Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1880-12-28

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girlish graces that were of old, and lent
the charm Of dignity and elegance to
what was once only sweetness and sim
plicity. The shy modest manner had
given place to perfect self lf-possession, and
rare conversational powers rendered her
the star Of the evening.
at is long time since we last met,
Mr.. Snow" she said as they went in to
dinner. | am pleased to know of the
success and prosperity that has attended
you during these years" How quietly
she spoke of their last meeting! He
wondered if she remembered the parting
"a lovers parting
IL had lost all trace OF YOU" he ans
wered, "but | am glad to find, as | do,
that you have been well and happy. Your
face denotes both. Where are your pa
rents :"
II heaven, | trust ~ she said softly.
They died eight years ago, and left me
all alone. had an uncle in Europe, and
went to him, and have spent most Of my
time in travel since. A few months ago
longing seized upon me to see my own
land, and my old home again, so came"
Howard Snow scarcely left her side all
the evening. She charmed him with her
descriptions of scenery and chit chat of
foreign life.
II would be glad to call" he said, as
they parted Where can find you -
"In the house where we first met"
she said, CLAIMING up at him, with the
old shy look IL am visiting the same
friends"
He could not have described his sensa-
,ions as he rang the bell the next day,
and was ushered into the presence Of that
queenly woman who was once his be-
trothed wife. Admiration, reverence,
respect, and it seemed to him, love, stir
red together in his heart.
1t was only one Of many calls. She
was so kind. so cordial. so entertaining.
Her soul was too large to treasure any
resentment against him for that old
wrong.
Then by-and-by, he grew to realize
how he was loving this woman. Not
the old love awakened, but new love
created-the one grand passion of his life.
Mentally. morally and physically this
woman administered to him; her conver-
sation charmed him, her moral atmos
phere elevated him, and the touch Of her
hand electrified him. Surely love like
this was from heaven, and must meet
with some response. Still he hesltated,
not daring to speak. But so strong grew
the emotion, it oyerpowered him at length.
God knows feel my unworthiness,'
he said. "but love you, Barbara, and |
want YOU for my wife. said these same
words to you ten years ago, and failed
you. was only weak boy then, sway
ed about by designing woman. Now
I'm a man, knowing my own heart, and
with all its intense pent-up passion 1t
cries out for you
For a moment Barbaras face seemed
glorified with light Her cheeks glowed,
her eyes enlarged, her breast heaved.
She put both hands in his.
Il have never been content without
you-not for one moment" she said.
Nothing filed my life SO full that | did
not feel the need of you, Howard.
Their marriage was set for three
.l lo,a- Tba l;t,la chuych moe
crowded. All in sheen Of white, Bar
bara stood before the alter, and felt her
hand taken by the man who had dis
carded her nine years before.
"Wilt thou, Barbara, take this man to
be thy welded husband, for better, for
worse, in sickness and in health, through
good report and evil report, till death do
part:"
The old rector waited for the response.
1t came like the report of pistol.
Never! AS he once rejected me, so
do reject him"
And she swept down the aisle, whittier
than her robes, and left palsied crowd
of people staring blankly after her.
Very calmly and coldly Howard Snow
passed down and out of the church. He
went to the hotel where his baggage was
left, and began to make preparations for
departure on the midnight train. But
his hands seemed palsied, and strange
lights danced before his eyes
Before midnight he was in raving de-
lirium. The next morning they found
him in high fever, calling wildly on the
name of Barbara, and cursing some wo-
man he called Helen, who seemed pursu-
ing him.
"He cannot live." the doctor said, the
next evening. "Will some one 20 and
ask the woman who has done this cruel
deed to come here for moment. The
sight Of her may quiet him, perhaps"
But while he spoke she came in, her
bridal white exchanged for funeral black,
her long hair falling loose about her.
She glided to the bedside and put her
hands on his face.
"Howard:" she called, in trembling
voice; "oh, my love, Howard, forgive
me ere you die"
But he fancied she was the woman
Helen, and shrieked and cursed her, and
grew so violent that they sent her from
the room.
There was week of wild delirium,
and then week of stupor, and then
He is dead!' they said, and the word
was carried to her. Like pale wrath
of her former self, she came slowly in
and knelt beside him.