The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1886-10-02

INTEREST IOT MN,
Early next morning, while the sun is
glinting the ocean in its first splendor,
he meets her suddenly on the beach.
With almost a start ana flush she
meets his glance, then with a slow, cold
bow, passes on to the house, while he
curses the fate that ever entwined her
life with his-the fate which for her
sake has dashed all his brightest and
best dreams, making his faith Illusions,
and love seem like an unsigntly blur of
crime.
And Cyril had never loved her with
the mad alteration which is soaring his
life.
a brief frenzy of despair when he first
found thaC Leigh was lost to him, that
was all.
Years ago he had married the woman
with whom rumor had connected him
in marriage while yet he was betrothed
to Leigh.
1t is many days before he again sees
her alone. Other men flock around the
only woman on earth to him, while he,
who has the right. is not even allowed
to touch the sarcred hem OF her gar
ment.
In his self-scorn and abasement, he
even enyies the man, less wrctched than
he, who can stop to take his own life.
His heart leaps with a great madness
as he finds her one day sitting on the
balcony alone, a weary, thoughtful look
in her beautiful proud eyes as they
watch the gay groups on the sands.
His voice is calm and cold, with an
undercurrent Of resigned despair, as he
pauses before her and speaks:
"Are you not satisfied" he asks
slowly. "Or must my atonement last
forever?"
Forever" she answers, rising with
slow, proud dignity" is not atonement
sufficient for your sin, Philip Wallackw
Then suddenly, while the sight holds
her spellbound, the calm, weary look
on his face changes to one of grand
scorn and dignity.
"My sin, which was to love a woman
without a heart, he answers, calmly as
ever, suppressing all signs of passion.
"For such a sin there should be no
pardon! Love gladdens the lives of
other men, mine it has devastated and
blighted Every passion, ambition and
hope of my life has been burnt out in
unaviling remorse and yearning If |
could give back your entire freedom,
would gladly do so. As it is, | shall
meyer molest your peace. Only this,
that l have loved you as a goodness
while you are only a woman-cruel and
merciless as the grave. You are not
worthy the generous, unbounded love l
gave you'll"
Love elevates its object" she said
softly, "neyer degradcs it,"
There was no degradation in the
honorable name | gave you, nor at the
life laid at your feet. But words are
useless-they cannot bring us back our
buried hopes and ambitions, so fare
well!"
A few hours later, she is again on the
balcony, her eyes suspiciously red, when
he is carried up the marble steps he
descended so recently and-and there is
blood staining the ghastly face against
Jack Garsherrie's shoulder.
PRAY do not be frightened, Mrs.
Wallack," sayf Arthur Clask. reassur-
ingly, as he comes toward her. "Poor
Phil it was brave act. but one fol
which fear he will suffer all his life.
He saved little girls life by snatching
her from before runaway team; but
think his back is hurt"
There is low, gasping sob, and the
beautiful belle-the ''proudest she in
Christendom"-is kneeling beside the
wounded man.
"My husband!' she cries in an agony
ofregret. "Oh, my husband, my love
Philip, forgivew
IIhile every one stares in amazed
surprise, she caresses the bruised head
and his pale lips flutter family, and
grasp:
Leigh! At last, my love-my life u