Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1889-12-20

He was wild about Mary from the
first, and it was not very long before
the engagement was announced.
Now, there's what j can't under
stand, Kenyon had not so much
more money than Torrance as to
tempt any girl to prefer him, and be-
side Mary was not mercenary. To
my mind there had been some mis-
understanding, He may have been
Jealous and tired her; she was very
young and Kenyon adored her open
ly. Well, the cards came out. L had
felt uneasy about John all along,
not that | ever heard of him, but |
was so sure he would try to see her
again, that | was rot surprised to
see him walk in the very morning OF
the wedding.
"You have come
"To see her married, " he interrupt
ed, "only that. / wish to see her
vow herself to another man. Can
you manage it?"
"Yes," / said, but don't you
think
81 think nothing" he said, say
agely; and then, in a few moments:
"Where is it to be-"
Church." was my only reply; and
then we lapsed into silence.
Once he sprang to his teet as il
moved by sudden determination, but
in q moment seated himself again,
and spoke of other matters-MeXico,
his business and its success.
We went early to the church. and
as was an usher, easily seated him
within the ribbons. There were so
many other fellows there who were
known suitors of Mary Hastings, that
Torrance's presence was not especial
ly commented upon. He did not turn
his head to see the bride as she camo
in on her fathers arm, but | saw no
listened with painful interest to the
service, and he was deathly white as
the responses came from the altar.
He resolutely turned his face again
from the bridal party as they came
down the aisle. / did not really want
to go tothe house and leave him, but
he insisted, and, of course, there was
nothing else to do, but | did feel for
poor John, and was determined |
would plant one thin in Mary Ken
yon's matrimonial crown.
1t was the regulation wedding
reception in progress when | reached
the house, presents, supper, toasts,
and smiling faces. At the bride s
table had an old friends privilege
of sitting at the left hand of the queen
of the feast, and | viciously waited
my opportunity. Under cover Of
some imbecile toast it came, and |
whispered:
"What of Torrance
If looks could slay | should have
died then and there. Her eyes blazed.
"Never again, so long as you live,
mention his name to me-" she said.
And | never did.
She lives in Washington. | saw
her there and here, we both forgot
John and his little affair. After a few
years she seemed to fail and yet she
was as gay as ever, and seemed per-
fectly happy. Kenyon idolized her,
and their house was the center 81
a group Of choice spirits in Washing
ton. | often saw her there, and she
was always the same charming Mary,
but failing.
One spring she came home for a
visit, the last one she ever made
here. We saw then how it was. She
coughed, and her people feared con
sumption.
| felt much distressed at the
thought, had known her from Il
little girl, and had almost loved her
as woman. 1t was a sad pleasure
to see her now and then, and one
afternoon | found her looking Sc
much brighter that | suggested a
little walk. 1t was spring, and the
air was very mild as we strolled in
the almost deserted park. But soon
she tired and we sat on one of the
iron benches idly Watching the work
ers hurry home through the growing
dusk had risen to take her home
when she suddenly grasped my arm
"Who is that" she said hoarsely
pointing to a man walking slowly
toward the lake. "Who is it?'
1t was Torrance.
Fred" she said, "you were always
a friend of his and mine; go and tel
him | am here and that | wish tt
speak to him."
| hesitated n moment, and hel
dreadful cough came on. At the dis
tressing sound Torrance turned tC
us, and then he saw her. A soft and
lovely smile came over his face.
MARY" he said, just in the same
voice that had heard when | stood
years before at the library door anC
saw them standing together by the
fire. And then, at the remembrance
of that hour, he covered his face to
hide her from his sight.
Very gently, she moved the hands
that hid his face, at is |, she said
81 wished to speak to you"
"And Why" he said bitterly. AL
that you and | can say to each Other
is long since said-and forgotten"
"No, no, not forgotten she crist
wildly; "oh, John, how could
know
But neither John Torrance MOI
any man heard her Justification. A
hoarse sound came from her throat
and as she turned feebly to me saw
blood upon her lips.
He did not attempt to touch her
but stood as if turned to stone by
the dreadful sight.