Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1883-12-15
The CnatOnable Sin.
From the Chicago Tribune.
"Gcod-by. ncNulty'"

'Gcod-by. McNulty."
The tall. lissome form Of Esmeralda W. Perkins
was sharply outlined against Vivian McNultys
left ear as he stood that beautiful June evening
In the doorway Of Brierton Villa hoping against
hope. and PRAYING that something--he knew OF
cared not what-might occur to sweep FROM the
horizon OF his life the awful sorrow that was
banging over 1t like pall-a sorrow that would
make every day an con of misery. every word
OF JOY that others might utter q knell of
despair.
They had quarreled. these two-they who in
the beautiful days of autumn, when the leaves
were turning golden. when the hills were
crowned with ember light and the valleys
seemed like huge cups trimming over with a
purple haze. and when the trotting record was
lowered to 20S19. had plighted their troth so
willingly and yet so solemnly, thinking. aud
rightly, too. that this blending forever OF two
hearts was solemn. holy act. one that should
ever be looked back upon in silent gratitude
ard DOW they were to part forever take sepa-
rate paths on the eventful journey of ife--that
Journey which they had hoped by constant COM
partnership and enduring love to make one of
ceaseless Joy and sweet content But now all
was changed. and the rose-tinted future which
they had often pictured to themselves and
talked about in the calm hopefulness that oniv a
young man on SIS month and pure passion
less girl who can eat the bottom crust OF q pie
forever. and in its place there was yawning
chasm Of despair and grief
II cannot marry YOU" Esmeralda had said to
him that night as he entered the house and
then, having uttered the cruel words which she
had been schooling herself all the day to saw
and seeing how they had pierced like dagger
that brave, manly heart. she had thrown her
sell into his arms. and as her white face down
which the tears were streaming. lay upon his
heart, Vivian McNuty knew that the words
which ESmpTalda RI g.
her heart-knew that some terrible mystery was
enshrOuding both their lives in it's darksoma
folds. And as he held her sobbng in his arms
the light from the chandelier above them
streamed down in golden radiance upon the
broad, white brow. from which the fair hair
waved away. fell across the long. strangely dark
eyeiashes. giving Just a CLEAN of the beautiful
blue eyes beneath, across the sweet red mouth
quVering like grieved child's And then. as
ne bent forward tenderlV to Kiss away the tears,
the girl had drawn back-not in anger but with
an expression oil unutterabe pain on her face.
and spoken the three words with which this
chapter opens:
Goodbye, McNulty.r
For an instant the man could not reply He
had not felt such a shock since meetinc his
father in the giddy wnrl of a poker game and
gong nome with nothing but contrte heart
and lead-peDcil to show for his months wares
He still held Esmeralda's hands in his and the
girl was looking up to him with Dyes that were
look OF frozen horror. my-bustle-ha got loose
expression, that pierced his very soul And
when he had asked tor an explanation of her
words-not demanded it as right but pleaded
Tor 1t as favOr-she had only shifted uneasIIy
onto the other foot and burst into storm of
sobs.
Il can only tell you" she murmured. when
nnaliy MS agOniZed entreaties had moved her to
speech. that our marriage would render yonr
HE one OF constant misery; that it is better we
should part now than commit an error which
eternity alone could efface You will never
know how / love you, Vivian-never know
the dreadful agony that this separation is
causing me- God knows / would greet death
with smiling face and outstretched arms
Tomorrow now that you ere lost to
me forever for what Is life without your love
and presence. and kisses but an unceasny tor
tures Ii loved you less, if your love were not
enshrined In my heart as something to be wor.
SHIPPED evermore. l would not take this step
love to overmaster my whole being but it is
better to wreck one life than two, and so again
l say 'Good-by"-and. lifting her pure. sweet
lace to his. Esmeralda kissed him gently ON the
lips and turned to GO
"Stop!" exclaimed Vivian In an imperious
whoa-Einma manner. II pleaded with Won for
an explanation. but now | demand 1t. ii IS INV
right, and drawing himself up proudly, he broke
his lett suspender.
You speak truly" replied the girl. "An ex-
PLANTATION OF my action is due you Know.
then. that am a victim Of heredity."
"O1 what?" asks Vivian.
"Of heredity." repeats the girl,
IN what respect?" he demands. his voice
hoarse with agony
Il have" said the GIRL steadyIne herself
against the feano, inherited my fathers snore."