Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1882-05-17

uDOef the sense OF 8muSemcut u0t SOluc
trifle will often furnish in the midst of
deep suffering.
As he made the announcement North
saw Miss Lockhart start violently, then
her eyes met his in one burning gaze in
which their very souls met, and the truth
was confessed. From that moment North
knew that her life was no less wrecked
than his own, that the parting was no less
grievous to her than to him; and he could
not have told whether the knowledge
were more bitter or more sweet
Il beg your pardon l thought that per-
haps of Your goodness You wished to be-
stow crumb of comfort upon re before
/ went away" said North. with the meek
ness of great love.
mo. it is nothing of that nature" Miss
Lockhart made reply, sinking into the
chair that North placed for her. But
have come to inform you of fact. be-
cause to do so is the only atonement can
make you. And pray" added she. mo-
mentarily raising her sad eyes to heaven,
II pray that the confession may undo the
consequences of my sin. have nothing
else to hope and pray for"
what have you to tell me ?'' demand
ed North, hoarsely.
But the blow had virtually fallen. North
already knew from her countenance and
her words; by some sure instinct he felt
that Marion Lockhart's mission, be il what
it might. was of nature to separate them
wide as the east is from the west
II am married; that is what 1 came to
say" said Marion and as soon as she had
spoken she hid her face in her handker-
chief without waiting to see the effect of
the communication upon her lover.
"Whatt' shouted he. ''What do you
tell me?''
Il am already married." repeated Mar
ion. in a broken voice of infinite weari-
ness and sadness.
Talbot North grasped her by the
shoulder; he almost shook her in his be-
wilderment.
''Do you know what you are saying?
You tell me that you are married ?"
1T is the simple truth; was married
some years ago"
Good heavens, all is indeed over,'
grOaned North.
After that there was a pause. The
young man was wrestling with the an
guish of his wound in absolute stiffness,
while Marion only stirred at intervals to
wipe the tears that were coursing down
her cheeks.
The suspense was becoming intolerable
to Marion, and at last she rose to end the
interview. But her movement aroused
North, who had hitherto remained. his
head supported on his arm, mOtionless
against the mantelpiece. She had looked
for some harsh speech. words ofcontempt,
hatred; but the face that he now tnrned
toward her was a severer punishment than
any reproach his lips could have uttered
She gazed at him in stricken amaze
ment; it seemed as though years of suffer-
ing must have passed over his head to
have altered his features so greatly.
"Why did I never know this before 81
he, huskily. "Why have you kept it
secret?"
"Mine is a very unhappy story"
answered Marion, with quivering lips. |
when was very young | made a most
unfortunate marriage: my husband prov
ed utterly unkind, unworthy; and after a
very few months left him. Wishing to
put it out of his power to trace me, took
my second name, that of Lockhart. have
never seen or heard OF him since''
us my sister aware of these circum-
stances?''
"She knows nothing" answered Marion
a streak of crimson flashing across the
pallor of her cheek. sometimes, while
Mrs Montagu has treated me with such
confidence and kindness, have felt my
self a kind of impostor. But oftener for
get-perhaps you can hardly believe it
but forget that / have any other name
than that of Lockhart. l have been very
happy here" she added with sigh.
Poor child" breathed Mr.. North,
softly.
''Shall you inform Mrs. Montagu of
this? Will it be right to do so? asked
Marion. a little anxiously, after "a pause
of silence and of painful reflection on the
part of both.
''What sort of man do you take me to
be? No; your secret is safe, SO far as |
am concerned"
Have l done very wrong ?' inquired
Marion again, after brief hesitation.
I'VE are not able to be Judges one of
another" answered North. certain
gentleness tempering the gravity of his
manner and words. but you have done
harm. Do YOU not see, child. that your
self in a false position works evil bv
putting men like myself in a false position
also ~
''Will you forgive me ?' she asked.
timidly. "And will you not forget me 90
II forgive you forget YOU never can.
II must be my lot to love You while life
lasts"
''Oh, hush! l am too greatly punished. |
But it is not true happiness may be in
store for you-''
Stay ~ cried North, interrupting her.
sternly; 'say nothing of that kind. /
never breathed the word love to anv wo
man before, and never shall again. /
loved you, and must continue now TO love
you to the end"