The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1891-02-27

lyon know you have been away for
some time, old fellow"
1t did not seem to fit in very we'll;
but he accepted it as an argument, and
said:
''There is something in that, but
don't let people talk about it. know
he relies upon you and me-"
There was something SO touching in
the reliance of this unknown, that
glow of sympathetic affection warmed
my heart, and l resolved on the spot
that his confidence should not be mis-
placed. Come what might, the secret
of that old mans life should never be
betrayed by me. Others might make
it subject of club gossip or tea-table
title tattle, but no word of mine
should add one drop to the cup of Bit
ternesS that had been placed at his
lips. There are passages in the lives
of all of us which we would wish to
have buried in oblivion-the thought
less follics of youth. the unworthy am
billions of manhood, and the selfish
iealousies of old age; who is there that
can stand up and say there is no cpl
sodc in his life he would not have ex-
plunged, forgotten or condoned?
We had turned into restaurant for
a bit of dinner, and those thoughts
passed through my mind as we ate our
fish. My companion pondercd sadly
for few seconds, and then, shaking
himself together as though to throw off
an unpleasant train of thought, said:
Now, tell me about yourself, your
wife and family"
Before | had time TO reflect upon
what might be the result of my dis
closure, blurted GU: the simple truth:
Il have no wife"
He looked intensely surprised, as he
said: My dear fellow, | am very sorry.
| never heard lie paused, inquir-
ingly, and again blurted out:
II never had one
A look of extreme pain spread over
his, face as he heard this. He leaned
across the table, and laying his hand on
mine, said. with infinite sympathy: 81
see it all; ought not to have asked you.
Forgive me. old fellow, and forget that
have said these words"
| rave him Il clamuy hand and turned
away. lest he should detect the con
sCious, guiltiuess of my face. had be-
come confirmed in suspicion that had
been gradually dawning upon my mind,
that had never set eyes upon my host
before that day, and that | had been
carried away by some ineXplicablc
chance resemblance to some remote ac-
quaintancc. and by his own apparent
cordial recognition Of myself There
was no blinking the facts. however.
Everybody that he mentioned was a
| total stranger to me. while every Incl
dent that | mentioned with a view to
drawing him out seemed to find his
nlind blank. My sole object now YVES
| TO cltricatc myself from my false posi-
ton without detection. got absolute
| ly and hopclessly involved in fable and
falsehood, and after having thus lightly
taken away the good name of the sup
posititious mother of my children, d
sort, of despair took possession of me
and q wild desire to avoid exposure OF
explanation at any cost.
| The Gunner was good, the VINE excel
lent, and my host gcniality itself. We
sat late and drank freely, ard over oui
cups | blush to think Of the people
married, the old friends l buried an(
the characters I took away. But he
would have news, and what was tC
do? Much of my information seemed
to afford him matter for establishment
and often he calculated:
''You don't tell me So" as conveyed
some specially startling piece Of person
Ill news.
However, the time for departure came
at last, and my mind was torn with con
ilicting desires to escape detection ant
TO ascertain his identity.
You'll come and see us" he said cor
daily, as we shook hands preliminary
to leaving.
Yes, certainly" 1 replied: 'bu
where are you putting up now?"
"Oh, the same old quarters" he re
turned.
What is the best way TO got there?
asked, us last and altogether despcr
ate hope.
you can't do better than take a cab,
he said; and VIC parted never to NEE
again. st James Gazette.