Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1895-02-16

Mark had learned to love Eve Wesley,
and no longer mourned the loss OF the
woman who had once been more than
his life to him, but who had wrecked
his happiness and bartered her own
peace for MISUNDERSTANDING dia
monds He could yet be happy all,
yes-but She-H Heaven for her there
was no hope in the wide world. And
no one suspected the misery that
reigned supreme in this woman's heart,
covered with costly silk and velvet
and glittcring with Jewels that a prn-
cess might have worn.
And 50, after a time, there was an
other wedding-not 80 grand and
ceremonious as hers had been.
But Isabel went to the church, de-
termined 10 witness the ceremony,
which would bind Mark Westwood,
the love of her own life, away from
her forever
And the happiness in his handsome.
noble face made her heart stand still
with envy and despair.
She was quite forgotten; there was
no need to ask that.
IL am rich :" she said exultingly to
herself, IN hour later. as she stood
alone in her sumptuous chamber and
thought OF the quiet little wedding and
the brides plain white dress. "Yes,
| am rich mans WIFE" she went on
eagerly I'll have thousands Of dollars
at my command Let me accomplish
one act Of goodness. Let me cover up
my wicked sin with one generous deed.
| will 90 to hm-to Mark. and | will
beg of bin to accept from me a we'd
ding gift His pride shall not inter
vene; he must accept from me the
gift that will place him and his in
independence; tor God help me, ! am
dying-my heart is broken, love
him so. Yes, | will brave his dis
pleasure and go to him with my gift.
and when he sees how sorrowfal and
repentant am, he will not spurn me,
| know -
Mark Westwood pacing slowly up
and down the beach just outside the
quiet little town. The sun was sink
ing in the west the birds were chirping
sweet goodnights, the air was full OF
balm And his heart was light with
happiness, for he had found one true
heart 10 love him and she was his until
death should part them
All at once he glanced Ip and saw
Isabel-Mrs. Parkc->tandine before
him pale and still, but superb in her
dark beauty, set of hy the rich robe
and shimmering jewels. She cane
slowly to his side and extended both
white hands.
Mark, Mark she cried wildly.
II have never orgoiten--never for
given myself Say that YOU will try
To forgive the wrong that have done
YOU and Mark-plea>e -please--ac-
cew from me-a little wedding gilt in
token that YOU do grant me pardon y
And she laid package in his hand
But he pushed it aside carelessly-in-
differently.
81 forgive you. Mrs. Parke" he
said courtcously II torgave YOU long
ago. And | am perfectly happy.
Thanks for your wedding-gilt do
not need money. Give it to the poor,
madam, there are plenty Of reedy
wretches in this place. But''-he
hesilated moment and his eyes met
hers with steady, unhinching gaze
which told her beyond the shadow OF
a doubt that his love for her was d,md-
Il have no need of money, for long
age | became heir To Il large fortune.
Isabel, the day upon which called to
see you-the day you broke our en-
gagement and promi ed to marry
Harold Parke i had come with good
news. The Wcstwood estate in England
had fallen into my possession as sole
heir at law, and am as wealthy as
the man whom YOU chose 20 we'd.
Ny rJf, however, docs not yet dream
the iruth even now: she married me
Tor love-pure love, God bless her"
Mark Westwood and his wife are as
happy as a king and queen 10 day.
While in her splendid home, which
shut, her in like marble tomb, Il
pale faced, sad eyed woman moves
about like one 10 whom all happiness
is Il thing of the past: unloved. child
less and utterly alone, though size
counts hci wealth hy hundreds. She
has bariered her liCe's happine>, and
The lovc OF true heart for diamonds,
and this is her reward.
sS-SS
IRe Heals MaaN