Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1881-05-19

rCuu06u neT. was Noueo Sou'''oho'
who bad laid SO white and still in
Victor Gray's arms six long years be.
fore.
The change in her life had come so
suddenly, so Unexpectedly. An IN
Gle Of her father, who had never spo.
ken to him aitsr his marriage with
the pretty French girl, had seen Re-
nee and being chilaless, had lott her
all bis wealth.
mot for love-" ts said. "the was
too much like her Ftenchried mother
for that, though there VAS something
of the Courtland about her as we'll 1,
but simply because she was a Court
land and nearest Of kin.
Blu, loyal Renee had never forgot
ten her O. d friends, for when in her
stately home. Margaret Gray was
with her, and every simmer the little
cottage welcomed her fair young face
again.
For weeks and months after the
day she tainted 10 Victor 8 arms Re.
nee had been the shadow of her for.
mer self.
Pale End listless it seemed as if
hope would never reassert her sway
i l the tender young heart, and Victor
watched her. suffering almost as much
in his own great love for her.
1t seemed at times to Renee Court
land MS if her heart would break, with
its passionate pun, but hearts do not
break easily at seventeen. and Renee
cong uered her love. then buried it
ont of sight forever, as time passed On
Il it rose to confront her. she put it
aside with all the strength Of her ma
ture.
Then came the great change IN her
life And smiles came back to the beall'
tiful face, though some times the
shadow Of the old pain darhened it.
And four years later che met Les
fer Sinclair again handsomer, If pos
sible, than ever, with new gravity
about hun that Become him we'll.
He had LAID his fair Young wife to
rest in the grave. and WAS free again.
Renee grew pale when she First
heard it, psler still when he Bent over
her hand and the past seemed forgot
ten.
Even when he married the wealthy
heirsss, Clara Duvan-. Lester Sinclair
knew that the little dark eyed girl
held more Of his heart than he would
willingly acknowledge, and not seeing
her day after day, 10 revel in her
loneliness, the old love deepened, till
Renee ConrtlanL held every hope OF
happiness for him.
AS the time passed. OF, Victor Gray
noticed an added restlessness in Re-
nee's ewes; that the weary look around
her mouth deepened and could scarce.
ly understand 1t.
lie enters the room now, graver,
perhaps sterner than Of old and the
girl came forward TO meet him.
"You are welcome, Victor" she
said, clasping his hand Margaret will
be 20 very glad"
you do not look happy this even.
ing Renee" he said, his eyes on he,
face.
The girl turned away with quick,
impatient gesture.
II am not happy" she said, my
life has been one mistake"
(Which vii b. righted in time,
he answered quietly, though lis face
paled slightly.
When victor left her she welt back
to her place by the window.
will happiness pass me by fore7-
et?" she cried; lis he blind, or is it
that he will not see?'
Only that morning Lester Sinclair
had stood before the girl. whom be
wronged in ea,ly childhood, and plead
ed for her love as a man might plead
for life itself.
Colby, almost haughtily, she had
answered him.
mo. My love died for you years
ago; it never could come to life again. v
Renee, Renee" be cried, in pas
sionate pain, and the girl knew if she
wished revenge on Lester Sinclair most
truly she had it now.
my love died long ago" she re-
neated more gently. half pityiug bis