The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1895-07-08
COULD IT BIB TRuE2

ZaA%S,sk .sFE
"Today the bells DO ringing for his
wedding. S
ny Vsne y Ians chartsris, eRd Hy
kaew what had done, they Would shsink
Away from me as from SOME poisonous
reptile.
"How plainly remember all the old
scenes q my past lifel cap almost b.
iieSe that am onee more beneath the
trees in tho park at Lydington with him
--gack-beslae me-
"And .set ] had no right even to think
Of hin, t6f ! ives already engaged to my
Cousin, George 6haftsris.
~ had been wandering about In the
park with Jack ope day, and he came to
tho side gates with me. AS we said good
by he stopped suddenly and kissed me.
81 was beginning to move slowly in the
direction of home when was startled by
the sound OF footsteps, and looked up to
see George standing before me. What had
he seepf
"You needn't turn SC, white. I'm not
going to hurt you, he said, but II l ever
catch you with Mr.. Langton again, IN
kill him.
"Ah, that dayl Shall ever forget itP
knew ] was safe for fow hours, for
George had gone to see IA patient who lived
at some distance; he couldn't possibly be
back for some time, and mother rarely
ventured beyond the garden. So in the
afternoon / went to keep our usual ap-
pointment.
GAS turned the corner of a clump Of
bushes 1 saw two figures little way
ahead-Jaek and his brother, Arthur
Langton. They were talking and seemed
to be quarrellng, though l couldn't hear
what they said.
II managed to catch few words as
they came nearer, sufficient to know that
1t was about money matters they were
quarrellng. And then-O Goblin an
instant Jack had lifted tho loaded stick he
carried and struck his brother on tho head
with all his strength.
"'Jnckl Oh, jack We're you mad2 You
have murdercrd himP
Hush Not that wordr
"The next day tho whole village was in
state Of ferment, for the body had been
found.
1--WE were sitting at breakfast, George
mother and j, when ono of the servants
told us the news.
81 stood by the open French windows
watching George as he strobe down the
gravel path. Then saw two or three men
move from behind b bush by the gate that
had concealed them. They were policemen
in plain clothes. One Of them laid his
hand on Georges arm as he spoke.
DR. Charteris, you must come with
me. l arrest you on suspicion for the muir
der OF Arthur Langtoni
"George was committed for trial What
use to recount the cyidepoef l never I'M
derstood, can never understand yet, how
my train Of circumstances could SO have
conspired to ruin an innocent man.
"lven then It wasn't too late. could
have saved hiIn-but at what a cost How
could ] bctray Jack, and besides wreck
all my chances of happinesss For his death
would make mo free, and then--ah, theni
81 am very I'LL have hardly strength
TO pen these lines, but must go on with
this-mv confession-where loft off yes
terday. l want to finish it--it seems to
ease my conscience a little II l dared,
would tell some one. but am afraid.
"Think Of how loved Jack, and then
think Of what it must have meant to me
to see how day by day no grew colder In
his manner, how his face wore weary ex-
preston while in my presence, when once
1t had frightened with tender looks and
smiles, till the time came when he told
me plainly that he was tired of me-that
no longer had the power to amuse him
that all my old cheorfulness had gone
II ravcd like q mad woman at first and
reminded him that his life was in my
hands, and swoTe that II he didn't marry
me the whole world should know what he
had done.
"And be laughed at me and said dared
not speak; should have to keep silent for
my own sake Besides, DO one would bo-
levo mo. They would think was mad.
Two never seen him since
Last night had frigbtful dream.
"a dark form seemed to stand before
me, wrapped In the folds of long cloak,
and though the faco was invisible knew
perfectly vol that 1t was he-George--and
1t WIS his voice that spoke In exultant
tones:
'Yon are dyingl I have waited long
for the day of reckoning, but the time has
como at last, at last.'
"And In my terror sank upon my
knees and implorcd for mercy. But the
answer came In thrilling whisper:
As much mercy as you gave, SO you
will receive
"oh, holp mel Forgivemel Irepentr'
"Well, Leslie, what DO you think of 1t,
eh2'' asked tho head doctor of c. asy-
lun as his friend silently handed him back
the manuscript.
at Is fearful history. Poor thing,
poor thinsi l pity her for all her wicked,
ness and crime. 1t isn't astonishing that
all tho trouble and remorse turned her
brain"
"Thank God she died rcpontant, at any
rate" answered the young clergyman
earnestly. WAS she any connection Of
yours, Charterisf" he added inquiringly.
Eyes, a connection by marriage But
she isn't dead, he said, "Come with me
you shall soc her
They passed through several corridors
into another wing Of the building, ant
then the doctor opened the door of pleas
ant, brightly furnished room. A won
an was sitting by the barred window, q
young and pretty woman, singing softly
IN a singularly clear and sweet voice an(
swaying herself all the while to and fro
DIR. Charters called her by name.
| Come here, Lima and shake hand
with the gentleman.
She rose immediately, and walking
across the room she held out her hand llk,
an obediont child.
| &c But this--this storyP" gasped Leslie
1T Is all q fabrication, myth; TINT!
all. A shock unhinged her mind, and sh,
firmly believes that this extraordinary
history she has writton Ia gospel truth
She has never even been seriously Ill.
is IA fact-f'ii swear it If you like, and
ought tn know, Leslie; she is my wife. ;
! -Lund.u y =