The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1891-06-17
LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT.


LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT.
You may remember a shocking case
of murder and suicide which excited a
good deal of interest in the year 1881.
The affair was shrouded in mystery,
and remained so in spite of the vigilant
efforts of the police to unravel it.
was the only person who could have
given the clew, and l held my tongue
because no possible benefit could result
from the secrets of the deceased being
disclosed. Now that time has thrown
a veil over the history, will give you
the particulars of the case, known to
myself alone, altering the names of
those connected with it.
In the spring of $780, Arthur Vernon
came into the business which had till
then been carried on by my father. On
his retirement I advertised for part
ner and the result was l formed the
acquaintance of Frank Hartley, and
was able to make very satisfactory ar
rangements with him. He was a
Lancashire man, tall, fine fellow of
about my own age, 80 years. He was
in every respect gentleman, and
most easy to get on with. Indeed his
too easy good nature seemed the one
failing in his character. When we had
been together about year, was one
morning surprised by the sight of a let
ter in lady's hand among my other
communications. opened it first with
some curiosity. l was not lady's
man, and with the exception of my
mother and sister, had very little to do
with the fair sex.
expected to find a begging letter,
but was mistaken. The epistle con-
cerned my handsome and agreeable
partner, Frank Hartley. 1t was as fol-
lows:
DEAR SIR: I trust you will pardon the
liberty / take in addressing you, and will in
Hartley Indeed, it would be better for me to
tell you that am engaged to him, as you will
then unds 1stand why have troubled you.
II am We, y much distressed in. case some
serious accident has befallen him, not having
seen or heard from him for six months. My
family is indignant at his conduct and will not
allow that misfortune may be the cause of it,
but am sure that no light reason would in
duce ,e him to act in such way.
when last we saw him he spent the even
ing at our house, and left as usual expecting
to call the following day. That he has never
done neither has he written in answer to let
tiers.
whom we can inquire, l should be deeply
grateful. Yours truly,
VERONICA LESTER
l wrote at once, saying that Mr..
Hartley was in good health, and that so
far as 1 was aware no misfortune had
befallen him. 1 did not mention the
matter to my partner, as l have
rooted objection to meddling in other
peoples affairs, particularly affairs of
this kind.
1t was a month after this incident,
when, one day being alone in my office,
l heard knock at the door. l was
rather busy, so called Come in," but
did not turn around. Hearing no re-
sponse, l rose from my seat to open the
door, when found that the person who
had knocked had entered SO quietly as
to be unheard. l could hardly help
start of surprise, forsmy visitor was a
very unusual one.
shall not attempt to describe her as
I saw her then-no word of mine can
do it; but that image of youth. beauty
and goodness has remained in my
heart ever since, and will be there till
Idle.
was disappointed TO learn that the
lady had come to see Hartley, not my
self.
With calm, quiet dignity rarely
found in one so young, she announced
herself as Miss Lester. She had come
to the Office, hoping to find Frank
Hartley, and to learn from his own lips
the meaning of his strange conduct.
l told her was expecting his return
and invited her to be seated. While
waiting she chatted to me simply and
unaffectedly, without any embarrass-
ment. Her very childlike innocence
put her at ease where woman of the
world would have been discomposed.
Veronica Lester and Frank Hartley
had known each other from childhood.
Theirs was no hasty engagement. but
| the result of years of mutual affection.
1t was incredible that such a strong tie
could be broken in moment.
When last they parted, seven months
| before, there was no shadow OF a cloud
between them. Since then not word
had been heard from Hartley. He had
simply lapsed into silence as complete
| ly as if he were dead.
Miss Lester's parents refused to make
any inquiries. If Hartley wished to 60
from them in this way it were best to
let him. But to the girls heart the
|
resolved to see him and insist upon an
answer.
The fates, however, were against her,
and Hartley did not return, and at last
she reluctantly departed.
This time l spoke to the recreant
lover on the subject of the lady's visit,
but he evidently resented my interfer-
ence. I could get nothing out of him
beyond the assurance that he was go
ing to send Miss Lester an explanation.
So had to let the matter rest; but OF
this was certain. that whoever was In
fault it was not Veronica Lester.
One dreary day in November l re-
turned to the office late in the afternoon
after being absent a few days on bust.
ness. The place seemed dark and de-
serted. l thought the room was empty
until l heard a sound from the corner
where Hartley's desk stood.
went over to speak to him, and
never shall I forget the look of remorse
and anguish on his pale, haggard face:
The man had grown suddenly ole
since 1 saw him; he had aged fifty
wears in the space of three days.
should have thought such change i'm
possible. No one would have recog
nized the handsome spirited Franz
Hartley.
"Why, man." said, ''what ails youP'
taking him by the shoulder to turn hin
toward the light.
Il have Tilted her." he. said wildly
throwing up his arm with a gesture o
despair. II have killed her-murdereC
her as surely as if had cut her throa
or strangled her. What is left for m
- but to follow herP"