Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1889-05-23
Mechancstwn Frederick County, Maryland Thursday May e. 1883:

They passed from sight and hearing,
but had not heard enough? Yet he
had he known Meta Gray years before
he had met nas. Why had he not 10y
ed her then? Perhaps he had, and
some fancied barrier had parted them
which separated them caused him 10
realize the might have beeu.'
oh, that l might dler l whisper
ed, softly. to myself; but death at l8
come not for asking.
In that moment read my own heart
by each slow throb of suffering-the
heart which belonged to him to whom
the gift was valueless. But the pride Of
race, which had proved one of the con.
ditions, as it were, Of my marriage,
should not bestay me now.
With new empressment I greeted Mr..
Lyle on his return, and when, few
moments later, I heard the notes Of one
of Strauss waltzes, 1 spraug to my feet
declaring nay desire for just one round.
AS we whirled through the dance, 1
caught Dennis stern. amazed glance
from where he stood alone in the door,
way, and was not surprised when, at
its close, be approached and offered me
his arm.
Pride forbade my refusing and az
chance wllled, he led me into the still
deserted conservatory, on the very spot
where had listened, brief while be-
fore to his words to Meta Gray.
4 am willing. Nannette,' ho began
in tones whose very quiet showed the
effort necessary to repress his feeling,
'forego every claim upon you except
that Of your respect-but my wife
waltzes with no man unless her hus.
band. did not deem expression of my
wishes on this point necessary
'Ah! 1 answered, almost with sneer.
is this your judgement or the worlds
the world which deems you so hap
py in your wretchedness p
AS l spoke, every trace Of color left
his face. He grasped my arm.
You heard my words to Meta Gray !?
he questioned. you heard them, and
can dare taunt me with them? Are
you woman or fiend, that you should
do this thing::'
4 stood on this spot, Mr.. Worford,'
I answered, calmly, and overheard
your confession of love Is it strange
should wonder at your right to lay
claim even to my respect I?
And why not::> he said sternly.-
'My confession Of love l wonder
that you laugh at it. 1t was not per-
haps, included in the terms of your
fate, but it is at least unwomanly to
taunt me with it,
And, turning away, he buried his
face IN his hands, while one ray of sun
light pierced the clouds of blackness
and distrust which had so long envel-
oped me.
Could it be that, had I heard all of
the sentence, the sequel would have
been other than 1 thought:
Dennis 1 whispered, laying my
hand softly on his shoulder, tell me
why did you marry me?'
Because I loved you 6ercely, madly,
and because I hoped In time when we
were alone together, might win from
you answering love, instead OF scorn
and mockery.
you love me?' l questioned. You
are sure?
'Nannette, what do you mean?
Ny dream is over. Do not resurrect
its ashes
And you love me still ? l 60 OH
You do not love Meta Gray?'
'Nannette, child, what mistake is
this?'
But had thrown myself, sobbing,
in his arms.
oh, Dennis, how nearly shipwrecked
have we been through our prlde-how
blind Ny husband-my husband!'
And then I tcld him, all my folly,
and the love which had been his form
first.
Two years have passed since then
two happy years. Last summer with
our guests, we welcomed Mr.. and Mrs.
Lyle-the bride, nee Meta Gray, more
beautiful than ever in her new-found
happiness.
A revenue officer entered the store
of a merchant who meyer advertised
and arrested him because he kept a
still house.
will the youngest girls in the school
house please rise 2 said visitor. Ev-
cry female stood up, including the