The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1892-05-28


situation.
Will you tell him Of
The whole miserable story at the
proper time interrupted Lola decid-
edly.
The proper time came soon
much sooner than Lola meant it
should, for she never intended to
listen to words of love until SIZE
could obtain a legal separation from
her husband.
She came down to the shore as
usual one beautiful evening in the
twilight ostersibly to enjoy the fresh
sea breezes, manifestly to meet
Gerald w nthrop.
He came forward to meet her with
the light in his handsome face which
always made the girls heart beat
faster.
How lovely she was! Gerald noted
every turn of her golden head, every
movement of the graceful form. She
wore a dress OF white cashmere, with
a corsage bouquet OF r-get me-
nots.
He drew her hand on his arm and
silently led her beyond the scattered
groups of people ON the sand. They
chatted on in different matters for a
time, then Winthrop suddenly said:
l heard an odd story to day, Miss
Clifford; may | tell it to yon?
Certainly, she returned brightly.
Is it a tragedy? Your face betokens
one.
Almost that, for it tells of mans
blighted hopes. What he most
covets is denied
| "'A woman's heart and a woman's life
| And a woman's wonderful love-"
And this man is your friend?
Yes. Paul Thornton, he continued
as he fixed his penetrating eyes on
the face beside him, seeing that it
had changed to the hue of death,
was united to girl whom he idol
lied.
That was more than five years
and yet he has never heard her call
him husband
Did she marry him voluntarily?
questioned Lola, forcing herself to
speak.
No, she married him to please her
dying mother, but God knows he
would have wooed her patiently, and
is confident that he would have sue
ceeded in finally winning her love.
But she left him, and now has peti-
toned for divorce.
Will il be granted. asked Lola,
with bated breath
Never! He would end the exis
tence of both rather than give her
up to another, Gerald answered with
emphasis, and unclasping Lola's
hand, he turned and faced her.
Oh, how can he be so cruel? cried
the girl, as she sank almost helpless
at Wintrop's feet.
She did not entirely lose con-
sciousness; she felt herself raised and
drawn to Gerald Winthrop's breast
with strength that left her. power
less; felt his lips press hers as he
cried:
Lola, my cherished one, what
have | done?
For minute the quivering form
gave iself up to that masterful clasp,
the trembling lips yielded to his,
and then the revulsion came.
The color huttered into her cheeks,
her eyes opened, and she vainly
tried to free herself from his EN-.
brance.
Tell me that you love me. Lola
just once! he pleaded.
Heaven help me, | do love you!
she said. hiding her face on his
breast with a sob. Oh, Gerald, spare
me! l can be nothing to you-I,
another mans wife, if only in harsh
legal bondage! In pity let me go,
for | am that most unhappy creature
whom you have just condemned,
Paul Thonton's wife.
| will not let you go! l have
right to hold you.
All, no! that is not possible! she
returned. Release me, Gerald-we
must forget what has pas
Forget the happiest moment of
my life? No, no! Lola say those
words again
You are cruel! she exclaimed.
How can you torture me so2
Am not to have my revenge tor
all you have made me suffer? he
retorted still holding her close.
Lola, my darling, can you not guess
the truth-that l am your husband.
Paul Thornton! she gasped.
Yes, Paul Thornton, who dis
covered your hiding place only few
weeks ago. Since learning your
whereabouts | have shadowed your
movements as faithfully as detec-
tive would shadow those OF the most
noted criminal, and resolved to use
a little strategy that l might win
you.
And |, said Lola. smiling through
happy tears, walked blindly into
your trap. Five years have changed
your appearance very much indeed,
she continued, pushing him off at
arms length and looking into his
handsome face.
You took so little notice of me
during the short time we were under
your mothers roof, little one, that it
would have surprised me much if
you had recognized me when | came
here. Nv proud darling-my wife!