Daily Republican. [volume] ([Wilmington, Del.]) 1874-1890, 1884-09-17

prom ise which Arthur Lapgdon had
made me only few days before he
went away-a promise TO send me a
copy of the work, rs he desired me to
read 1t. I stood with the book in my
hand, mechanically turning the leaves;
and startad with a low cry, as l read
up the fiy leaf,-in his well-known
hand writing "To Dorothy from
Arthur, September 30tb, 49," and
the date was that OF the day upon
which he had failed to keep his APP.
pointment with me upon the beach.
With my heart beating wildly-tunul
tuously-and my brain whirl,ng In
IN bewilderment, 1 sank into seat,
totally ignoring the presence of my
employer ard the questions which he
poured forth. Was on the brink of a
discovery which would prove TO me
that had wronged my lover, after all,
and that he had not been false 10 me
As / sat there, slowly turning the
pages, . letter fell from between the
covers of the bOok-a letter addressed to
me In Arthur's band-fivs years old
My fingers trembled 90 that l could
scarcely tear 1t open but, at last,
was eagerly devourinG the contents
and knew the truth. 1t had been
written late In the day-that fatal day :
DARLING DoKRIE.-I have just re-
ceived q telegram calling me over 10
Dewhursr ct once. 1t is Ave miles
distant, you know, and AZ ! must start
on my journey tomorrow at sunrise, l
feel that must ridc over TO Dewhurst
Immediately. l cannot return In time
for our appointment; so, iarling-if
you will overlook the change in our ar
rangements, please let me call at the
house on my return. 1t will not be
Va, late, but as ! would not willingly
disturb your mother in her delicate
health, shall not call unless I zee o
light in the window. My little love
will not dissapoint me, am sure, since
30 much depends upon this meeting.
Dorrie, if lose you 1t will break my
heart. / send this by the office boy
and with 1t, the copy Of Sartor Resa r.
tus that promised you.
"Your own ARTHUR
1t was all explained; the mystery was
solved at last; and-he was married to
Miss Halter! Some strange impulse
prompted me to lay the letter in Mr..
Lees hand and request HIM to read it.
My good old friend read it slowly
then turne.i,on me q thoughtful look.
"Quite little romance, Miss
Dorothy" he cried cheerfully--" and if
Pm not mistaken, there's sequel yet
to come. | know Arthur Langdon. well;
he IL in this city now, on business. He
married Miss Haller--out of spite,
think. i know that she led him an TN
happy life but, poor thing. she has
been dead two years now, and he is all
alone in the world. That reminds me
that he agreed to call upon me this very
day; and-bless my heart, Dorothy,
there he Is now"
And before could demonstrate good
old Mr.. Lee had slipped away-and ],
with a strangely beating heart, arose
to welcome Arthur Langdon The past,
the dreadful, intervening years-all
rolled away and vanquished " like a
tale that is told" / only saw before
me-the lover of my youth arthur ="
l faltered brokenly, have just learn
ed the truth Oh, why did you not
write to me and demand an explana.
ton Arthur Arthnr. You nearly
broke my heart 20
He drew me to a seat, and seated
himself at my side, taking my cold,
trembling hands in his.
Don't torture me-" he painted,
hoarsely. have endured enough,
and my punishment has been hard to
bear, God knows. 1t was all my mad,
wicked pride, Dorrie, that kept me
from writing TO you at first and after
that could not 1t seems that the
| boy by - hom / sent the letter and book
fsii-, 10 perform the errand, and the
book Lds turned up at this late day
laEong Mr.. Lees collections of old vol.
unies. Dorrie. II is too late to lament
n,r the past ? never loved her,-she
Is dead now can only pray God &c
forgive my Fin, and will dedicate the
rest of my life to your happiness. BE
Hy wife, Dorrie, and let us forget the
long dark years of separation 20
| That was many years ago. We are
old and gray headed now, and are drift
ing down the stream of life together, -
happy and content because we are to
eether-he and