The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1885-04-09


do not be afraid of agitating me. Philip
has never made love to me--is nothing
to me, as you seem to fear"
~Ah, them" in a tone of relief, "you
ought to know the story. Philip is
married. and his wife is supposed TO be
living"
In spite of herself Nora shivered and
turned pale.
well, when did this happen? Please
tell me all, she said, as quietly as she
could
at isn't long story, and it's net a
very romantic one. He was drawn into
the thing when college youth. He
married his landlady's daughter pri-
vately; and six weeks after she ran
away with his most intimate friend All
this before his college course was ended.
He took no steps to trace his wife, and
there the matter rested"
Il am glad you told me this, papa,
Nora said, simply. "One ought to be
posted upon these matters"
Her manner then and after was so
calm that her father congratulated him
self on his timely revelation. Il might
have been too late" he said to himself
Days passed. Philip did not appear
Then one day package came to Nora,
containing very small copy of "Doux
Souvenir" exquisitely bound in violet.
From the pages dropped a note:
NORA have seen your father, who
tells me you know all this has brought
me to sense of my own peril, and L
feel dare not meet you again.
"PHILIP."
Nora told herself she should not,
would not, care, and she forced herself
to be brave; but she did care for
all that, and she laid away "Doux Sou
venir' "Triste Souvenir" and
never played it now. Still her life went
found herself in the artists reception
in company with some friends. Ex-
quisitely dressed groups passed up and
down before the beautiful pictures, the
air was filled with sweet sounds and the
scent of rare flowers, and Nora was al
most forgetting to feel sad. There was
pause in the music, and her friends
were chatting gayly around her, when
softly, sweetly from an adjoining room
came the sounds of "Doux Souvenir. :"
Turning quickly, Nora met Philips
eyes.
He stepped forward. II must speak
to you this once" he said.
With word of excuse to her friends
she took his offered arm and walked
with him up and down, always within
sound of the song.
"Nora," he whispered passionately,
II can not keep away from you'll can
not live without you. Speak one word
to strengthen me, to comfort me"
But the same set look was on her
face, and she stopped suddenly. Her
eyes were on a picture hanging near
Two shadowy forms driven by ter
rible, cruel wind, and the low, sad
moaning OF the song might have been
the sound of its passing.
His sad eyes followed hers, his face,
too, grew deathly white.
Il accept the porient," he sighed; Il
take warning. Come away, Nora, come
away. oh, comew
NO" she answered, dreamily, II
would rather stay"
Nora" he pleaded, won't you listen
to me? l implore you, for my sake, if
you will not for your own"
Il can not move" she whispered;
something holds me to the spot"
A look of torture passed over his
face, followed by one of sudden relief,
as young artist passed close to him.
Ernest" he said, addressing him,
quick stop that music. l will ex-
plain later-only be quick!"
An exclamation of surprise and pain
escaped the artists lips; but the next
moment he dashed forward, saying.
"The lady has tainted Here, this way,
l will show you" He threw wide q
small door beside them which had
been concealed by heavy curtain, and
opened into quiet room.
Philip carried in Nora and laid her
on lounge, while the other FASTENED
to admit the air. Then while she lay
restored, but white and still, too weak
to open her eyes, she heard the stranger
say, Philip, old friend, forgive me if
you can. l loved her; you did not"
Philip only answered, quietly,
Where is she now?"
Dead" groaned the artist; "dead
two months since. You never cared
for her, and / would have given my life
to save her. Do not excuse my sin. ]
only ask your pardon.
Nora opened her eyes to see Philip
lay his hand in that OF the man who
had so hearlessly betrayed him.
II forgive you now" she heard him
say. 81 once thought never should.
You painted the Francesca da Rimini 2"
"Yes. You noticed the likeness?
And did you cad the repentance and
misery that could only paint such an
gush?"
Il think / did, !" he answered.
Nora rose. "Did you paint that love
ly, beautiful picture?" she asked turn
ing to the artist.
He bowed.
Il cannot think, she sighed, passing
her hand over her brow, show it is pos
sible; but that is what has haunted me
for years when played 'Doux Souven-
ir,' until the notes have come to sound
like storm winds, and l could see so
plainly those weary forms drifting
hither and thither-one, ali! one was
like you, only shadow. and the
other"
"She is dead now" he said, hoarsely;
"let her rest