The Van Buren press., 1895-12-07
HARTLEY BISHOPS STORY.

"a lie is never iustiilahle, and man
who ean deliberately plan and carry out
a scheme of deceit deserves to be east
out of respectable society. | can find
no excuse for him. Truth, the whole
truth, and nothing but the truth is
my motto"
Mr.. Henry Trasers brought his fist
down on the dinner table TO emp iasize
his words He looked across at his one
guest and old friend. Hartley Bishop, as
though to meet his appreciation of the
statement.
"You agree with me. Hartley?s he re-
sumed, in more subdued tone. You,
too, are convinced that a man should
stick TO the truth at whatever cost TO
himself2s
Hartley Bishop raised his eyes from
the silver dishes laden with costly fruit,
and his fingers pushed away the wine
glass in front of him. Hewas man In
the prime of life, with olean-cut, in
telleetual face, but at that moment
there was deep sadness in his eyes
that told of some sorrowful reminis-
cence.
My answer shall be story" he said,
leaning back in his chair, after one swift
glance at the rubieund face that shone
at the end OF the table. Not story OF
thrilling melodrama, but a page torn
from the book of life. You, Travers,
have known nothing but prosperity and
success. Listen, then, 20 the tale oftwo
people, whose early days were spent to-
gether in poverty and adversity.
Theirs had been boy and girl mar
riage When they first met he was a
struggling clerk of 81, living on an in
come of SO shillings week, and she was
a governess, without friends OF rela-
tiops in the world.
"They married. on something rather
less than s0a year, and for time they
We're blissfully happy. The young
husband had gift-or curse-for
scribbling. and in his wife's fond eyes
he ranked as a hidden genius whom
time would bring to light and reward
with deathless fame.
Occasionally his tales and sketches
were accepted and paid for, These
were written after Office work was done,
In the one poor room he and his wife
rented in a cheap London suburb. and
the stray guineas served 10 keep home
warm in their hearts, and helped them
to fight the hard battle of life.
the young husband had before him the
idea Of masterpiece. This was TO be a
three-act comedy, which would tale
London by storm, and put the author al
one bound into the front rank of the
dramatic roll.
Gradually this comedy took shape in
the brain OF the writer. To him his
wife was not merely his helpmate, but
his companion. and in her ear he con-
fded all his aspirations aud hopes.
Her blue eyes glistened at the
thought OF her husbands success
Nothing could make her prouder of him
than she was already, but TO see him
belauasd in the worlds eyes and tc
hear his dear name Oh every tongue was
something worth living for and strain
ing every nerve 10 win.
'She wSs no genius, and had no idea
OF woman's rights. But no sacrifice
was teo great for her TO make for heI
husband. and. unknown to him. she DE-
MED himself all the harmless little van.
.ss5s - . woman : ssFeSs in order that
the money might so 20 swell the small
sum in the post Office savings hank. put
BY for rainy day.
''With a hopeful heart she naupei
out the future when the comedy wa,
finished. First Of AL, her husband wa.
70 have & new suit OF clothes. in or,le,
that he might appear al his best vhe1
be went 10 interview the theatrica
managers.
she lad planned everything out
On the first night Of the comedy shs
vas 20 hsve box AZ the theater. and il
order 10 celebrate her husbands III
umph. they wers TO enjcy the NOS
reeherehe supper sfter1Fsrd. and Z.
drink success 20 the PLAY.
-.Jast we two she said. kneelin.
down AZ the writing table at v, hieh he
husband was husily engaged. And
shalt D. dressed in white six. ike !
bride, and sou viii have q new eveuia,