Pawtucket tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 1890-189?, 1895-07-05
COULD TT BE TRUE 2

away from me as from some poisonous
reptile. -,
"How plainly remember all tho old
scenes Of my past lifel oan almost be-
lieve that am once more beneath the
trees In the park at Lydington with him
| --Jack--bsside me. t
"And yet had no right even to think
Of him, for was already engaged to my
cousin, George Charteris.
"I had been wandering about In the
park with Jack one day, and he came to
| the side gates with me. As wo said good
by he stopped suddenly and kissed me.
IT was beginning TO move slowly In the
direction Of home whom was startled by
the sound OF footsteps, and looked up to
sec George standing before me- What had
| he seens
"'You needn't turn so white. I'm not
going to hurt you, he said, but II ever
catch You with Mr.. Langton again, III
Kill him..
"Ah, that day! Shall ever forget itS
I knew I 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 went to keep our usual ap-
pointment.
"As I turned the corner of clump OF
bushes I saw two figures little way
ahead-Jack and his brother, Arthur
Langton. They were talking and seemed
to be quarreling though 1 couldn't hear
what they said.
"I managed to catch q few words as
they came nearer, sufficient to know that
1t was about money matters they were
quarreling. And then-O GOd!-in an
instant Jack had lifted the loaded stick he
carried and struck his brother ON the head
with all his strength.
"Jscki Oh, jack We're you madf You
have murdered himp
"'Hushl Not that wordp
"The next day the whole village was In
q state Of ferment, for the body had been
found.
"we wsre sitting at breakfast George,
mother and ]. when one Of the servants
told US tho news.
II stood by the open French windows
watching George as he strobe down the
gravel path. Then 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. arrest you on suspicion for the muir
der Of Arthur LangtOn'
"George was committed for trial. What
use to recount the evidences? never un-
derstood, can never understand yet, how
my train Of circumstances could 80 have
conspired to ruin an innocent man.
"Even then 1t wasn't too late. could
have saved him-but at what a cost How
could I betray Jack, and besides wreck
all my chances Of happinessp For his death
would make me free, and then-ah, then!
"I am very I'LL have hardly strength
to pen these lines but must 60 on with
this-my confession-where left of yes
terday. want to finish it-it seems to
| ease my conscience little. II dared, /
would tell some one, but am afraid.
"Think of how / loved Jack and then
think Of what 1t 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
1t had frightened with tender looks and
smiles, till the time came when he told
me plainly that he was tired of me-that 1
no longer had the power to amuse him
that all my old cheerfulness had gone.
"I raved like mad woman at first and
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-
lieve 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 we'll that it was he-George-and
it was his voice that spoke in exultant
tones:
"'You are dying! have waited Ions
for the day of reckoning, but the time hai
come at last, at last
"And in my terror I sank upon IN.
knees and implored for mercy. But tn
answer came in a thrilling whisper:
Gas much mercy as you gave, so yo'
will receive
"Oh, help mel Forgivemel repentl
"well, Leslie, what do you think Of 1t
ehp" asked the head doctor of c. asy
lum as his friend silently handed him bacl
the manuscript.
"It is fearful history. Poor thing
poor thingl pity her for all her wicked
ness and crimes 1t isn't astonishing tina
all the trouble and remorse turned he
brain"
THANK God she died rcpentant, at an
rate" answered the young clergyma
earnestly. WAS she any connection c
yours, ChartcrisS" he added inquiringly.
Eyes, connection by marriage. Bu
she isn't dead" he said. "Come with me
you shall see her"
They passed through several corridor
into another wing OF the building, an
then the doctor opened the door Of q plea
ant brightly furnished room. A won
an was sitting by the barred window,
young and pretty woman, singing soft
In singularly clear and sweet voice an
5 swaying herself all the while TO and fr
9 DIR. Charteris called her by name.
q "Come here, Lima, and shake hant