Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1894-01-09
A NEW OTHELLO.

mani Practical and methodical busi-
ness man as always prided myself
was, had been changed and altered to
romantic, nonsensical lover, and I
have not the least doubt but that I was
equally as silly-to the disinterested OBJ
seryer-as any boy of 90. Then, too,
there came the little moments of hope
or fear, doubt or jealousy, and passions
such as never dreamed formed part
of my nature. In fact, had become q
different being. Ennui and apathy van
ished, and in their stead arose energy
and ambition. The old delights of the
club bored me now. Poker was obnox-
fous, cards stupid, pool and billiards
tiresome, bowling foolish, baseball
had ever been crank enough to go to
see game? Even the theater and ger
man were useless and empty, except
with Mabel by my side. o love, what
power is thinel To what mayest thou
not actuate even the dullest men!
April's rainy days were fast draw
ing to close. 1t was Saturday after
noon, and had not seen Mabel since
Wednesday, All because of that vexa-
tious indisposition" on Friday even
ing. In fact, these frequent illnesses,
occurring SO often of late, were begin
ming to alarm me, and 1 intended to
insist that the Doctors advice be asked.
Strange enough, these short spells of
sickness usually came the same day
each week. had noticed that-and
though they lasted but a short time
barely day, in fact-they were enough
to cause me not little anxiety.
1t was SO nearly perfect day could
not resist the temptation, so shortly aft
er 8 o'clock, all work for the day being
over, 1 closed the Office and turned my
face toward North Charles street. Ma
bel may be feeling better, / thought,
and promenade on the avenue will do
her good. A short, brisk walk up the
fine street, and l stood before my fan
GEES home. The servant who opened
the door appeared to hesitate when I
asked if Mabel was feeling better, and
after moments awkward pause an
swered: Miss Mabel is perfectly well.
Walk into the parlor, sir. -
Perfectly welll'' echoed to myself.
"I'm glad of that" Then, turning to
the servant, who had seen me often be-
fore, said: "You need not announce
me. will surprise her,
Carefully depositing my hat upon the
rack, and after hasty glance at the
glass-love even makes a man vain-I
tiptoed softly across the hall and gently
placed my hand upon the knob of the
parlor door. was on the point of en-
tering the room when fancied heard
talking. stopped and listened. Yes,
Mabel was conyersing with some one.
Possibly some girl friend, and my pres
ence would be an intrusion or an en-
barrassment. paused. It seemed
strangel Mabel entertaining visitor
with all the parlor doors closedl There
she was speaking again, but so low and
soft could not understand word. For
fully minute stood thus in guam
dary, not knowing how to act, when
suddenly Mabel raised her voice, and in
bewilderment l distinctly heard:
And you will always be true-no
matter what comes, what fortune may
bring?"
"Ah, dearest. can you doubt me?"
came the astounding answer. Can you
question the depth of my love?"
! 1 was dumfounded. "The depth
off, What did it all mean? It was
no woman's voice that / heard, for the
words had been spoken by mana
man for whom in that one instant /
conceived aViolent hatred. My Godl
Could it be possible that Mabel, my
dear loving Mabel, had decei- MOI
/ cried in my heart, checking the awful
thought. Unjust have heard wrongly. -
The voices had subsided once more,
and for few minutes, though pressed
close to the door and strained every
nerve, could not distinguish solitary
word. Presently the sounds became
more audible and the words clearer.
With caution pressed anxiously for
ward.
But wanted to surprise you, love, -
said Mabel affectionately.
We'll, dear, you have done SO most
efectually, came the equally affection
ate response.
Good heavensi Ny hand dropped to
my side, and staggered across the hall
as if had been shot. 1 was stunned.
Utterly bewildered, stood as one in
a dream. My entire life seemed in that
one minute to pass in frightful vision
before my gaze. Was this the retribu-
ton of just fate, that I, who had al
ways been a hater of womankind, a
scoffer at all things feminine, should
fall so deeply in love, dream-sad
dreamt-that love reciprocated and then
suddenly learn that the woman cher
ished and believed true and faultless, for
whom no sacrifice had been or was too
great, this woman had trified with me,