The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-12-09
A Year of Oblivion.

It seems like a lifetime TO Marion Law
renee, but in reality il IS a little over a
year since she sat in the crowded court
room and heard The jury's verdict OF
guilty against Clarence Marvin.
OF course, the verdict was just, every
one agreed. How could those twelve good
men and true have done otherwise when
such conclusive evidence was shown? II
any one Of them had any doubt of the
guilt of the accused such a doubt was
soon swept away before the charge Of
the Judge, whose every look indicated
that he expected the jury had agreed on
no small punishment. Notwithstand-ng all
the proof brought to bear. Marion remain
ed convinced of his innocence.
Clarence Marvin had known Marion
Lawrence for several years, and had
hoped that some day he might take a
position among business men that would
make ner father look favorabiy toward
him; but, try as he might, IL must be
some time before he could attain the
height of his ambition.
1t was in the early spring( when visit
ing III a neghboring town, ne met Ma
rion. She had been spending the day
with friends, and was returning home.
Clarence felt the opportunity had been
given him. and thought the sooner he
unburdened his heart the better. Her
answer, though not all he had dared 10
hope fer gave him new courage TO work.
She promised to wait until the time came
when they could have the willing consent
of her father.
Her dearest friends had advised her to
fOget Clarence, who, they argued, was
still at the first round of the ladder, pic
turing 10 her the happy home she might
have if she would but listen TO George
Carson. young man prominent IN society
circles, who drove fine horses and spent
money freely.
lie had long promised himself that Ma
rion Lawrence should be his wife wnen-
ever the time arrived when he would be
content to settle down. So sure was he
that she would Immediately accept him
that he postponed the proposal from time
TO time, until Clarence Marvin had paid
marked attention TO her; then all was
changed. With a rival in the field
Georges inactivity fed. Her prompt :e-
fusal did not cool his ardor, but, instead.
urged hun on, and he vowed that, what
ever the cost, he. and he only, would
WIN her.
One cold December evening Clarence
called on Mr.. Lawrence on a small bust
ness matter, and had gone home with
the sweet remembrance of Marion smile
as she looked at him when they met in
the hall. Visions of the fair face cOntinu-
dilE came before MIN as he slept lNdl
night. But, alas, who knows What the
morrow holds for him? Two days later
he was a prisoner. The night Clarence
had been at the Lawrence house some
one had entered the house, and valuable
papers belonging to Mr.. Lawrence had
been stolen. These papers wers discoV-
cred III Clarence's room, hidden away.
Alter the trial and conviction were ever
George started anew in his endeavors, and
soon MariOn's life became a torture. No
wonder. when one morning found her oe
void of reason. She was apparently hap
by. a continuous smile fitted over her fea-
lures. Physicians were consulted, but al
declared the case harmless, but ncurable.
George Carson had gone to Europe, sick
and disappointed. Every body p.tied him.
Several weeks after his departure Mr..
Lawrence received a letter from him. II
reGC: when you receive this | Will be
beyond earthly reply. Forgive. i you can,
the injury L have done you and yours.
II was l who stole your papers and hid
them in Clarence Marvin's room. 1 had
but one object in view-to rio myself 0f
the rival l knew him to be. When my
plans were thwarted, as II by higher
judgment, I could bear it no longer, ard
decided to end 1t all. II ever She should
speak of me in reason, ask her TO forgive
the man who forgot all else but thai he
loved her, and whose end was a fitting
punishment for his crime"
The authorities needed no further proof
that a grievous error had been MADE and
soon Clarence was released. Mr. Law
renee drove to the prison to ask Clarence
10 forgive the attitude he had taken ana
10 yCok 10 him as a father in the future.
He drove back to the home where now all
was sadness. On the way every one gazed
al the man on whom all looked as hero.
Those who were foremost in accusing him
were now loudest in praise OF him.
Mr.. Lawrence, gently as possible. told
Clarence of .Marion's bereavement, and
led the way 30 the room where she was
sitting. She was. If possible. more beauti-
full than ever, but for the vacant. far
walked into the room. She looked up at
him and smiled, but did not know him.
Marion, don't you know me?'
As if by magic the smile faded from her
face and = grave expression took its
place.
"Clarencew and she fell fainting into
his arms.
When she regained consciousness reason
came with it. Was it the sound of hui
man voice that called together the scat
tered senses, or was fate unusually kind
20 her?
The sequel is easily guessed. There was
little display, but Marion Lawrence be-
came the happy bride of Clarence Mar
yin. and today finds her presiling over a
coy home. with three youthful Marvins
at her knees, anXiously waiting for her
20 read to them the letter just received
from their father, who has gone as Lieu
tenant TO the front.-EX.