Springfield globe-republic. (Springfield, Ohio) 1884-1887, 1885-05-24

v
heard that was here, you must have
known for what purpose. Marion! J
am once more free, and come to ask
you to let me atone, II possible, for all
your past unhappiness, aud to crown
my future life BY becoming my wife"
ut Is too late, Vincent" she an.
swcred, calmly.
1T is never too late for happiness.
Let mo make yours.
ut Is not In your power"
mot in my power! !, whom you
loved so fondly, for whom you were
ready to sacrifice the worldp"
'llush!" sho said, grandly, as she
rose from her seat and walked a little
way from him. "You forget yourself,
Lord Vincent That was ten years
ago"
"And can women forget so easilyp"
he replied with sigh, "ls 1t possible
that all my words, my looks, my ac-
tions. have passed from your memory,
Marionp"
mot a word. not an action" she
said, sadly. "Could forget more ca
silly, | might forget more freely"
What do you meant"
THAT remember but too well each
pledge you gave me of good faith, with
the curse that followed your inf.
delity."
marion, do me JUSTICE! DO not call
my voluntary REIMBURSEMENT of your
affection by so harsh u term. l re-
nounccd il for your sake. not my own"
$50 you said. l know"
'Do you doubt itp What good
<,,,I,l 80. ;ll f,tnl lnu., haze, krnurht IN
you--a married womanP"
"You knew that was married from
the first"
True, but had not calculated OF
the effects of our intimacy. When |
perceived it did what considered to
be my duty
when my husband returned from
the United States, you mean!'
"Do you think that, my eyes once
opened, would not have separated
from you under any circumstances
II do not; but know that the cir
cumstance that opened them was your
own interest"
"You do me an injury" he said.
somewhat angrily.
II tell the truth" sho answered
boldly, land the truth is this. You
met me first when was quite alone
fact which should have rendered you
more, rather than less, careful in the
establishment of our friendship. was
not girl. You were not boy. You
told me numberless times how dear l
was becoming to you, and | entreatcd
you to leave me before it was too late.
But you sworc that the possession of
my friendship would be more to you
than another woman's love-"
"And so it was; it has bcen." he in
terrupted, eagerly.
"Please to hear me to tho end. You
knew what my life was: that had
married a man found it impossible to
love, or even sympathize with; that his
nature was mean and low and grovel-
ing, mine full OF feeling and high aspi-
ration, and yours very similar to mine
without the power OF affection"
Don't say that! You know loved
you.
"Vincent! you deceive yourself. You
never loved me! The thing which you
call love Is mere phantom-the refiec-
ton OF the soul that loves you on your
own selfish mind.
"You are bitter, madam
II must be candid. How many times
during that term OF intimacy did you
tell me that you should never marry,
but rest contented with my friendship
to your life's end? was foolish enough
to believe you, trusted your word as
though II had been inspired; laid my
whole soul bare to you. You were my
idol.
You loved me, Marion! ! am sure
OF II.
Loved you! Love is no word for the
feeling with which you inspired me.
thought you were a saint. a hero,
sacriiicIng your own inclinations for
my sake' ann ready to devote life
time to my interests; and it was hot
love with which repaid you; it was
alteration. And then, when you had
bound me completely to yourself,
when you had made all the world a
desert to me without your presence,
you married, and you left me-"
what would you have had me to
dor" he responded, eagerly. "You
know how painful my position had be.
. come, and how the return Of your hus-
band interrupted the course of our
friendship. There were but two alter
natives for me to choose from--eithcr
to persuade you to leave your home
with me and sink you in irreparable
disgrace, or-to leave you! ] chose the
latter, and nearly killed myself by SO
doing. And now you blame me for a
sacrifice that was made for you alone"
She curled her lip slightly as she re-
piled
"Was it? You did not seem much
like dying to me when met you after
ward in the company of your fair
wife,"
''You would have condemned me to