming blow; but no
words came to her white lips.
He took her in his arms, and felt her
trembling from head to foot
''Sibyl, speak !" he exclaimed. "Tell me,
for Heavens sake, what is the matter2 Has
anything happened to Cecil ?"
mo, it is not that. But it was all q
trick John is not dead. He has been here
tonight" !"
A short sharp exclamation broke from
him, his arms fell to his side, and his face
turned ashy white He sat down on the
nearest chair, with deep groan, pressing
his hands to his head US If he feared his
brain would burst.
at is false " he said sharply, his voice
trembling. "He is dead Some scoundrel
has been imposing upon your
'lt would not be possible. II was his
brother that was killed, and he changed the
name to escape detection for something he
has done Oh, Geofrey, Geoffrey. how
shall l bear it?"
And, burying her face in her hands, she
sobbed as if her heart would break
He was by her side in moment, his arms
round her. and her head on his shoulder.
'Hush, hush, my darliugl You will
drive me mad will not-cannot give you
up! He is not your husband in the sight of
Heaven or man. We will be married, and
never think of this ghastly dream. Sibyl,
do not refuse. You cannot send me away
again. i know it will drive me mad. Oh,
my darling have pity on ME and yourself,
and let us bury this horrible secret Surely
my love will make up to you for any pain
the recollection of the past may give you. ]
have the license in my pocket We will be
married tomorrow, and go away from here
and from England, and begin new life that
shall blot out all memories of past misery
But Sbyl had fought out her fight and
was strong
at cannot be, Geotfrey-do not tempt
me! That WAS my first thought, as it is
yours; but Cecil has saved me from myself
1t was too perfect happiness for his world.
You must work and forget me, and l shall
go away-far away from here-and wander
about with Cecil, for | feel can never set
tie any more. Oh, it has been cruel, cruel
trick F! 1t was easier to bear before NOW |
feel as if it will kill me to give you up for
everw
II will not be given up" he said, kissing
her again and again. Where you go, |
not help it but shall not leave you, and
the world will talk 1t is of no use refusing.
Sibyl. | am mad, but will not give you
up. l will not be parted from you again for
the sake Of mythical husband 1t will be
no sin in the sight of Heaven"
1t was in vain she argued and implored
He was as firm as rock. She was his and
his only Her first husband was dead to
would not leave her.
Suddenly Sibyl yielded. Every vestige of
color left her face, even to her lips, as she
lifted her eyes and looked at him firmly.
80 be it," she said quietly "But re-
member for your life that this is your doing,
and that you forced me to agree to it.
Come here tomorrow at eleven O'clock and
bring the license with you. But oh, Geof-
frey, be gentle with me, be loving to me al
ways Remember you left me only one
course TO pursue, and it is for your sake that
am going to take this step"
There was depth of unutterable sadness
in her beautiful eyes, and her mouth quiv-
cred with intense pain as she spoke but he
would not see it.
My darling, am I likely to forget it :?
Sibyl, you do not know the extent of my
love. Never, by word or deed, will | will
ingly pain you; and be sure you will never
regret your decision. Get your thing
pac ed, and we will go away directly We are
married, and never come near this hateful
place again. know this iS costing you an
effort now, dear one, but you will be glad
afterwards. You will see that am right,
and that in the 81 ht Of Heaven and cart
you are rea ly free from that fellow. Oh
Sibyl, you have made me so happy !"
With cry of pain, she put her hand on
his mouth.
"Don't-dont! You do not know yet
oh, Geoffrey, think kindly of me AWAY
and remember did it for your sake NOR
than my own! Gonow leave me, and do moi
be here before eleven, as have so much to do,
Goodbye Geoffrey kiss me and go away"
She clung to him tightly for o few mo-
ments, trembling violently, and then, rails
ing her face, looked at hiln-oh so sadly
and kissed him again and again-long
lingering kisses, that made his heart bound
Bring Sir Henry and Lady Temple with
you, and come to this house. Do not wait
for me at the church. Come here. Good
bye once more"
Goodbye, my own brave sibyl" he
whispered tondly.
81 am glad you called me that" she re-
sponded, her face frightening. eyes, it is
brave of me- You vin think SO shortly"
In another minute he was striding away |
from the house. trying to believe he was