Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1899-08-23
"a FRLEND.?"


thing to say to you that must be said TO-
night
Jack Fortescue. n vertable son Of
Anak, strong in wind and limb rich and
handsome-in short; a mans man and a
woman's idol-was Il great contrast to
the slight and. If understood graceful
figure of his friend and host, Lawrence
Lorraine.
Shortly after the above conversation
the guests RAPIDLY thinncd, and eventually
Larraine was free to join his guest in the
room which was usually designated Lar.
rvs den.
..Whateyer is the matter. Larry 90
queried his friend, anxious to break the
painful and awkward pause.
Jack. tonight ends it. We two have
been friends aways-since we were quite
little chaps at schoo-let US continue so
until the end, whatever that may be-
After years Of absence in India you re-
turned to England rich to find ME mar
ried to one OF the best and prettiest of
women. We both loved her as boys
you remember how we wrestled as to
who was to carry her books home? Dead
ly in love as | was with my wife, and
still am. | know that II always has been
but scantily returned: but. loving her n 5
l do. have hoped always that my love
would eventually breed a like reciprocal
affection. but now on the day OF the tri-
umph OF the school | have founded l
find that my wife Is lost to me forever.
Oh, the cruelty OF it"'
As he said this he covered his face in
his hands and groaned aloud in his an
guish After little time, during which
his friend remained n silent spectator of
his agony, he recovered himself sufficient
ly TO continue.
''Why-why was such fool to bring
you to my house? | might have known
that there could be but ending to it.
pretty but unloving wife and hand
some friend"
I'VE could not help It, Larry; we could
not help it. God help u.s." almost walled
Fortescue. II have striven against the
unworthy passion with an almost super
human strength. but l neither could help
her seeing it-for women are too acute in
these matters-and for me not to perceive
that it was returned was well nigh as inn
possible. Thus far, old friend. have l
transgressed against the honor of friend
ship but no further. as God is my judge.
In words l have not spoken, but surely
as the language of love Is not to be
taught so certain is it that We cannot
prevent it declaring itself by actions and.
if we curb them. by some occult means.
Larry, old friend. believe me: l speak
the solemn truth. and nothing but it,
said Fortesque, and, arising from his
chair. he walked over to his friend. and.
holding out his hand, he grasped the one
stretched out to meet his as men do when
their emotions are too strong for mere
words.
Il understand" said the one
"Thank YOU briefly replied the other.
The ensuing silence was long and a
painful one for both men. and when it
was broken at last by the husband For
tescue sighed with relief
Jack. it must end tonight. l cannot
endure the strain. l blame yself most.
for had l paused to consider / might
have known that your calf love was as
likely 10 develop into a mans passion as
my own. oh, that | could have foreseen
this day and the awful consequences OF
the marriage of the three OF us
Il will go back to India, Larry" ex-
claimed Fortescue. land then you may
possibly gain your wife's affection"
NO. Jack it is that must go some
where. anywhere. but | must leave you
two 10 come together" replied his friend.
Il cannot stoop to compromise myself
and let the divorce court effect the sepa-
ration. ! would rather kill myself. Yes.
that would be a merciful ending TO it.
t. make an end ut once both of trouble
and life III do it
Larry. you must not talk in that aw-
full fashion," said Fortescue but in Il
strange, cool voice that showed that he
thought that such an event would not
cause him rremediabe sorrow. Let
me say good night. and perhaps cooler
thn1lultS Ia tn
find. il not nodus vivendi, at any rate
more satisfactory way out of it than
the death of one Of us
y strange change seemed to have come
over the two men. The one physically
strong seemed 10 be becoming morally
the weaker and vice versa.
Good night. Larry; take a good stiff
peg before turning in and perhaps you
may sleep somewhat deceutly Good
night"
As he turned toward the door he saw
the window curtains separate and Mrs.
Lorraine step out from their shelter into
the room. AT Il sign from her he stood
still
Lawrence" she said in a quiet voice.
MARY was the surprised exela:na
ton. Where have you been and what
have you heardt'
Il have heard everything" she replied.
Il heard you ask Mr.. Fortescue to wait
after the others, and | have heard all
the rest. Perhaps" she continued. ''as
one Of the Interested persons | may be
allowed To have II voice i'll the matter as.
however it may concern you men, it con
Germs me equally il not to greater de
gree"
"Yes, Mary" said the husband, you
are right. you can settle it. If you love
Jack. can 60 out OF your lives and-but
why waste words? | know you do, l
saw it in your face as he entered the
room tonight"
Lawrence" said his wife, II confess
l must have loved Jack always, but until
he returned from India | thought it was
dead But il did not die until tonight.