Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1897-12-16

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"Tukc vou to him after all that has hap
pcncdF
on the field, has demonstrated the ster-
ling qualities Of which he ia made and
doubtless will fill his new position with
honor to himself and to his country.
He will leave for Paris this week. 1t
may not be amiss to mention the rumor
that the gallant officer will take bride
with him.
II was much troubled at this and
scarcely knew what to say, for could
not guess how it would affect my sister.
However, she spoke first.
"'John, my brother, will you take
me to him1 To say that was amazed
at this request would but mildly express
it.
"'Take you to him, said I, after all
that has happened?'
"'He is Virgie's father, joint You
forget thati'
Evidently he does Also
''He does not even know that he has
child. John, I have thought Of this con-
stantly, and it is not right that should
keep him in ignorance, as have done
all these years.
"Why, Matte, what are you saying?
What claim can he have on you after
the cowardly manner in which he aban-
doned your
"Hushl You must not think and
speak thus Of my husband. If / have
suffered, do you not think he has also?
He did not abandon me. He saw what
was my plain duty and had the courage
to show it to me. I, in my selfshness,
would have left my father for him, but
he knew that it was my duty to remain
at home, and therefore he went. That
is the simple truth was almost
speechless, so great was my surprise at
her defense Of him, but I made one more
effort.
"'But has he not forgotten you, is
he not about to marry again?
"'Stop, John. You do not know
what you are saying. Do you think
that I believe for a moment what
newspaper says when know my hus-
band as I do? I should have little faith
indeed. John, must see him before he
goes away. If you will not accompany
me, l must 60 alone.
II was amazed, but what could I do?
She was determined, and I could not
allow her to go alone. So she easily
induced me to promise to 60 with her.
Preparations were rapidly arranged for
the journey to New York, but all Of
our plans at the last minute were upset
by the sudden illness of the little girl.
Believing, as do, in fate, I looked up.
on this as sign that we should aban-
don the idea of seeking out the father.
I could not, however, make my sister
see it SO, and though the steamer had
sailed long before Virgie was well
enough to travel she insisted on join
ing her husband, even though it entail
ed the necessity Of crossing the ocean.
She anticipated happy reunion with
her husband and future life of hap
piness and love. AS / saw her looking
brighter and brighter, day by day, even
in the anticipation, much as detested
the man, could not find it in my heart
to thwart her. She was so sure OF tho
joyous welcome with which she would
be received that she had the child's
portrait painted and placed in locket.
In fact, she had two made, one for her
self and one which she intended to send
to her husband on her arrival i'll Paris.
This last was the counterpart of the
other, save that she had his name or
rather his initials engraved on the gold
case.
ITO shorten my narrative as much
as possible, that I may surely finish it
before l am discovered here in my re-
treat l will at once come to our arrival
in Paris. 1t was with little difficulty
that learned of Marvel's whereabouts,
for his official duties made him man
Of some note. My sister wrote most
affectionate letter, telling him all that
had passed since he had left her and Of
the birth Of the child. With it she in
closed the lockct and portrait. This was
forwarded. and she waited impatiently
for him to hasten to her side.
But the days passed and no word
came. She made every excuse for him,
urging that his new duties must detain
him and making other similar pleas in
his behalf Meanwhile instinctively
knew that he was but a heartless vii
lain, and never expected him to be-
have toward his wife as man should.
At length even Matilda commenced to
doubt, until the thought entered her
brain that perhaps her letter had never
reached him. Then she determined to
seek him in person. I endeavored to dis
suade her from this project, but it was
impossible to detain her, and 80 l went
with her to his hotel. We asked to see
him and were shown into private par
lor connected with his suit. There we
were allowed to wait but few mo-
ments and then were Joined by tall,
handsome woman, who inquired why
we had called We said we wished to
see Marvel in person, to which she re-
piled:
He is engaged at present, but am
his wife.
What exclaimed my sister. His
wife? Woman, you are mad! l am his
wife.
1.-THE other did not so much as start,
Init conllv replied:
!