Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1894-08-04

CSp$SSS n Ioom III WHICH the gOlu
se3S frames, the bronzes and
the weapons hanging on the walls
broke the dim twilight with bright
reflections.
In the center of the room stood
woman IN poor, plain gown. Pow
erty spoke from her dropping mein
as we'll as from the troubled express
sion of her pale face, as she drew
her thin mantle more closely over
her shoulders.
Her great, limpid eyes gazed iD-
tently at slight, gray-haircd man,
who stood with his back turned to-
ward her, at one of the long win
DOVE.
Breathless silence filled the roonA
and the roll of wheels and the mon
otomous sound of hoof beats could
be heard from the street below.
Sadness deepened on the young
woman's face. Her lips trembled,
and tears rolled slowly over her
cheeks.
With weary, supplicating voice
she at last broke the long silence.
Leo, have you no kind word for
me. Have really come in vain"
/" Yes, in vain," he ans wered
harshly. " | have often told you
plainly that We are separated for
ever and that you have nothing to
hope for from me. You alone have
brought about your loss-against
my willard now You must bear it
alone.
I" You know how l loved you
like brother and father both-and
how gladly did and gave every
thing to make you gay and happy
and keep the shadows from your life.
And you, for thanks, you left me
left me to isolation, to an unhappy
old age; and left me to follow an
adventurer-and why ? Because one
night at bail be had softly whisne-.s
ed, 4 love you.' But now you Aave.
found out what this love meant
sadness and sorrow. Is it not SO p
A beautiful flush spread over the
young wife's face, and she proudly
drew herself up.
Yes, Leo, sorrow, bitter sorrow,
but also unspeakable happiness. You
cannot understand that, as you do
not know my husband. You have
hated him from the first and will not
realize his worth. He could earn
better living for me, but l honor him
doubly because no misfortune can
induce him to degrade his art. He
aims at the highest and will attain it
the great future after all his bitter
struggles. Believe me, Leo, my
heart has always yearned for recon
ciliation with you. Still, / should
never have come here to.day-but
but the child, Leo-my child is
ill.,
The last words broke from Der
lips like panied cry.
Her brother shuddered, but still
stood at the window, gazing angrily
out at the dark sky.
The noiseless minutes passed, and
still he made no answer to the wo-
mans plea. She waited, eagerly but
at last turned and moved slowly
away across the thick white car
pet.
In few moments q servant came
and lighted the lamp. Attracted by
the bright light, the man turned
from the window and stared about
him with astonished eyes.
F" Where is" passed his lips, but
he did not finish the question.
In the meantime the servant placed
the chessboard under the light,
brought polished box, which held
the carved ivory men. and started
from the room.
Joseph" called his master, [" I
will never see that visitor again"
" AS you wish, Herr Oberst," nod
ded the servant and left the heavy
PORTER fall behind him.
The man sat weakly down on
couch and covered his face with his
hands.
After sitting thus for awhile be
raised his head slowly and murmur-
ed /: II am growing old. Every ex-
element oyercomes me. In a few
years the unbidden guest, with his
scythe and glass, will overtake
me-"
He looked unspeakably weary as
he took his seat in front of the chess
table and arranged a problem with
trembling hands.
Placing his elbow on the table, he
rested his chin On his hand and
glanced meditatively over the men.
Somehow he could not keep his
mind on the game, and his eyes con !.
sanity gazed over the board into
space.
How she loves him, that-that
-" murmured he.
Shaking his head fiercely, he Turn
ed his thoughts to the game again,
but the excitement was stronger
! than his will. An inward struggle