The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-01-25

ness. She had no idea that was now
married. I found new depths in her
and a capacity for good ! never sus-
pected.
Dearest" she said, one night, Il am
tempted at times to regret the past.
Yet, for your sake. I am glad"
looked at her in mute inquiry.
"As it Is" she said. f''you will never
marry me. Were 1t otherwise you
might, and thus ruin your life."
. Gladys aroused my interest in spite
of myself at times. / was furious at
the situation she had brought about
by falling in love with me: but I must
do her the justice to say that she
never forced herself upon me, and was
always considerate and patient. l had
hoped there would be train of admir-
ers and that it would be a contest of
purses, In which / felt sure of victory.
But to punish me, 1t proved altogether
different. =,
why should you not marry me?" I
asked.
"Becaus 7 love you, dear" she an
swered, tenderly.
The matter was becoming absurd,
and that very absurdity made me in
ternally rebellious. i left her and went
home to Margaret. Here again my life
was O hell. / could not be the same any
more. Instead of that. I made her
cry and cry. and then soothed her into
calm by declaring that | loved her. ]
wondered how others managed these
matters so easily. Meldon told me
once that he had had even worse COM
plications to deal with in his early man.
hood.
Thus the hideous life went on until I
could endure 1t no longer. I deter
mined to give Gladys up But how tell
her? The wound would be very pain
full. Meldon was thrown into the most
violent alarm when / made known my
determination.
you'll ruin us. my boy" said he.
"She'll go back to that old fool"
! was not to be shaken. Meldon be-
came profane and cursed all faithful
husbands heartily.
"Gladys," said I, that evening. 'you
know / am not rich.''
She smiled.
But l have money. dearest" she
said. Besides, gain it, as you know.
My manager says this has been my best
season. Can be of service to you?"
l almost cursed aloud in my humilia-
tiOn at these words.
1T isn't that" managed to reply.
II cannot maintain YOU, dear, but
will not let you maintain me-"
For minute she looked in silence at
me.
II cannot believe you do not care for
me-" she said at last. You have done
too much for me to let me doubt your
sentiments. Will you not let me prove
my affection in my turn? May I not
lend you money? You may return it
when you please"
She had put a roll of bills in my hand
before l knew what she was about.
II cannot accept your proposition"
I answered, putting the money away
from me.
For the first time she seemed to lose
self command.
"You will not let me do you a SER
vice?"
mot of that nature" was my reply
docs that mean that you really do
not care for me?" ."-
II cast down my eyes without reply
Ing. In another moment / was encir-
cled by her left arm, and her right hand
had plunged a dagger into my breast.
I knew, that my only safety lay in
utter 'non-resistance. Lombroso, in
his wonderful pathological studies, has
revealed the effect upon murderesses
of this course. My intuition did not
betray me- In a, moment she had
withdrawn her weapon, and was kiss
ing me tenderly. My blood laved us
both.
why do you madden me?" she said,
when I had arisen and was dressing my
wound, more painful than serious. I
was forced to remain in a hospital bed
that night. but when reached home on
the following evening noticed for the
first time. a change in Margaret. 1t
was so marked that ! felt certain she
had In some way been made aware Of