Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-09-10
CHAPTER VII.

naQ IaQed into the diHkneSS, ana was gone.
 CHAPTER VII. TELLS HOW CLAIRE WENT TO THE PLAY; AND
 HOW SHE SAW THE GOLDEN CLASP. ToM was dying, His dispositions had been taken and signed with his failing hand ; the surgeon had given his judgment, and my friend was lying upon his bed, face to face with the supreme struggle.
 The knife had missed his heart by little more than an inch, but the inward bleeding was killing him and there was no hope. He knew it. and though the reason of that cow ardly blow was a mystery to him, he asked few questions, but faced his fate with the old boyish pluck. His eyes as they turned to mine were lit with the old boyish love. Once only since his evidence was taken had his lips moved, and then to murmur her name. Ihad sent for her: short note with only the words Tom is dying and wants to speak with you" So, while we waited, I sat holding my friends hand and busy with my own black thoughts
 I knew that he had received the blow meant for me, and that the secret of this too, as well as that other assault in the gambling den. hung on the Golden Clasp and the Great Ruby. Whatever that secret was, the yellow
 
 glitter of her awful eyes. She it was that had directed the murderous knife in the hands of Simon ColliVer. Bitterly l cursed the folly which had prompted my rash words in the theatre, and so sacrificed my friend. With what passion, even in my despair, thanked Heaven that the act which led to Coliver's mistake had been Toms and not mine! Yet what consolation was it? It was I, not he, | that should be lying there. He had given his life for his friend-a friend who had already robbed him of his love. o false and traitCrous | friend
 | A knock at the door outside. Tom heard it, and in his eyes shone light of ineffable joy. | In answer to his look dropped his hand and went to meet her.
 ''Claire, how can I thank you for this speed?'
 "How did it hanpen?" Murdered" ." said I. "Foully struck down last night ;Ls he left the theutrc."
 Her eyes looked for moment us though they would have questioned me further, but l she simply asked l Docs he want to 500 me?' | When he heard IA was to die he asked for you. Claire if you knew how he longs to see you; had you only scrn his eyes when he heard you come! You know why-"
 She nodded! .;ravrlv.
 II surI;osr," she said slowly, we had better 'NothinS, 1 ;,rsw"rcd it is better SO. If there be any klo~l,',t;;t beyond the grave he will know lIl sU"n.'
 'Yes, it i+ better 30. Take me to km.'
 drew b;.c. ;s Claire approached the bed, dresding to mcrt Toms ey+s But 1 saw them welcome ncr in d flash of thankful rapture, then slowly cose us though unable wholly to bear this glad vision.
 You have come thcn," said the dying man. God bless you for that!"
 II am come, and oh! l am so very, very sorry"
 ''I SAW Jasper write and knew he had sent, but hardly d"rcd to hope. Iam--very weak and ;1n going fast"
 For answer a tear of infinite pity dropped | on the white hand.
 Don't weep, I can't bear to 500 you weeping It is all for the best. l can se" that have had hopes and visions but I should never have attained them, never. Now shall not have to strive. Better so, better so.'
 For d monl"nt or two the lips moved inaud ibly; then they spoke again
 1t was good Of yOu-tO come; was afraid -afraid-but you are good. You saved my play last night. but ynu cannot save me-" 4 wan smile played over the white face and was gone.
 Better so, for can speak now and he par doned Do you know why I sent for you? l
 
 not be anS,ry--I shall be dead soon, and in the grave, they says there is knowledge, Clarssa! oh pity me--pity me if l speak |"
 The eyes looked up inquirinsly and met their pardon.
 T have loved you-yes loved you. Can you forgive? It neC>d not distress-you-now, It was mad-mad I loved you, Jasle come here"
 I stepped to the bed.
 bar I al bar nd har +C For give me. Tell her I knew it was hopeless. Tell her so, Jasper.
 Powerless to meet those trustful eyes, weary with the anguish of my remorse, l stood there helpless,
 "Jasper is too much-upset just now to speak. Never mind, he will tell you later, He is in love himself. I have never seen her but hope he may be happier than I. For give me for saying that. lam happy now happy now.
 ''You do not know Jasper" continued the dying man after a pause; "but he you last night-and admired-how could he helI it? hope you will be friends-for my sake. Jasper is my only friend"
 There was gray shadow on his face now the shadow of death, Tom must have felt il draw near, for suddenly raising himself upor bis elbow, he cried
 "Ah, was selfsh-I did not think. They are waitingat the theatre-go to them. You will act your best-for my sake. Forget wha have said, if you cannot forgive"
 "Oh, why will you think that?"
 You do forgive? Oh, God bless you, Goo bless you for it Clarissa. if that be so, gran one thing more of your infinite mercy, Kis me once-once only-on the lips, l shal die happier so. Will you-can you do this?
 The film was gathering fast upon thos' eyes once so full of laughter; but through they gazed in passionate appeal. For answer my love bent gravely over the bed and witt her lips met his; then, still clasping her hand sank on her knees beside the bed.
 .'Thank God!'' My love-oh, let me call yo' that--you cannot-help-my loving you. b not pray-I am happy now and-they ar waiting for you..
 Slowly Claire arose to her feet and stoo !. | waiting for his last word . "They are waiting-waiting. Goodbye Jasper-old friend-and Carisssa-Clar ssa- my love-they are waiting-I cannot come | Clar-"
 Slowly Claire bent and once more touche his lips. then without word passed slowl l out. AS she went Death entered and foun on it's victims face changeless, rapturou l