The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1886-05-20
PART LII.
CnRIsrNAs AaAIN Az wARLEYCoMsa.

Another year has gone by, and it is
Christmas again at Warleycombe. The
curtain has dropped upon the tragedy,
or, as some viii have it, the comedy of
thousands of human lives, and myriad
hopes and fears have eliminated and
been ingulfed in the mystery which
surrounds humanity. Life-sorrows have
been quoted. and ambitions set at rest
since Father Christmas last smiled upon
the pretty Devon lane, and a few old
faces that graced Warleycombe Lodge
for many successive Christmasses,
beaming kindly on the younger ones,
are missing this year from Reuben Har-
rild's hospitable roof. Laura moves
among her fathers guests with the
quiet grace of old. She has been smit-
ten with great grief, which may
shadow all her future years; but she
performs her worldly duties with ten
der resignation. She dwells with sor-
sow upon the memory of her lover, and
yearns to take him to her heart again;
for a nature like Laura's loves once,
and loves forever.
Laura was standing in the curtained
recess where she and William sat last
year. Her thoughts were dwelling
sadly on that time; and as she looked
out upon the unchanged scene, sorrow
full tears were IN her eyes. Her father,
who had been silently observing her,
moved to her side, and passing his arms
around her, begged her not to grieve.
q try not to, father" she said, lay
ing her head on her fathers breast and
sobbing quietly. but l can't help
feeling unhappy at the difference be-
tween this Christmas and the last"
Il wish" muttered Reuben Harrild,
'that William Fairfield had been at the
bottom of the Red Sea before he had
ever thought of coming to Marley
combei"
"Do not lay all the blame upon
William" said Laura; cit was chiefly
my fault"
Your fault that this man deceived
your
4" What if l deceived him firstp What
if l had secret which he should have
shared, and which l withheld from
him? Yes" she continued, quickly,
stopping the remark that Reuben Har-
rid was about to make, Il must tell
you all. You must unseal my lips,
father. If not out of love for me, in the
cause of truth and justice, you must let
me speak freely. without reserve"
Go on, Laura" he said, gravely;
81 think may trust YOU"
You will listen to me patiently,
will you not?" she asked sweetly. al
want to remind you of this time last
year, when came to you in your
study. You would not let me speak
then, but l am holder now, and know
1 am doing right. Father, came at
that time to ask your forgiveness for
Laura he rose hastily to his feet,
but Laura caught his hand, and pressed
it to her lips. DR.. Bax, passing at the
moment swiftly drew the curtains so
that they were shut from observation.
Arthur was out in the cold
the whole night, father" Laura
William and l were
where we are standing now,
and 1 saw Arthur's shadow on the
snow"
but William did not know?" ques-
toned Reuben Harrild, with hot flame
on his face.
mo, William did not know; that is
the cause of my unhappiness. William
saw Arthur's shadow, and wanted to
go out to it; but begged him to re-
main, fearing a discovery might be
made that would distress you; and, al
though William noticed my agitation,
l dared not explain the cause, for you
had enjoined silence upon me. Ar
thur had come to wish me goodbye; he
was going to the colonies the next day.
1t almost broke my heart to part with
him, and l begged him to see me once
more at midnight. 1 hoped that 1
might prevail upon you to forgive him.
and l came to your study to plead for
him; but you would not listen to me.