Springfield globe-republic. (Springfield, Ohio) 1884-1887, 1886-12-20

had as yet been said of his absence, and
i never heard how II was accounted for
Well, we returned to Milwaukee, where
/ was soon once more in the treadmill of
school. My trouble was So great that
for a time | was stunned, | went about
my duties mechanically and never Temem-
bered afterward the events Of the fall
looked upoa myself with loathing, a.
murdeTess, and sleeping or waking,
those beautiful, haunting brown eyes
were ever before me with their pleading
look. His words OF passionate protest
against my hardness ever rang in my
ears. Some way time dragged on, and
that very winter Aunt Kate found me out,
took me home, where first knew what a
home and mothers love were
Their, when she died year later she
left me half million. Mr. Bennett and
his wife were very kind and made my
home with them: was introduced 10 the
gay world. where my wealth Won me
suitorS by the score.
But my heart was with Ward Howe in
his unknown grave in the depths Of
DEVILS lake, and my faith in all mankind
was lost forever.
Last fall went to New York TO spend
the season with friend Soon after my
arrival We went to the opera and in the
leading tenor, To my Mortified surprise, |
recognized Ward Howe.
You stare, and well you may. After
three years Of never ceasing agony and
remOrse, with well nigh broken heart,
to find had been fooled fooled.
Heavens, such surging wave of rage
swept over me, such a blind wrath pos
sessed me that wonder did no mad act.
] can understand now how some murders
are committed, for had had u weapon
he surely never had lived TO break an
other girls heart.
But did nothing, sat statue like in my
place and listened to his clear, sweet
voice in impassiOned song, remembering
how he had ung bits from that same
opera to me rs we fioated under the
blue sky over the blue water in my fool 5
paradise.
At the conclusion he was called for
again and again, and finally appeared,
bowling and smiling. | waited until the
shower of bouquets and burst of applause
were over; then, leaning far out, cast
one single blood red rose 50 that it struck
him sharply.
He raised his eyes-ahl no mistaking
those liquid Orbs-ani caught my scorn
full gaze. Instantly that same look of pas
sionate love had so often encountered
leaped into them; then dazed, stunned
expression came over his face, and, bow
ing hurriedly, he left the stage
We left the house at once and have
never looked upon his face since. He
tried in every way possible to see me, but
aided by my friends evaded him, send
ing back his letters unopened. / could
never willingly seq him again. A horror
of what he must be to burden girls
heart with the crime OF murder to go
away and live his happy, careless life,
when he knew | was thinking him dead
by my act, showed depth OF evil in his
heart that made me shrink at the thought
Of meeting him again.
Only when the burden rolled away did
fully realize its weight. Later, when |
told the whole wretched story to Mr.
Bennett, he said be had talked with Ward
that very day about me; and he had
heard for the first time of my lowly posi-
ton. He had supposed me some heiress
that Mrs Bennet was chapCroning.
Then could understand that the story
he told me and his tragic plunge into the
water were only tricks to evade his en-
gagment with poor girl. Could under
stand how easily he swan ashore and went
away rejoicing i'll his freedom, never
thinking or caring for the burden he had
laid upon girls heart. do not know
what became of him. He sang once in
Milwaukee, but | did not hear him |
never wish to see him again--Rye John
son ia Pioneer Press.