The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1882-08-25


Between his eyes and tho pages Of
his book camo ever tho face OF the
orphan girl. lie found himselfsitting
Idly before his papers listening for
the sound OF q musical voice In tho
passage or garden. lie neglected
his studies, 10 count the hours between |
meals, when he met his ward at
table. Never before had woman's
face wakened even passing emotion
In Edward Llncaster's haart, and
interest once aroused, love crept In
and took root, deep, strong, lifelong.
There WAS no possibility of driving
away this once Il was admitted.
Edward Lancaster know that Edith
must be won, even II ho YVES ever 10
knew happiness 10 life again. II he
lost her, he would live, bury himself
In his books once more ; but neYe;
again could tho same peace he had
known be found.
When he told the child (she was
but seventeen) ho loved her, she
nestled Ia his arms, lifted her sweet
faco TO his and promised 10 he his
wife. lie never doubted her love,
strange as II seemed, and they
were married within six months
of Edith's arrival at her new home.
Once she was his own, Edward
Lancaster made his wife q perfect
fayorite OF fortune. lie never counted
the cost of any indulgence she crAved.
Her dress was OF the cosllIest descrip.
iion her jewels were the envy cf
her circle OF frlepds, and she had
but to namc q wish to have II grant.
cd. She wSs of the sunnIcst temper
ament, child. like In her gratitude,
and HiitIng from pleasure TO pleasure
as bird fits from fruits 10 iiow ers.
Life had been very sweet TO Ed
ward in the three years following
his marriage, though many wonder.
Cd, seeing the grave elderly man, how
he came TO marry his chIld.wife.
But as he paced his room In the
whlteclifEc hotel Hotel Edward Lam
caster questioned II before. The let
ter he held fast In his clinched hand,
the conversation upon the porch,
combined TO probo his heart 10 It's
core, and tho question hidden thers
rose TO the surface.
Did Edith love him
She had always been gay, tender,
affectionate, d,ferrIng TO his wishes,
more like child with an indalgent
father than wife /; for, as yet, but
littl0 OF wIfelY duty had heen exact
ed Of her. or household cares she
had none. Her life had been passed
in perpetual pleasurc-sceking, with
na call for sacrifice.
But the letter, the fateful letter,
told the tender husband that the
wealth he had held so carelessly for
years was gone In one great CONNER
cial crash one hour q man OF riches !;
the next pauper. II was all gone,
ais lawyer wrote, and the sale Of
Elmsgrove would scarcelv cover the
liabilities incurred in the past three
years.
Had she married him for money I?
The thsrn once planted, stung him
sorely. He was not vain man, but
he had thought his love, 80 devoted,
so true, had won a return. Money
had been to him all his life 20 small
a consideration, never feeling Its
want, that he had never taken 1t into
consideration, except to be glad that
1t was his to give Edith every indnl
gence. And now, the hateful thought
rose and pressed him sorely that
Edith had married him for what he
Lad lost and could give her no long
er.
A rattIlng ut the door handle, {
voice calling his name reused hin
from his moody misery, and he drew
back the bolt TO admit Edith.
"Just in time to dress for dinnerv
she cried, coming In. "I staid dowr
stairs till the last minute. Snail
ring for Mary, Edward, or" sh
looked in her husbands face" Ell
ward, what Is the matter ?"
An impulse, cruel one, prompted
him TO tell her then and there, anC
he put his lawyers letter In her hand
In moment, before she had smooth
, ed the crumpled sheet, he repented
and drew near her IL she wept. Sh
read IL oil. The light OF merrlmen
In her eyes softened to q sweet, eal
nest gravity, and some of the ricI
color faded from her cheeks. He
voice was very tender as she said
] 81 am so sorry for you, Edward
, You will miss your library, you
5 books. Perhaps We can save some {
them for you."
"But you, Edith ?' he said, amas
ed.
III ? Mr.. MorreIl tells you especia
ly that my property Is safe. Ely