Lewiston teller. [volume] (Lewiston, North Idaho) 1878-1900, 1891-09-03

suicide.
Hour after hour sat gazing at the glow
Ing embers, but seeing only Philippa's be-
loved face. How had life Jared with herr
Where was she at this moment? The re-
solve to quite my seclusion was finally
made. would 60 into the world and find
her-nOt for any selfish motive. l would
learn from her own lips that she was happy.
If unhappy, she should have from me such
comfort as the love Of q true friend can give.
Yes, would leave this wretched life to-
morrow. My cheek flushed as contrasted
what was with what l ought to he. No
man has right to ruin his life or hide his
talents for the sake of a woman.
/ had another inducement which urged
me to make chang. in my mode of life. l
am ashamed that have not spoken of 1t,
That morning l had received letter from
my mother. l had not seen her for six
years. Just as entered mans estate she
married for the second time. My step-fath-
or was an American. and with many tears
my mother left me for her new home. Some
months ago her husband died. ! should
have gone to her, but she forbade me-. She
had no children by her sec md husband: and
now that his affairs were practically wound
up she proposed returning to England. Her
letter told III, that she would be in London
In three days time, and suggested that
should meet her there.
But now back to the night. 1t was mid
winter. and bitterly cold out of doors. NV
lamp was not yet lighted; the glow of my
fire alone broke the darkness of the room.
had not oven drawn the curtains or shut
the shutters. At times liked to look out
and see the stars. They shone so peaceful
~, SD calmly, so coldy; they seemed so UNI
like the world, with its strife and fierce
passions and dissappontments.
rose languidy from my chair and walk
ed to the window, TO see what sort of night
1t was. AS approached the easement |
could see that the skies had darkened:
moreover, noticed that .fcathery fl ,kes OF
snow were :ccumulaiing in the corner of
each pane. ! went close to the window and
peered out into the night
Standing within yard of me. gazing into
my dimly-lit room her face stern and pale
AS death, her dark eyes now riv.ted on my
Own-was n woman; and that woman was
Philippa, my love!
For several seconds l stood, srellbound,
gazing at her. That l saw more than
phantom of my Imagination did not at once
enter into my head. In dream had seen
the one loved again and again, but this
conjured up such a vision. Vision. dream,
reality! l trembled as looked; for the
form was that OF Philippa in dire distress.
1t was seeing the hood which covered her
head grow whittier and winter with the fast
falling snow which aroused ME to my senses,
and made every fiber thrill with the thought
that Philippe. In flesh and blood, stood be-
fore me. With low cry of rapture | tore
asunder the fastenings of the French case
ment threw the sashes apart and without
a word my love passed from the cold, bleak
night into my room.
She was wrapped from head to foot in
rich dark fur-triinmed cloak. AS she swept
by me felt she was damp with partially
thawed snow. I closed the window; then
with q throbbing heart. turned to greet my
visitor. She stood in the center of the room.
Her mantle had fallen to the gro nd and
through the dusk I could see he white face.
hands, and neck. took her hands in mine;
they were as cold as ic Giles.
"Phlippa! Philippa! why are you here?"
whispered. WELCOME, thrice welcome,
whether you bring me JOY or sorrow"
A trembling ran through her. She said
nothing. but her cold hands clasped mine
closer. led her to the fire, which stirred
until it blazed brightly. She kneeled before
it and str tched out her hands for warmth.
How pale she looked; how unlike the
Pnilippa of old! But to my eyes how love-
ly!
As locked down at the fair woman kneel-
ing at my feet with her proud head bent as
In shame, knew intuitisciy that l should
be called upon to keep my oath; and know
ing this, re-rcgistered it in all its entirety.
At last she raised her face to mine. In
her eyes was somber fire. which until now
had never seen there. "Philippa! Philip
pap l cr.el again.
Fetch light" she whispered. Let me
SEE friends face once more--if you are
Still my friend"
Your fricnd, your true friend forever,"I
said, as FASTENED to obey her.
AS placed the lamp on the table Philip
pa rose from her knees. could now see
that she was in deep mourning. Was the
thought that flashed through me, that it
might be that she was . widow. one of joy
or sorrow! l hopc-I try to believe it WIS
the latter.
We stood for some moments IN silence.
My agitation, my rapture at seeing her once
more seemed to have deprived me of speech.
l could do little more than to gaze at her
and tell myself that was not dreaming;
that p,li!ippa was really here; that Ii was
her voice that had heard, her hands !
clasped. Philippa it was but not the Philip
pa Of old!
the rich, warm, glowing beauty seemed
toned down. Her face had lost It's exquisite
color. Moreover, it was the face of one WHO
has sutfered-oae who is suffering. TO me
it looked as if illness had refined it. as it
sometimes will refine face. Yet, if she
had been i'll, her illness could not have been
of long duration. Her figure was as superb,
her arms as finely rounded, as ever Sac
stood firm and C.. Yet trembled as
gazed at that pale proud face and those dark
solemn eyes. dared no. for the while ASK
her why she sought me.
She was the first to break silence. you
are changed, BASIL" she said.
Time changes every one,' answered,
forcing smile.
"Will you believe me- she continued.
"when l say that the memory of your face
as saw it last has haunted even my most
joyful moments? All me- Basil, had been
true to myself think might have learned
to love YOU"
She spoke regretfully, and as one who has
finished with life and its love. My heart
beat rapidly; yet l knew her words were