The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1895-07-05
COULD 1T BE TRUE Z?

reptile.
''How plainly remember all the old
scenes of my past Iifei can almost be-
heve that I am once more beneath the
trees in the park at Lexington with him
-Jack-beside me.
''And yet had no right even to think
of him, for was already engaged to my
cousin, George Charters.
81 had been wandering about in the
park with Jack one day, and he came to
the 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 I was startled by
the sound of footsteps, and I looked up to
see George standing before me. What had
he seen?
"'You needn't turn SO white. I'm not
going to hurt you, he said, but If ever
catch you with Mr.. Langton again, III
kill him
"An, that dayl Shall I ever forget itP
I knew l was safe for few hours, for
George had gone to see 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 I went to keep our usual APP
pointment.
GAS turned the corner of clump Of
bushes 1 saw two figures little way
ahead-Jack and his brother, Arthur
Langton. They were talking and seemed
to be quarreling, though I cOuldn't hear
what they said.
81 managed to catch few words as
they came nearer, sufficient to know that
it was about money matters they were
quarreling. And then--O God lin an
instant Jack had lifted the loaded stick he
carried and struck his brother on the head
with all his strength.
'''Jack Oh, jack We're you madP You
have murdered himP
g Hush! Not that wordP
"The next day the whole village was IN
state of ferment, for the body had been
found.
ave were sitting at breakfast, George,
mother and I. when one of the servants
told us the news.
II stood by the open French windows
watching George as he STROBE down the
gravel path. Then I saw two or three men
move from behind 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.. Charters, you must come with
me. l arrest you on suspicion for the muir
der of Arthur Langtonr
"George was committed for trial. What
use to recount the evidenceS never IN
derstood, can never understand yet. how
my train of circumstances could SO have
conspired to ruin an innocent man.
Given then it wasn't too late. I could
have saved hin-but at what a .costl How
could I betray Jack, and besides wreck
all my chances of happinessP For his death
would make me free, and then-ah, thenl
ST am very I'LL have hardly strength
! to pen these lines, but must go on with
| this-my confession-where left off yes
terday. 1 want to finish tit seems to
ease my conscience little. If dared, I
would tell some one. bat am afraid.
'sThink of how loved Jack, and then
| think of what it must have meant to me
| to see how day by day he grew colder in
his manner how his face wore weary ex-
preston while in my presence, when once
it 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 cheerfulness had gone.
81 raved like mad woman at first and
J reminded him that his life was in my
hands, and swore that if he didn't marry
me the whole world should know what he
| had done.
"And he laughed at me and said dared
not speak; should have to keep silent for
my own sake. Besides, no one would be-
ieve me. They would think was mad.
| I've never seen him since.
''Last night had frightful dream
ga dark form seemed to stand before
me, wrapped in the folds Of long cloak,
and though the face was invisible knew
| perfectly well that it was he-George-and
it was his voice that spoke in exultant
tones:
'Yon are dyingI I have waited long
for the day of reckoning, but the time has
come at last, at last
land in my terror I sank upon my
knees and iInplored for mercy. But the
answer came in a thrilling whisper:
l ,,al.-
will receive
sob, help mel Forgive1nel repentl"
!
''well, Leslie, what do you think Of it.
eh?'' asked the head doctor of c. asy-
lum as his friend silently handed him back
the manuscript.
cit is fearful history. Poor thing,
poor thing! 1 pity her for all her wicked.
ness and crime. 1t isn't astonishing thai
all the trouble and re1norse turned her
brain"
"Thank God she died repentant, at any
rate, - answered the young clergyman
earnestly. TWAS she any connection OF
yours, Charteris?" he added inquiringly.
eyes, a connection by marriage. But
she isn't dead he said. "Come with me;
you shall see her.
They passed through several corridors
into another wing of the building, and
then the doctor opened the door of pleas
ant, brightly furnished room. A wom-
an was sitting by the barred window, a
young and pretty woman, singing softly
in a singularly clear and sweet voice and
swaying herself all the while to and fro.
Dr. Charters called her by name.
"Come here, Lima, and shake hands
with the gentleman
She rose Immediately, and walking
across the room she held out her hand like
an obedient child.
"But this-this story2'' gasped Leslie.
tsIt is all a fabrication, a myth; that's
all A shock unhinged her mind, and she
firmly believes that this extraordinary
history she has written is gospel truth.
. | Che hac nnrnr nvarN hapr1 aesrainr,slv ILL IL