Louisiana capitolian. (Baton Rouge, La.) 1879-1881, 1881-05-19
and child it may be-" Utter astonish-
ment kept Hilton silent.

i !
continued, 'that lam lonely, miserable
man, instead of a happy husband and
father. Twenty years ago, when was
past forty years old, l fell in love. Fell
in love, for was nearly insane over
My.a Delano when l had seen her three
times. / courted her with eager atten-
ton, rich presents, tlattery-every fasci-
nation l could command. ] was not an
unattractive man at forty years Of age.
/ had travelled extensively, been q close
student, was emphatically society man,
successful lawyer, and commanding
large wealth. Myra was twenty-five,
superbly handsome, accomplished and
graceful.
II thought she loved me. thought
there was only love and devotion in the
love light Of her dark blue eyes, the
varying color on her cheek. We were
married, travelled two years on the con-
tinent, and then returned to this house,
and opened its doors to society. Our
child was nearly year old when we
came home, and what love could spare
from Myra l gave to baby Anna. We
were very popular, being hospitable and
generous, gathering around US refined
people and both exerting ourselves to
the utmost for the pleasure of our guests.
But while we were travelling, all in all
to each other, there was sleeping in my
heart a demon who was stirred to life
when we returned. Strong as my love |
found my jealousy. was an idiot-a
mad, jealous idiot-for l stung proud,
sensitive woman to contempt Of my
opinion, defiant of my unworthy suspi-
cions. NowI see that Myra was bnt
filing her proper place in society as a
hostess or guest; but then, blinded by
my jealousy, grudged any man a pleas
ant smile or a CHEEKY word. l can not tell
you now of every scene that turned he1
love for me to fear and dislike. She BE-
came pale and miserable, often sullen
and defiant. Finally she left me.
"Leftyouf"
81 came home one afternoon, aftel
conducting an intricate criminal case,
and found note on the table telling me
that Myra could no longer endure thu
life of quarrelling and reproach. She
had taken her child and would never
return to me-"
"Did she not 60 to her relativesp
"She had but few. Her father dice
while we were abroad, and, having beer
considered a rich man, was found II
have less than his funeral expenses
She had an aunt and some cousins, II
all of whom went, but who denied al
knowledge of her. After searching Will
the eagerness Of penitence deep ant
sincere, and love most profound, l final
" advertised, and even employed pr
vate police investigation. 1t was all il
vain: never found wife OF child"
"Yet YOU think they live"
~ can not tell. ! remained here TO
five years and then, as you know, wen
to see my only sister dying OF eonsump
tion."
"And to become my second father"
"But, Uncle George, can nothing b
done now!'
eve have been in London three year
and every month there has been an ad
vertisement only Myra would under
stand in the leading papers. l hav
never had one line of answer. No, m
boy. It's hopeless now. If in the fu
ture you ever know of my wife an
child trust them to your care and gen
crosby"
"When we were in Paris" he said, -
> had a bracelet made of Myra's hair an
mine woven together she has the com
panion one This tiny coil Of gold i
the clasp was cut from the baby's head
but three months old. 1t must hav
r been some lingering love that mad
: Myra still keep the bracelet like THU
which she wore constantly, What
l the matter, Hilton ! You are as white a
, death" Nothing. Is your wife's pit
tire in the locket ?"
eyes; you see how beautiful sh
was9"
81 see more than that" said Hilton
"and dare not tell you whatl hope
Will you give me one little hour, to sc
8 if
'It what
"Only one hour-I will be back then.
"Stopr' Mr.. Hilton cried, shakin