Savannah courier. (Savannah, Tenn.) 1885-1979, 1889-03-28

fish only in her thoughtlessness. Show
her that you miss and need her, and
you will find the true woman-heart
spring into life."
But Clarence shook his head, and
Percy felt he could say no more. But
when a month later he stood in Mr.
Howard's brilliantly lighted parlors.
everywhere round him evidences of
luxurious wealth, and saw the fair
daughter OF the house with her smile
as free, her laughter as joyous as
though her heart had never known a
care, he wondered if there were aught
beneath that smiling surface which
could turn from the altar of worldli-
ness at which it seemed to offer itself
a living sacrifice.
If there was no one else to do it, he
would make one appeal to the wife and
the woman. A half hour later he rose
to find her and carry out his newborn
resolution. He had not long to seek.
Approaching him her graceful form
and beauty everywhere conspicuous,
he soon deserted her, and when he
asked a few moments of her time, she
gave them willingly. The witchery of
her loveliness conquered even his
sterner thoughts, and pity for her
youth and the counsels she had, per-
haps, unwittingly followed made his
voice low and tender as he addressed
her.
Ibid you know had seen Clarence
lately Mrs. Somers?"
A flush of eagerness passed over her
face at mention of his name.
Il could but picture the contrast"
he continued, "between the happiness
on your face and the sad loneliness
written upon his"
81 am here by my husbands wish,
Mr.. Rutherford" she interrupted. "and
could hardly be SO ungrateful to the
kind friends who try to brighten my
life, as to repay them with sorrowful
looks or frowns. AS soon as Clarence
desires it will rejoin him."
''Will you let me tell you little story,
Mrs. Somers, a story of a man young
and full of hope as Clarence was but
little more than year ago, on whose
footsteps misfortune too quickly fol-
lowed and overlook him, and laid her
cruel mark upon his brow-who had
stood, even as you have stood, before
Gods altar, with one who promised to
cherish him until death, but who con-
structed that phrase, as you have done
and when the smiles of the world were
converted into frowns, when the sun.
shine was obscured by clouds, when
his heart, sore and bruised, needed the
tender touch of woman's hand, TO-
she had fled from the darkness and
gloom which threatened to o'ershadow
her; and he was too brave, too generous
to call her back; but little by little life
changed. Almost without his knowl
edge, his old faith in woman's love and
constancy failed him; he grew cynical
his frank nature reserved, until, il
desperation, he sought scenes and as
sociates from which once he woulc
have shrunk."
"Tell me no MORE" Fay interrupted
II can catch the meaning of the story
you have told. 0, Mr.. Rutherford
have / indeed been so cruel and Sc
heartless! II Clarence would but le
me, would rather share his life thar
all else on earth!'
"Do you mean that?'
"Indeed, indeed l do Only persuad,
my father to give his consent, and
will go to him."
"Show him you are earnest in you
desire, and he will not withhold 1t
and as for Clarence, he will not ask hi
love shall go to him unsought; and se
if his arms are not wide open to re
ceive you."
A week later, and Fay Somers stoo
in the room which her husband Gale,
home. She had not expected elegance
but her heart shrank as she gaze
ronnd her. 1t seemed strange and ne'
toe the dainty fingers to busy them
, selves in the task of bringing look G
, comfort to the cheerless place, to plac
, fresh flowers here and there, to re
arrange and restore order; but when
was over, and she surveyed her work
, she felt a thrill of pride and pleasur
, new and keen, and sat down with
flush of expectation to await his CON
ing, who little knew what fairy sat b
his hearthstone. At last she heard
, key in the door below; but surely thos
steps, slow and half listless, were nc
, his, and she sank back in the chai
, from which she had half-risen, chile
and disappointed. But at the doc
{ they pause; it opens, and Clarenc
\ stands upon the threshold with wild
( staring eyes at the apparition col
e fronting him.
h Clarence" she exclaims, in gla(
4 ringing tones, and springs into h
r arms, which open wonderingly to r.
v ceive her, and into which she fed as
$ bird to its nest.
!. Thank God Thank Godr' so I'll
g sentences fall from his white lip
v while her little hand brushes back Il
4 hair from the brow, now so full
lines; and ever and anon the youn
$ lips set their seal upon it. She beut
n again to kiss his mouth. but he hold
o her back as he says:
O IL can not take your kiss, Fay. unit
1 tell you from what you have save
me. l had grown hard and desperat
v 1t seemed useless battling against Fat
IS heard that you were gay and happ
v that you were admired by others; an
d so Fay. thought to put an end to