The Republican., 1889-03-16

Approaching him her graceful form
and beauty everywhere conspicuous,
he soon deserted her, and when he
asked few moments of her time, she
gave them willingly. The witchery o.
-l.----r,--~-s---->ptered.-. his
youth and the counsels she had, per
haps, unwittingly followed made his
voice low and tender as he addressed
her.
Did you know had seen Clarence
lately, Mrs. Somers?"
A flush of eagerness passed over her
face at mention of his name.
81 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 l will rejoin him.
'Will you letme 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 frowus, when the sun
shine was obscured by clouds, when
his heart, sore and bruised, needed the
tender touch of Il wOman's hand, 10,
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
failed him; he grew cynical,
his frank nature reserved, until, in
desperation, hes sought scenes and as
sociates from Which onee he would
have shrunk."
Tell me no more" Fay interrupted.
IL can catch the meaning of the story
you have told. o, Mr.. Rutherford,
nave l indeed been so cruel and so
leartless! If Clarence would but let
ne, would rather share his life than
Ill else on earthn'
''Do you mean that?'
'1ndeed, indeed l do Only persuade
ny father to give his consent, and
will go to him."
"Show him you are earnest in your
lesire, and he will not withhold it:
md as for Clarence, he will not ask his
owe shall go to him unsought; and see
f his arms are not wide open to re-
GIVE you."
A week later, and Fay Somers stood
II the room which her husband called
lome. She had not expected elegance,
nut her heart shrank as she gazed
ound her. 1t seemed strange and new
or the dainty fingers to busy them
elves in the task of bringing Il look of
comfort to the cherries place, to place
resh flowers here and there, to re-
rrange and restore order; but when it |
vas over, and she surveyed her work,
he felt thrill OF pride and pleasure
ew and keen, and sat down with a
ash of expectation to await his COM
ng, who little knew what fairy sat by
is hearthstOne. At last she heard a |
ey in the door below; but surely those
teps, slow and half listless, were not
is, and she sank back in the chair
'om which she had half-risen, chilled |
nd disappointed. But at the door
hey pause; it opens. and Clarence
lands upon the threshold with wide
5aring eyes at the apparition con-
'onting him.
Clarence" she exclaims, in glad,
lnging tones, and springs into his
rms, which open wonderingly to re-
Give her, and into which she fed as a
ird to its nest.
THANK God! Thank Godr" so the
fall from his white lips,
lille her little hand brushes back the
air from the brow, now so full of
nes; and ever and anon the young
ps set their seal upon it. She bends
gain to kiss his mouth, but he holds
er back as he says:
81 can not take your kiss, Fay, until
tell you from what you have saved
le. l had grown hard and desperate.
seemed useless battling against Fate.
heard that you were gay and happy;
lat you were admired by others; and,
} Fay, l thought to put an end to all
lis misery, this wretchedness of living;
0 longer to hamper your young life
ith mine. l forgot there was d God,
nd 10! | found an angel sent by Him,
aiting and watching for me. Fay,
lrling, can you forgive me? Can you
iss lips which thus have sinnedY'
"Ah, Clarence, your every word but
abs my heart with its own unworthi-
ess. Never. never again will we so
rong our marriage vow; and whate'e 'er