The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1898-01-01


It that knew you. Then how in heavens
name can you endanger her happiness
in life, by persuading her to marry a
man she cannot love-one whom she de-
tests, the very sight of whom is alb
horrent to her? oh, sir, she Is young
and has lifetime of happiness or mis-
cry before her, whichever you may
choose to make II. You are-pardon
me for saying it-you are breaking
man." Mr.. Morley sprang from his
seat at these words, and stood erect.
confronting me with a glare of angry
resentment in his eyes. But went on.
Nothing could have stopped me then.
ut Is true, sir; the signs OF ill-health
are upon you. That was one cause,
the change in you. which brought the
tears to your daughters eyes just now"
His naughty manner subsidized. went
down suddenly. He sank upon the seat,
covering his face in his hands, and
groaned.
I could not help plying him, Meth
er could l resist taking advantage Of
this change.
81 entreat you, sir, to ask Florence
to speak out to you from her heart.
If she exhibits the slightest compunc-
ton at the thought of being my wife,
l solemnly promise never to intrude on
your notice again-to withdraw from
your life and hers as completely as
though l had never lived. Think, Mr..
Morley, if anything should happen to
you"
Happen to mel" he broke in, with
hoarse tones.
"Why, yes; people die, you know,
sometimes suddenly" / faltered, too
much astonished at the terrified look
which came over his face to choose
my words. But my amazement
changed to alarm at the effect Of the
last remark.
Mr.. Morley's face became ghastly;
his under jaw dropped, and his hands
worked convulsively. His lips moved,
too, but no sound came from them.
Thoroughly frightened, l stood and
watched him, then started with the in
tention of summoning aid. But he de-
tanned me by gesture. Finally, after
a painful struggle, speech came to him.
"How did you know that?" he gasped,
in tones so low that was compelled
to bend down over him to catch the
words. How could you know-the
thought-the feeling-the conviction of
q sudden death-has been constantly
with me of late?-Oh, God! 1t is COM
ing, l know it-coming soon, that sud-
den DEATH"
mo, no, Mr.. Morley" answered,
briskly. "Cheer up, sir. I was only
supposing a case. You will not die,
sir. You are a sick man, and that is
the cause of your gloomy premonitions,
depend upon it. Allow me to help you
into the house. Go to bed, and We'll
have doctor at you as quickly as pos
sible. You'll be all right again soon."
The fact is, really thought the man
was dying, and, in the fear of that,
my words were rather extravagant
He did not seem to notice them, how
ever, but sat there with his head
dropped on his bosom. / shook him
gently by the arm, and he raised his
eyes. Yielding to my uplifting mo-
ton, he staggered to his feet.
Slowly we moved toward the house
the broken man leaning his whole
weight on me. Not a word was uttered
by either of us until we reached the
steps leading up to the piazza. There
he drew back, and l hastily placed my
arm behind him, from the fear that he
was about TO sink down. He did not
however, and, as / soon found, he hat
paused simply to speak before entering
the house. He gazed into my face long
and earnestly, and such an appealing
look was in his eyes that l was stirred
to deepest compassion.
Swear to God that she shall always
respect my memory; that she may
never hear anything to cause her tc
change in her love for me-" he said
brokenly, and in the manner of one
in a dream. Promise this" he de
manded, fiercely.
"Do you refer to Florence?" / asked
thinking that his mind was wandering
Yes, yes"
why, you know how deep and true
is her affection for you, Mr.. Morley"
"And always shall be-" he exclaimed
There can be no doubt of it, l an
sure. Nothing could change her
Come, let me help you in"
Not yet. Swear that she shall never
hear anything to make her change" he
again demanded, whatever happens
Swear it! Give me your oath before
God!"
Thinking to humor him in his weak
ness, and yet strongly impressed by his
terrible earnestness, l raised my hand
and made the desired oath.
Mr.. Morley drew a long breath and
then again spoke, in frmer tones.
81 believe you will keep this promise
if you did not the other" he said.
II will keep it, if it is at all possible,
l answered, earnestly.
1T is for her good"
For Florence's"
Eyes, for Florence's good"
Depend on me, sir. This promise
will be kept faithfully"
"Then, Conway, marry my daughter
my beloved daughter-my treasure!
Marry her soon, Immediately! Now
help me in. l think feel better"
CHAPTER XIII.
a groom was sent to Twineburgh fol
q doctor. This was contrary to Mr.
Morlev's wish He insisted that a doc.