The record-union., 1897-09-27

Dltu Oh
'Oh! the horror of that hideous mar
riage. The Aolach that devoured chill
dren was more merciful than the Satyr
who N human guise kills all that is
best and purest in girlhood. For two
years my life was a torture"-she
kissed Dicks hand twenty times as
though in mitigation of her words
then Cne day courage came to me and
the dim recollection of a connection of
my mother who might help me. 1t was
to him, Sir Godfrey ThOrp, I went.
How kind he was. 1t was his hand
that opened to me a little way the
door Of freedom, and which gained for
me the separation which gave me time
to regain some OF my broken self re-
spect."
Her voice changed from its low sad
key. and she went on brightly, each
word ringing gayer through the warm,
violet-scented atmosphere.
Then one day Sir Godfrey and his
dear wife came TO me with the keys
Of my liberty in their hands. My
wretched husband had given me the
final proof of his sin. Do you know
Dick, that shameful wrong which is
the death kneil to the love and happi-
ness OF most women, was a veritable
joy bell to me- OH dearest, I hope 1
am not very bad to so rejoice in an
others sin, but it was just at that
time-I first met you"
She blushed deliciously over her con-
fession.
But was not your-Mr Vernon out
of England when the case came on|'
queriad Dick, forced against his will to
take interest in the business he hated
most in the world.
L think So" said Lydia. AT any
rate he neither appeared nor was he
represented. But have seen him twice
since then. and he is in London now
or was two days ago. The Thorps
passed him in Piccadilly."
Dick Meynell moved uneasily in his
chair.
The presence in the same city with
himself of the man who had made life
so hard for the woman he hoped with
in a few hours to call his wife CALLED
and d;suuieted him unaccountably.
His movement reused Lydia from her
curled up attitude at his feet. She
looked up at the clock.
How late it is, I wonder what is
keeping Sir Godfrey? He said he
would come here the minute the decree
absolute was pronounced-that it was
only a matter of moment or two
Surely the courts must have risen by
now"
Dick Meynen was too busy with his
own thoughts to heed her words.
Lydia, my darling, you know now
IT pains me to discuss the question Oh
vour rast marriage with you, for 1t al
ways seems an insult to even mention
a man such as Vernon in your presence
but-have you ever spoken with MN
since tie case?"
ooh! yes.'' said Lydia, frankly, and
rising to her feet as she spoke.
you've seen him-alone!" cried Mey-
nell his voice strained and harsh with
an anxbety he strove to hide.
lydia wrinkled her delicate brows IN
an effort of memory.
.eYes-dear-twice. Our talk was an
solurelv on business matters, and we
were naturally alone. Dick-Why, DICK,
wba+ is the matter? What have l
done?"
4Ar face had blanched as white as
tba soft fur about her throat, and her
voice rang out with piteous fear' as
with q great groan Dick Meynel roee
from his chair and caught her in MS
arms
INV sweetheart, my poor wronged
lova-T fear that you have ruined both
our lives"
Even as he spoke the door shut sharp
ly to behind them, and heavy SLOW
tread advanced into the room.
VERY pretty, upon my word -
sweet picture. indeed" rasped voice
from the other side Of the table.
With a cry Lydia Vernon, still in the
arms of the man she loved, turned to
find her husband smiling at her.
He was a small man, neatly
eroorned. we'll dressed and not ill-look-
ing at the first glance, but Whoie
world of malice cleaned in his close SET
ewes as he stared at the pair before
him.
"Umph!" and he shrugged his shoui-
ders and grinned a little wider I ou
are a nice woman to set up as an IN
iIred wife, aren't you? Such pretty
tale as you told all the world about
me Heavens! You painted me as
black as the incarnate, and all the
while you'd a lover dangling at your
skirts"
The red-hot blood flashed across Ly-
dia's white face and d protest leaped
70 her white lips. But her husband
waved his hand at her and laughed
little more than ever.
~Oh. YOU needn't be afraid, my dear
TIM going to setyou an example of mag
naninity. I'm not going to drag your
precious name through the divorce
court. No such luck for you, my dear
dyou hear?''
As his laugh ended in the well re-
membered snarl Lydia sprang forward
leaving Meyneh, dumb and sick with
the foreboding of the real truth, be-
hind her.
What do you mean by talking to
me Of the divorce court?" she CRED
You are not my husband. You have
no further right over me or my actions
obtained a decree against you SIX
months ago"
which was not made absolute to-
day" retorted Vernon. Those tive
Drivate interviews on business upset
vour little arrangements, my dear.
Then I'm still" she gasped.
MY wife Why, certainly - and bs
heavens. YOU shall remain SO as Ions
as both of rs are above ground cried
/ Vernon. triumphantiy.
Then he turned on Meynell, whose
wide eyes could see nothing but th5
wreck Of his shattered dreams.
And now. Mr. Lover, I will thank
YOU to leave my wife's apartments at
! once and not show yourself here again
And perhaps as You go, you'd better