Daily Republican., 1882-02-24

caught my eye-why had not though
Of them? could at least make my o.
cape, and the ceremony might be de-
layed, and consequently awkward; still
Nell would not be utterly put to shame
Like the mailman was, I seized the
table, dragged it to the window, sprans
upon it,and climbed on to the high and
narrow window sill; throwing up the
sash, prepared to leap out: but I had
reckoned without my host; the cord that
held the weight was broken, conse-
quently the moment my hand left the
sash the window decended with start.
ling rapidly, striking me full in the
head, and knocking me of the narrow
sill, dashing my head against the sharp
corner OF the table, and at last landing
mo full length on the floor.
tried TO rise; something warm rush
cd over my face; put up my hand to
clear my eyes-my hand WAS covered
with blood
I felt gidiy and weak. still stagger-
cd 10 my feet; then q black mist arose
| around me, and knew no more
This was Thursday eve. Sunday at.
ternoon, the sexton, returning to his
duties, found me lying upon the floor
half dead, wholly delirious, my face
covered with blood, aud hole large
enough to let the life out of any man,
That mine was spared was because
had fallen with the wound down, and
pile of soft carpet acted like lint to
stanch the blood.
As soon ~ | could control my
thoughts | begged to know of Nellie
Poor little girl She had been quite
overwhelmed. When failed to appear
Kate's husband rushed out to inquire
of the sexton If he had seen me. He
was positive that had been there, and
equally positive that had left again in
company with my brother-said he
could not be nistaken-both seemed In
a great hurry and jumped into car
rage and been driven rapidly away.
Messengers were sent to my hotel, but
without gaining clew to my where.
abouts; 30 after a Notifying wait Mel
lie had been taken home, and the very
morning of the day was discover
ed the whole family sailed for Eu-
rope
As soon as was able to stand sailed
in search Of the woman had so limo.
Gently Inundated. Not knowing her
whereabouts, it WAS two months before
found her. AT last, one evening,
wandering on the seashore of quiet
little English town, | espied her-and
alone.
That she believed me a most blacken.
cd villain was plain, for the look she
gave me WI en- she recognized my pres
ence was one of unutterable contempt.
Now that had found her, was ue-
termined she should hear the truth.
"Nellie," cried. hurrying to her, and
both her little hands before she
had time to escape.
"Well sir?" she replied, haughtily
trying in vain to free Ter hands.
MY darling" | pleaded, "yor will
at least hear man before you condemn
him?'
Her face flushed angrily.
"What can you say" she burst out
holly, chat will make your conduct
less dastardly? Have you not made me
the object Of every ones ridicule al u |
pity! Offering me public
an insult no woman could ever forgive? |
.
myself most of all? What more do YOU
wish, Bertram Langley-you villain"
| WINGED little at the word, rs | |
thought of my broken head--though |
God KIN ,ws did not blame her, believ-
ing as she did.
"Why are you here? And why did |
you run away" she demanded in a
whole world of scorn Oh the words run
away
6" id not run away; was locked
up"
"Lpcked mp! For what? Where?"
cried poor Nell, starting back, look of
horror creeping into those dark brown
eyes.
| very believe she thought for an in
slant that l had added murder to my
other crimes.
"Wby, in the vestry," l explained a
little foOlishly. "Come and SIT down
and let me tell you. / am quite ill
yet"
This was monster stroke. Nell
seated herself without demur, and halt
sitting, half lying at her feet, l related
20 her the chapter of my mistOrtunes.
Dear little girl Her face frightened
before | was half through-indeed,
I'm sorry to say, she laughed quite
but she became sober when |
old her about the window coming
Town and leaned over a. kissed the
'car on my head tenderly and knew
hat peace and confidence were re-
'tOred.
Great was the family wonder to see
Is walk in together; but everything
vas all right as soon as explained, and
Mr.. and Mrs. BARLEY consented that
Nell and might get married next day
n the quaint liutle church at that
/, ace.
And so we were. ] led my bride in
myself, and Papa and Mamma BARLEY
olloweG us soberly behind, and Kate
md her usband were all the crowd we
lad.