Waterbury evening Democrat., 1889-05-31
A Masked Marriage,
BY JOHN F. BARRETT.

minute of time 10 the best possihl. account while some of the children weil: to school, and two smal! b. ys worked in the coal-breaker, picking sate for very small wage.
 There were no droncs in the .itt.e family hive, and all were cheered fro :: time to time by the letters which they received from the Philadelphia In>ti:.,. ton for the Blind, telling them thai there was hope of Noel Edwards recover ing his si"ht.
 When Clarence Carson returned tC Grimsby, after the confession of Tom Eckert had dispelled the shadow O.! doubt which hung over him, he promised his cousin Zelda in the most solemn manner that he would turn over new leaf, quit drinking and gambling, and be 8 sober, upright man, worthy of his name and worthy of his family anu it's great wealth and social standing. His resolu ton lasted but q few months so fnr a> sobriety was concerned, and once i'll the vortex of drink, all his old vices crowded around hlm once more.
 nt,r.ng his sobriety he had not annoy, ed l. Nth Edwards once, but the very first afternoon that he yielded to the old temptation he felt that he must zee heI again and claim her as his wife. Her rare beauty, modesty, intelligence ano maidenly sweetness had cast spell about him which he could not withstand when his resolution was the playthine of the intoxicating eur, mud so one day the young millionaire surprised the pro per Mir. Gusset by calling at the office o1 the factory and saying:
 II want to sec my wife,"
 "Your wife, Mr. Carsoni" said Gusset in amazement; "why, she is Eot here that know of. You must be mistaken
 But tell you she is," insisted Carson "and must see her. She Is sewing girl, and goes by the name of Eliti Edwards. want to speak to her nt elir. If you please" he added. with Il sheer
 Mr. Gusset was perpleXed. He had been endeayorlng for several days t. summon up sufficient courage to ask Edith to be his own wife, nnd now tI have this wealthy young fellow come forward and clam her ill that uncere monious fashion, was almost too much for endurance.
 "Surely you are testing, Mir. Carson, he ventured te say.
 "Surely lam not. }" was the reply. "Cul the lady, and we shall soon see."
 MT. Gusset complied with some hesita ton, summoned the office boy, and told him to inform Miss Edwards that she wal wanted in the business office.
 A few minutes later Edith appeared Her beautiful face was glowing-i very picture of health, notwithstanding hel hard work; but the color quickly left il when her eyes rested on Clarence Car son, who advanced with outstrctche6 hands to meet her.
 Edith. my wife! he said, "you mus, not work here any longer. I have come to take yon away, and you will not have to toll henoeforth for any of the needs o, comforts of life. Nay, do Tot shun me My name is now without stain, and can justly claim you as my own"
 "I thought you had outgrown hat halluoination, sir" said Edith with $ great effert at compromise. II am no, your wife, as you know, and can never be-"
 "But you know you are. and why try to evade me any longer. The finest home in Grimsby shall be yours," pleaded Clarence.
 "Without love the finest home woulc be q prison to me, even If were really your wife," said Edith. II beg that yo, will not pursue the subject any longer but that you will forget 1t forever, as had hoped you had done long since. Ant now please let me pass op to my work" She tried to leave the of1ioe by tn, door that led to the work-room, bu Clarence Carson stood In the way. Hi, face was flushed with drink and chagrin and his pride was stung to the quick t. think that this poor girl would deny hin in the presence of Mir. Gusset. "You shall not go.' he said, until prove to this gentleman that my olain Is well founded" and as Clarence hels the door with one hand, he produced from his breast pocket with the other thu Ransom, which Edith hated 50 heartily t, zee. and which she hoped had been los long since.
 "There, sir, read that" said Clarence placing the paper in Robert Gusset' l hands. That is the document tha proves us man and wife, and to whost authenticity Judge Ransom will swear as will also the two witnesses who's | names are attached"
 Gusset was stunned as he read the | paper. .tand handing 1t back to Carson, h. eaid
 l "You astonish me, know not what t. say. Of course, If Judge Ransom swear to ths marriage, that should settle it."
 "But 1 can swear that no such mar rtage ever took place, said Edith, fer vently; "and knowing that it did not why should be persecuted in this way My nfo has been made miserable fo months by this mock marriage, and can endure it no longer. Stand aside sir, she added, "and let me go to III, york;" but Clarence did not heed he words.
 "You must, you shall be mine /" he e, claimed, clasping her in his arms, wit the intention of forcing her into his cal riage and driving to his home. 1 Edith resisted stoutly, and called flo
 help, but the vacillnting Mfr. Gus.et ha
 been so perplexed by reading the ma1 | vfonx, nortfRoofo <hot Inn aif not hov