Democratic Northwest and Henry County news. [volume] (Napoleon, O. [Ohio]) 1894-1905, 1896-01-02

heat and noise-how he loved itl All
the beauty Of Persia had not weaned
him from its strange spell Of enchant-
ment Often while watching the tender
evening light resting on the snowy
crests Of Shin Iran, or while travelling
under the moon on a camel's back, or
in passing through Teheran's network
OF covered streets lined by dim, fragrant
bazaars, he had in fancy coujured mp
this same, long, narrow, sitting Broad
way, and pined for IL as does a stag
athirst for the waters Of pool at even-
tide.
Tomorrow" he said. and slowly
drew out his watch, which showed the
hour to be past 8, "by this time / shall
have left it all forever.
He shut his watch with click that
expressed finality, and turned back to
his desk. His eyes were no longer dim,
and the usual calm and strength had re-
turned to his face.
Soon he had collected the most i'm
portant papers, and taking out long
wallet arranged them carefully in it.
But before closing it be turned to an
other compartment and lovingly drew
out two small photographs.
One was the picture of woman. 1t
was delicate, girlish face that met his
gaze, the eyes dovelike, the small
mouth patnetlcally dropped at the cor
ners. The bodice was made in fashion
in vogue Is years ago, and over her
shoulder soft curl fell confdingly.
Jessie" was written underneath.
No words were needed to show how
he had loved her. Had she lived how
different his life would have beon!
"lt was not to be, my girl, he said
aloud, and lifted the other.
1t was Hugh at 20, bright, boyish,
saucy speculation in the frank, deep
eyes. He was sitting on the edge of
table, his hands thrust in his trousers
pockets.
You've treated me shabbily, you
yozng scamp thought Mark, address,
ing the picture of tho college lad in his
hand instead of Hugh as he was then.
i've been hoping you'd come to me for
three days past. I'll have to look you
up tonight. Couldn't go away without
another look at Hugh-couldn' do it."
A voice attracted him as he replaced
the picture, and he turned his head.
Somebody was speaking in the hall.
"The rooms of the Western mission
are in this huilding?"
"Just at tho end Of the hall, SIR"
the porter replied
Mark started forward to open the
door and met Hugh as he entered.
He wore loose, summer clothes Of |
light gray that made him look taller
than he usually seemed. His face was
pale and little drawn around the
mouth, but he smiled as he grasped
Marks hand-and Hugh's smile was
always like a burst of light from the |
soul within.
"Do you know" said Mark as Hugh |
sat down with his back to the sunny
window and ran his fingers restlessly |
through the thick hair ON his temples,
II was just this moment apostrophiz-
ing your picture, giving you round |
for deserting me. What's kept |
you away, my boy?"
"a picture of miner" asked Hugh |
quickly, not hearing the last question.
"To be sure. The one you had taken
for me ten years ago."
"Let me see it."
He took it eagerly, looked at the sun
ny face in silence, his eyes growing
sultry with strong feeling, and handed
it back.
II was happy then.
AS he spoke he clinched his hand like
\ man in physical pain.
mark, come here"
"Why, what is it? Are you in trou-
Die? You are-I see you are. Speak out.
What's the smatter, Hugh? Anything
very serious?"
eyes"
All, the dead hopelessness of that
word, not loudo: than sigh. Marks
land was on his arm quickly.
"Tell me ALL"
81 only meant 70 say goodby. Per-
1aps ought not speak OF it, perhaps
should bear it alone. But God-oh, my
thoughts are hell, " he burst out in sud-
len agony, and he sprang up, his face
'witching II took your hand when I
,ame in. am not fit to touch it,"
These were the hardest words he had
ever uttered, yet he spoke clearly and
with burning self contempt. There, with
Marks hand gripped fast on his arm,
With face turned away and many pauses
n the telling, the whole story was won
rom him.
"Now you know ALL" he said pas
throwing up his hand with
hopeless gesture. 81 didn't want you
% go away thinking we'll Of me. A man
S the meanest thief who tries to steal
What is intrusted to his care She trust
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