National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1882-05-20
A pcnutlruI story Of ~ BIufi In High LiTo
From the Classic west End.

"I prithce do not CO."
Reginald Mulcahey turned as these words,
spoken in tones that were tenderly thrilling, fell
upon his good right car, and advanced slowly up
the plank sidewalk that led from the porticullls to
the front siers Of the terraced castle Of Ethelbert
McMurtrod, Duke of Rhode Island Avenue.
IL thought you would speak to me, Lady Con-
stance" he so d to tall, shnpely maiden of nine
teen summers, who stood on the veranda Of the
CASTLE "I thought you could not send me away
forever without one word of hope-one little, Tiny
Democratic. .vote.in Iowa hope know full well
that in the dicary, dismal New York Post editorial
future which rises up before me like black
winged spectre Of the night there can be nGught in
my life but dcsola;e days whose hours shall pass
with leadcn feet, and black, bitter nights when 1
shall toss around rcstlc,sy in poker game, think
ing only OF the love that has gone from me forever
We may never meet Hgnin, Constancc-proOaby
never shall, unless l begin going TO the National
Theatre matinces-but should like to feel that, al.
though you can never love inc again, never let me
buy candy for you, there is still in your heart
kindly feeling, n tiugc Of pity, for one to whom
yoursweet iace has flrmGny many ycars-wny back
before the Ella TrcHdwell won the champion.
ship-been beacon-liglt 70 guide him safely DER
the wind swept sea of West End life. Am
hoping for too muCh2' AMI the beautiful brown
eyes that had witched so many hearts from behind
King ChnndeTs ribbon counter looked into those
of Constance McMurtrOd with q wistful, pleading
don't-unie the dug.ifyOu love-me look that
would have melted n heart of an T street hash
house.
For an instant the girl did not reply. A look of
pain, ns if some sad memory had b9cn recalled by
Regnalds words, or corset steel got loose, passed
over her face and then, regdining her composure
by mighty effort, she placed tiny glovCd hand
on the young mans shoulder ana spoke In low,
measured tones that showed, fur more than could
any words, the terrible Intensity Of the agony that
this separation was causing her.
"For two years, Reginald" she said, "I have
loved you with deep, passionate, all ll-nbsorbing
love that would make your head swim II you only
knew about IL. have looked forward with pride
and joy in my girlish innocence and enthusiasm
to the day whenyou should lead me to the nupti0l
altar and crown the sweet sprinGtime Of my life
with the golden glory of n love that should last
forever. had whispered to myself that should
iast-in-t time wife. There has come to me often n
| vision of happy home, whore should pass my
| days In happiness and stocking -mending. But
the vision has gone, tho beautiful blue sky with its
fringe of rose tinted clouds has passed away, and
In its place see an angry armament, across which
drift the ieaden clouds Of despair And so 1t bet
ter that we should part now. before supper and let
| the dead past be its own undertaken"
Reginald saw that all hope was gone-that lie
was certain to be left on third base. Goodbye,
| Constance" he murmured, "I must 70 now, be-
cause want to stop on my way at Jim Willcus
and buy my sister sealskin sacque."
The girl turned quickly and looked at him ear
nestly. DO you mean what you say?" she asked,
| In hoarsc, anxious tones.
II do" was the reply
"And would you buy your wife sealskin
Certainly" said Reginald; "two of them, If
A happy smile spread over the girls. face. Twin:
| ing her arms around Reginald's neck she placed
her tiny head on his shoulder, and then the little
| rosebud mouth puckered up with II sweet, beatifC
| pucker, as she said in tender tones;
| You may call again this evening. Heaven In
| tended us for each other"-ErOm +" The BiuG Thu
| Constance Called" by NdTdt Hdisteld.