St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1893-07-08
,-DLILor.
p :

~ ~SkE the Author.l
.HrrHst( NIX this hour? Ths
HAa worm of prov
N-o erb must be
ninbie to escape SO carly . bird!''
Going to Philadelphia, Ed-business
trip" Albert Harley answered shortly,
not looking up from his breakfast in
the ciub-dining room. as Edgar Vane
sat down opposite and picked up the
carte. But he studied his friends
ciouded face over ITS edge, though he
retorted lightly:
Case must he , criminal one, Bert;
for You certainly don't look festive.
Woman in it, of course?'
No; but . woman is cause Of my
leaving home for . mess lile this!' Har-
ley pushed back his plate and stood be-
fore the other, as he added: ED,
made mistake to marry!
"You really astound melz.Edsar Vane
said, quietly; but dark CLEAN crcpt to
his eyes, and color stole over his sallow
check, over the Van Dyke beard. ''You
do not mean that Mabel is"
"An at fault? No." Harley broke in.
But there are million of petty trifles
In married life that none may dream of
without utexpcriencc. God knows l would
speak 80 to no other man living: But
You. Ed, were my college chum, Ma
bells Oldest friend-our groomsman!
tell you, the first year of my married
life was hsaven; this last has been hell!
No. do not stop me. cannot explain.
but must speak. Mercst triflcs-very-
nothings- between us. ! am alb
sorbed in the law; Mabel worn and rest
less from ceaseless round of society. l
know what you would say: faults on
both sides Granted; but il neither will
acknowledge any fault. there is no way
to peace. Old friend, my dream is over;
and"-his voice shook; he swallowed
something in his throat-'God help her!
fear hers is over. too!''
Tut! my boy; you have let yourself
grow morbid"
II have mott" The other turned half
iiercely on him. Il have fought-ye& /
have prayed-against this thing! /
know Live Mabel; am sure she loves
me-sdloItimcs! only fear she does not
know what real love is-that she never
did knowr'
Vane's even, white teeth held his lip
fsrm. and he studied the menu attcn-.
lively: but his voice was very quiet as
he said:
Probably not You were a great
catch, Bert Good looks, family and
fortune dazc q girl"
but not-a lady!'' the other broke in.
''Why, Ed, she had refused . dozen
richer men!"
''Yes: women are riddles." Vane an
swered in deeper voice. by the time
you come back she'll change again"
God grant it! return at"
'Cabman says just time to catch the
train, sir" the servant said, and Har-
ley wrung the others hand as he cried:
'Good-by, old boy! Forget what 1
said. Wen talk no more of it-yet!"
Left alone, Edgar Vanc forgot to or
der his breakfast, still staring steadily
1t the menu. But his eyes looked over
Its edge into the past and-thc future!
Under the magic Of memory, the club
room transformed into bril-
liant ball scene. Music and glare of
lights came before his dr. eamy sense
T hen the empty parlor beyond became
! dim conservatory, whence waited
,cents of tropic flowers and murmured,
words Again he sat be
Meath . tall palm; . stately. grand
woman beside him, listening to his pas
,ionate voice; her fair head bowed; her
yleaming bosom painting at restraint of
Is low corsage. A question: pledge
-one FIRST mutual kiss Of troth-and
Lhe pair moved back among the dancers.
,appy. radiant, haeeful!
Swiftly the scene chang es to dimly-
it, plain sitting room. The same wom-
contrite tearful-tells
linn she had spoken hastily; that she
ikes. admi res, but cannot love him:
hat she loves no one-and never can!
Ind he the pettcd darling of society;
he dreaded of mamE2as and the adored
= daurhters-strides forth into the |
novvy night, shocked in vanity, irate,
nut not humbled!
EDGAR Vane dashed the menu to the |
aoor; sprang erect to his feet and stared |
4 hi reflected shape in the tall mir
or. Then he ordered and ate his break |
ast: his brow cl GUIDED and his eye
reamv, but his thin lips smiled under |
he Van Dyke beard. as he slipped his
,auterne.
81 was lonely; and il was very good
Z You to come, Edgar" Mrs. Harley
ertainly looked lovely, reclining in the
rcat, tufted chair, her rich teagown
the soft curves of the
nest figure in all society.
..Say very selfish, rather" the man
earnestly. Il knew you were
lone. Mabel. knew too. you were
..Nonsense! Why should ! bc?' A
,earv glance around the luxury of her
oudoir finished the question.
because you are a woman" He rose
nd stood close before her. because
.vels and bric-a-brac and equipage
i'll not fill that yearning you all feel;
earning you sometimes mistake, but
.hich asserts itself too late. Mabel!
on remember"
..That I am married? Yes" she an
rered. we arily. Heaven knows. the
q. ana tri ais never let me forget it!'
and Won remember " hat might have
.enpr he went on psssicnately. "You
!, Mabel! You compare the is, with
hat might be. No; do not stop me!
hen your pride drove me from you;