The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1889-05-11

flowers faded, and the birds shed theil
radiant covering, you put her from
you, and went forth alone. She is sell
fish only in her thoughtlessness. Show
her that you miss and need her, and
you will find the true woman-hear1
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..
Towards brilliantly lighted parlors,
everywhere round him evidences oil
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
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 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 l had seen Clarence
lately, Mrs. Somers?"
A flush OF eagerness passed over her
face at mention of his name.
II could but picture the contrast, :"
he continued, between the happiness
on your face and the sad loneliness
written upon his"
II am here by my husbands wish,
Mr.. Rutherford" she interrupted. 'and
l 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 a 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. 10.
she had fed 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. he sought scenes and as
,ociates from which once he would
have shrunk."
Tell me no more" Fay interrupted.
II can catch the meaning of the story
you have told. o, Mr.. Rutherford,
nave indeed been so cruel and so
1eartless! If Clarence would but let
ne, would rather share his life than
I'll else on earthr'
''Do you mean that?"
Indeed, 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 10 |
ind as for Clarence, he will not ask his |
owe shall go to him unsought; and see |
his arms are not wide open to re-
GIVE you."
A week later, and Fay Somers stood |
n the room which her husband called |
ZONE. 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 look of
omfort to the cherries place, to place
resh flowers here and there, to re-
rrange and restore order; but when it
1as over, and she surveyed her work,
ne felt thrill of pride and pleasure
ew and keen, and sat down with a
ush OF expectation to await his COM
1g, 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
ON which she had half-risen, chilled