The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1889-10-05

ess, with crimson husn on her cheeks
md forehead. Captain Swift felt that
some painful mystery was about to be
and that the woman by his
side was gathering strength for great
effort He generously repressed every
sign Of curiosity and establishment, and
waited her pleasure.
After a few moments she turned
toward him and spoke slowly and hesi-
tatingly.
II throw myself upon your mercy,
Captain Swift; do not deny publicly to-
morrow that you ever were married to
Jessica Wynne. DO not pursue those
who originated that-libel. Give me
time. assure you that | will do my
utmost to undo what have done."
She looked very young and fair. with
her earnest eyes and moist lashes.
What have you doner" he said,
simply. T..
listen to me. and forgive me II you
can. When first came to London, at
eighteen, / found it horrid place;
only married women were admired,
petted and courted-we girls were mo-
where. So made up my mind to come
back to town-married; and as l had
not a husband handy-they are 90
scarce you know invented one. ]
thought l was quite safe. l wanted
him to be an officer, because England
has such a lot Of troops in places people
never go to. l looked all over the
army and navy lists to make sure l did
not choose name belonging to any
living man; l christened him Mont
gomery Swift. hap-hazard; put the
paragraphs in the papers. He was a
very likely sort of husband to have,
you know, and it seems so natural that
he should forever be among the saw
ages-anywhere. Nobody seemed to
care about him at all; but they did for
his wife simply because she was not a
girl, and it was all working beautifully.
o, why did you turn upP Why did you
have Swift for godfather? Why did
he dieP"
would it have suited you to keep
up this farce much longer?" said Cap
tain Swift, gravely, but an amused look
passed in his eyes.
..Only little while," said Jessica,
promptly. II intend becoming widow
very soon-some of the climates out
there are so unhealthy-no one would
have asked any questions. One &C
cepts any thing in London when it is
convenient to be credulous; but If you
are that horrid man please don't ex.
pose me yet"
mot till l am dead, eh?"
II can't make him out dead now
she said petulantly; "but will &c
away. hide myself, never show my
face again"
THAT would be a pity; there must
be some other way to achieve widow.
hood"
Don't be cruel. It is dreadful! and
l know have been very foolish. But
really" she added, with resumption
of her old quaint coquetry. II can't de-
more than ask your pardon"
Eyes you can; you can ask for m,
advice" he said. extending his hand
sand. on my honor as a gentleman.
will help you toget out of this scrape.
They talked low and earnestly fol
the remainder of the journey. A
Edinburgh they shook hands warml,
and parted. But neither Jessica mo-
Captain Swift went to the Towers
Two separate kilograms informed Mrs
Bellune that her expected guests wer'
unavoidably prevented from joining he
party; nor did Mrs. Montgomery Swift
again gladden. the hearts of her faith
full SWANS by her presence at th'
fashionable resorts Of late summer o.
early autumn.
Three months later Jessica wa
walking ON the seashore only mill
distant from q pretty village nea
Bagni di Lucca, looking as fresh. crisl
and fair as before her first disastrou
London campaign. only there was
new tenderness in the dancing BROW
eyes as she lifted them trustfully Il
those of tall man on whose arm he
small hand rested.
| "And SO you are really, truly no
sorry that you never denied your mar
j riage with Miss Wynne?" she said
coaxingly.
mot sorry at all, darling, as it save
me the fuss Of communicating II now,
answered Captain Swift I'm desper
ately glad, though, it's all settled AM
done with. London Truth.
/ Curious Archaeological Discovery.