Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1892-03-25
rom ner nnSaann-

eSeaS NthtS NDNi " lho SuoTc as usual
one beautiful evening in the early twilight
os,ensibly to enjoy the fresh sea breezes.
manifestly to meet Gerald Winthrop
He came forward to meet her with the
light in his handsome face which slNaas
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 dress of white cashmere. wila d
corsage bouquet of forget me nots.
lie drew her hand on his arm and ST.
lently led her beyond the scattered
groups of people ON the sand. They
chattei on indifferent matters for a time,
then Winthrop suddenly said
Il heard an odd story to-day. Miss
Clifford; may tell it TO you?"
Certainly, she returned brightly. ia
1t tragedy9 Your face betokeus one.
Almost that, for il tells Of a mans
blighted hopes. What he most coyets is
denied
= woman's heart and a woman's life
And a woman's wonderful love-"
sand this man is your friend?"
Yes. Paul Thornton, he continued.
rs he fixed his penetrating eyes on the
face beside him, seeing that il had
changed to the hue of death, was united
TO girl whom he idolized. That was
more than five years ago. and vet 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 coufi-
dent that he would have succeeded in
finally winning her love. But she left
him, and now has petitioned for di.
vorce
"Will it be granted ?" asked Lola, with
bated breath.
"Never! He would end the existence
of both rather than give her up to au.
other. Gerald answered with emphasis.
and unclasping Lola's hand, he turned
and faced her.
"Oh, how can he be so crue:" cried
the girl, as she sank almost helpless ut
Winthrop's feet
She did not entirely lose consciousness;
she felt herself raised and drawn to Ger
aid Winthrop's breast with strength
that left her powerless; felt his lips press
hers as he cried:
lola, my cherished one, what have
done?"
For minute the quivering form gave
itself up to that masterful clasp, tho
trembling lips yielded TO his, and then
the revulsion came. The color fiuttered
into her cheeks, her eyes opened. aud
she vainly tried to free herself from hi,
embrace.
"Tell me that you love me, Lola-just
oncein he pleaded
"Heaven help me. | do love you!" sho
said, hiding her face on his breast with
sob. "Oh, Gerald, spare mel / can be
nothing to you'll, another mans wife,
if only in harsh legal bondagei In pity
let me 60, for am that most unhappy
creature whom you have just condemned,
Paul Thornton's wife. "
IL will not let you go. have right
to hold you.
"Ah, no! that is not possiblel" she re-
turned. Release me, Gerald-we must
forget what has passed.
Forget the happiest moment Of my
life2 No, no! Lola say those words
again"
you are cruell" she exclaimed. How
can you torture me so?"
"Am not to have my revenge for all
YOU have made me suffer-" he retorted
still holding her close. lola, my dar-
ling, can you not guess the truth-that I
am your husband.
paul Thorntonl" she gasped.
"Yes, Paul Thornton, who discovered
your hiding place only few weeks ago
Since learning your whereabouts have
shadowed your movements as faithfully
as detective would shadow those of the
most noted criminal, and resolved to use
little stategy that might win you.
And l, said Lola, smiling through
happy tears, walked blindly into your
trap. Five years have changed your APP
pearance very much indeed, she con-
tinued, 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 wonld
have surprised me much if you had rec
ognized me when | came here. Ny proud
darling-my wife!" he went on, as hs
drew her head down to its rightful rest
ing place again. Those were sad days
for US, but, God willing, the future shall
be glorious one.
The waves danced and glistened in
the moonlight as arm in arm the re-
united husband and wife went back to
motherly Mrs. Marsh, who heartily con-
graduated them, and laughed as size
thought how Lola had been won.