The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1888-07-28

interests are inseparably connected with II,
aud by fair means or foul we shall and must
succeed. If the first part of the scheme
does not separate them, the next will. IL
is well that she has never met me that she
knows nothing of the mad passion with
which she has inspired me. But we will
wait until he comes and we are sure of the
worst" And that assurance came very
soon when Gilbert, pale and agllated, but
with a new brightness and resolution mark
ing his expression, came and bent over his
dying parent.
Colbert" gasped the dying man, "You
know what is my wish with regard to you
and Lolo. | had hoped to live to witness
your marriage, but it is too late"
''But, father, hear me-" urged Gilbert
"I am already
But even as he spoke the eyes of the in
valid glazed, and he sank back with his ex-
piring breath. But another had marked
the scene and caught the unfinished words
and as Gilbert laid Lis father gently back
upon the pillow, Lola Marshall, with
white, set face, glidcd from the ROOM
A week had passed, and she yonng bride,
pale and anxious at the utter absence of
any tidings from her husband, was seated
in her room, when maid entered announc-
inga visitor, who followed her Immediately
care you the person known by the name
of Mrs. Gilbert West?" the stranger in.
quired.
81 am Mrs. West" answered Edna
briefly.
~ have sad news to break to you, my
poor GIRL" continued her visitor. 1.-THE
tidings that you haYe been made the dupe
of an INSCRIPTIONS man. Your marriage
was sham-the man you supposed a min
lister, simply a confederate. He did not, il
is true, intend to desert you quite so sson,
but circumstances he could not control
have made it necessary"
In silence the young bride listened to the
cruel words, Then her pale lips parted.
81 do not know you'll do not believe
you," she said, simply. II am lawfully
married wife, and you can bring no charge
against my husband-no accusation so ter
rible that will have any weight with me,
unsupported by his testimony"
"Have you a marriage certiicate?" asked
her visitor, abruptly.
"My husband has it," replied Edna
proudly.
"He knew better than to leave it with
you, even though it was worthless" said
the stranger. "At this very time he is
preparing to contract marriage with a lady
to whom he has long been betrothed.
learned these facts in way / cannot eX-
plain now, and came to offer GU the shelf
er and protection of my home, where neitl-
Ter the pity nor the SANDER of the world
will disturb YOU
Rising from her seat, Edna waved her
hand toward the door.
Bring all the proofs you can TO substan-
tiate the shameful story you have told
me-" she said in low, clear voice. "rhen
bring me Gilbert, and in his eyes and voice
I will read the truth or falsity of youi
words. No other test will convince me-"
The visitor rose, dark light burning in
his eyes which Edna with her head bowed
did not see.
Every WE'LL" she answered, coldly. II
would have saved you some share of the
scorn and contumely YOU must otherwise
endure. BukI will bring my proofs, and
you shall see the worstv' and she swept
from the room, leaving Edna half fainting
in her chair.
Two more dreadful days dragged by, and
reason seemed TO be rocking on its throne
Edna was sitting in her room battling
with the well-nigh dstracting doubts and
fears that possessed her, when step came
to the door-it opened, and voice greeted
her ear
"At last, darling at last 1 am here to
vindicate your trust and faith"
With low cry Edna sprung to her feet
took an eager step forward, and then az
suddenly recoiled with blanching cheeks.
He stood before her in the doorway
looking upon her with a smile-a man who
gazed at and spoke to her almost with he
husbands eyes and voice, but agains
! whom, at that crucial moment, some in
stinct stronger than reason, more poten
: than logic, warned her as with Lying
voice,
"H'ho are you9" she gasped in bewider
ment.
= "Who am I?' he repeated in fond re
! proach. "What does that mean, Edna
! Has this brief absence, trying though it ha
l been, obliterated me from your memor
and love? Have you no welcome for you
Y husband?"
T. She came up close to him and raised lie
e pale face, gazing with piercing scrutin
into his eyes.
S "You are strangely like him-marvelous
5 ly SOP she uttered finally. "But the hus
y band for whom my welcome is waiting doe
a not dwell ir your body"
4 "You are wild, Edna-crazed by th
: trial to which have unwlliDgly been CON
e PEELED to subject you,' was tie soothin
g response. Let me take you from thl
place at once, and your mind will recoye
i its tone, and you will be able TO recogniz
e aud acknowledge me as your husband"
y mot one slep,sir, with you!' said Edna
recedng as he held out his hand. 'Mor'
e oyer, | command you TO leave me at onc'
n What horrid jugglery this is | know not; (;
G only know that although you can cOunte
g felt him with rare skill, you are not m
Il husband, and will go with none other"
Q. "Listen to me, EdnaG' said her yisil'
y after moments silence, his lips workip
e neryously. What sinister influence hi
IS come between us, know not; but this II
r, 1 will humor you. | will leave you to-nigh
= as see you are strangely excited, but u
l. morrow night will return and take yo
s. from this place, and, if necessary, remo'
in you TO an asylum until you recover fro
IL this strange madness. Let us hope that