Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1890-03-27
A MANS FOLLY.

A6us
Lenore AsdeR was lovely girl and
quite belle in the pretty town Of
Scranton, where she had lived all her
life. The bridegroom elect sat wrap
ped in profound meditation, building
his castle in the air, with all the usual
disregard to cost, which charscterizes
young people. He was a hourishing
yeung lawyer, and the dainty little
home which he had just built tor his
bride was ready, and the future SEEM
ed all the colour de rose. stiN
i will close the Office now, he said
ct length rising to his feet, for shall
only have time to go up to the hotel
and get my dinner, then pack my be
longings all ready for the early morn
ing train. 'Ah stopping short at
the sound of familiar whistle-'there
comes the postman. What can he
have for me2' ...
He threw open the Office door, and
moment later he stood alone in the
room with letter in his hand let.
ter addressed to Van Lennox, Esq, in
q strange, crsmped, unfamiliar hand
He swiftly tore it open.
'Nr. Van Lennox,' it said, you
think you are on high road to sue
cess. You believe that you are loved
for yourself alone, and the thought
never occurs to you that you may be
only q miserable dupe. Lenore Ar
den loves you, but she loves money
better. Remember my words, There's
many slip 'twixt cup and lip and
old Montgomery, the millionaire, is
paying your afianced bride very close
attention. warn you. "A word to
the wise, etc. Of course, you will
not heed my warning, but the day will
come when you will remember my
words to your sorrow.
That was all-no signature, no date,
only those cruel, stinging words, which
for . moment stunned Van Lennox
with the force of blow.
He crushed the letter into his pock.
ct, his face pale as death, and pouring
glass of water from carafe upon
the table, drank it eagerly. .
4 will 60 home he muttered, slow
ly. How can / believe one word of
that cowardly letter ? 1t is true that l
have not heard from Lenore lately
with regularity, and her letters have
been short and unsatisfactory but her
excuse has been a good one. She has
been 80 occupied with preparations for
the coming event. l will pay no heed
to that cowardly blow struck in the
dark. I will go to Scranton to-mor-
row, as agreed, and when 1 have told
Lenore oil we will have merry laugh
at my expense.
He put on his overcoat and gloves,
and, donning his hat, made his way
into the street. The wind blew the
snow into his face, the gas lights far
ed and fickered, but Van Lennox
was oblivious to all else save his drearv
thoughts, for try as be might, he could |
not forget the letter. What if it,were
true? said doubt and mistrust, the two
dark fends which had taken posses
sion of his heart. |.. m.
1t cannot be true he groaned. |
She is the very embodiment of truth |
and honor; she would not be guilty of
such horrible wrong. And she loves
me-she loves me with all her heart.
God bless you my darling-my wife to
be- He reached his hotel, and two
hours later everything was in readi-
ness for the early departure, and in
the gay light of a chill winter dawn
Van Lennox started on his journey
that fatal journey which was destined
to mar his whole life.
1t was q three days trip, but
Van rather enjoyed it--or he would
have done 90 had il not been for that
strange aching in hislheart, where the
annoymous letter lay upon his breast
like weight of stone. sssa HI I
Stopping at a town on the route,
several passenge,s entered the coach
in which Lennox was travellng, {
Among them was young man from
Scranton With whom he was somewhat
acquitted The two greeted each other
warmly, and Frank Lewis seated
himself at Van Lennox's side. +
4 have been up the road days
journey, he said, and am on my way
home to Scranton now. Going to a
grand wedding to.night-have you
heard of it? Your old friend, Miss
Arden, is going to marry Montgom-
cry, the rich broker. He is immensely
wealthy, and everybody says she will
be the most envied woman in Scran-
ton. Why, Van, what is the matter2'
Nothing. / am subject to attacks
of pain in my heart. By the way. are
you sure of this piece of news, Lewis?'
Frank Lewis nodded confidently.
Sure as am alive There could be
no mistake, for Miss Lenore told me
herself that she was soon to be mar.
ried, and as old Montgomery has been
devoted in that quarter for a long time,
l have no reason to doubt the story
that was told me. However when
you reach Scranton
4 am not going to Scranton, Frank!