Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1896-04-24


a on the grocndsd a fond blindness to
N blemish which must have existed in
that long time ago when women were
supposed to feeLbut not to reason.
The professor came the next afternoon,
and when heard his soft and thrilling
words / knew that was his slave. I
felt that. regardless Of recent obligations
which with happiness had taken upon
myself, twas my duty to follow him
and to do his bidding.
sat beside him on sofa. my own
Zozi. do you love me with that old, old
time softness and beautiful devotion
born of redolent garden:''
Il worship you" answered.
Then shall our old happiness be res.
urrected.''
Love-" / asked. looking into his
eyes. what was the name of our boy:
cannot recall it. -
"Alva, he answered, and suddenly
remembered that Alva was the little
ones name.
We sat in love buoyant silence,
against his heart, his lips pressed to
mine.
"Will You go with me"' he asked.
If you will marry me again, we will
take up our happiness where we laid it
down SO long ago." answered.
But we are married, precious-were
married in ages gone. Ours was one of
the matches made in heaven"
"Yes, but we were Italians then, and
now We are Americans and must be
married under the American law"
"That cannot be, Zozi. The law will
prevent it. am married under that law
my wife is-don't draw away from
me! Remember that we did not recall
our ancient marriage and the happiness
that followed until yesterday. Don't
turn away as if had married in viola
tion of vow made to you"
He pressed me to him again. could
not resist; he was miIe-mine by de-
cree rendered when the church was
younger and purer-when it was closer
| to Christ.
You must 60 with me-" he whisper
ed. and the beating of my heart told me
that could not refuse.
went with him. But / shall recall
none of the details Of the flight. You
know what shocking scandal society
enjoyed. We went to New York and
lived in hotel. and for months float
ed in q dreamy happiness, the nerve
| dCllcd happiness which Ishould imagine
becomes the normal life Of an opium
eater But sharp words and a quarrel
came one night, and then saw that my
companion was growing weary of me-
Antonio" cried, "has our ancient
love turned to q modern coldness?''
"Miss BriAman''-
Miss Brizmanp' repeated.
Eyes. Isn't that your name? Now
let me tell you something, and you may
call me the most soulless scoundrel that
ever lived, and l am willing to acknowl-
edge that am. and''-
''You are my Antonio!" broke in.
will you listen to me:" he exclairn-
ed. Zone afternoon en- q railway train
! saw you for the first time and was
struck by your beauty, and then you be-
gan to remember things-I gave them
to you-your recollections were hypnotic
forces at work. Wait. now, don't be ex-
cited. I used to be scientist in that
line. but the public said was fraud.
Yes, l am tired of you'll am tired of
everything. A brute! Oh, yes. and a
scoundrel! You will kill me? Well,
then, must leave you. Goodby."
And SO he left me-
enter no plea for mercy; I simply
give my story. was honest in my be-
lief Imay have been fool, but he who
has not felt the influence of that star
Ting and almost superhuman force, q
force that may play wonderful part
in the affairs Of men in tho years to
GOMEZ say that he who has not felt
this force is not justly fitted to sit in
| judgment upon me.
THE END