The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1880-01-10

had filled and destroyed. A sudden rusoit
tion came to him. He would 60 to her
see her face to face, and thus learn he neet
never feel any lingering feprdach as to hi
action.
NJ am going abroad" he said ID Con
stance, meaning to add no more.
But at the sight of the quick tears wellnJ
up in the blhe eyes, his strength failed him
He stopped and, for the first time he drew
the girl into his arms, as he kissed the gilt
tering drops away.
"God grant may come back with the
right 10 nay these are the last tears you
shall ever shed for me =" he whispered
low, into her ear, then left her with the
memory Of the rainbow of happiness his
words had brought, upon the sweet, young
face.
And how Jared it with Agnus7 She was
at Milan. The old triumphs met her here
which had followed her through every capi-
tai of Europe. Her years engagement had
almost expired. On her tablb lay the con-
tract Inviting her to renew it on yet more
hattering terms, and on her bureau lay the
last letter received from Hugh.
Would he, for the third time, ask her to
retufh to hifh2 She broke the seal and read
1t through, with a shade of disappointment
passing over tho beautiful face. On that
score Il said nothing.
haH a,,k as.t Ill. L..
room.
"a gentleman below to see mademoiselle." !"
"But said l would see no one. 1t is
late, and am tired.H
"He babe me hand mademoiselle this"
And with the words, the man put into
her hand a card bearing the name OF Hugh
Loring.
She started to her feet with little cry of
Joy. He had not written. This time he
would make sure; he had come for her.
And she?
In this moment all her doubts fed. She
loved him. She had tired of her life-it
had failed TO satisfy. Her heart was great
ef than her ambition. Her wings were
very tired. Thank God, they need fly no
longerl
"Show the gentleman up she murmured,
and sank back pale and trembling to await
him.
For moment they stood face to face, ST.
lence between them then she held out one
sIttall quivering hand.
ri am very glad to see you, Hugh" she
said: at was very good in you to come"
He stopped then, and kissed her on the
brow.
al saw yod to-hight at the opera,D he
began. al reached here too late to find you
at the hottl. Agnes, what a grand success
your life has BEEN"
She smiled weary smile in answer, and
he continued
"Do you know what has brought me,
Agnes? All, do not start | realized long
since the impossibility of my feeble efforts
making you happy. Tonight 1 saw that
it had been madness"
"Hughp
"Do not interrupt me" he went on. "And
do not be afraid of hurting me, dear. 1t was
a mistake on both our parts. can even
thank you for IL now. Tell Inc the truth,
Agnes. Say you are glad to find courage to
break the bonds that have grown irhsome
to us both"
3" To as bothf
He did not notice how white grew the
beautiful lips,nor that she framed the words
as a question.
eyes, to US both |" he continued. "You
are welded to your art and art life, and l.
thotigh I shall never love quite as I loved
you, Agnes-have found at least happiness /;
so that you need not let my haunting ghost
accuse you. And yoi will be glad, will you
not, to learn of my happiness when 1t is as
sured to me? 1 only wanted to make sure
that things were with you as had fauced
them."
"And you are sure-quite sure-now ?
she faltered, a little skeleton of smile
breaking uvet the gray palenes of her face
"Ot coufse l am sdrej Agnes. For six
months have felt as a coward to hold you
TO youf Word. But you look tired. Good
night, dear. You have made me a very
happy matt t6-night, by giving me the as
surance that you would be as glad as l to
break false tie. We will be friends, Agnes,
will We not?"
"Alwaysp she found strength to answer.
Then the door closed and she was alone
alone with the builded nest, which all
this weary year had gladdened her eyes ly-
ing in fragments on the groutd-aloh5 10
know that she has sowed and SO must reap
In the gray dawn, her cold, trembling
fingers affixed her signature to the contract
lying upon her table.
Strange to say the first night she sang
upon its new agreement was Hugh Lorin's
wedding night and the handsome gift
Constance Bayard received came from acros:
the ocean, and bore upon IL the card of Ag.
mes Carew.
But no doubt ever crossed the bridegroom'i
mind.