The Calhoun chronicle. [volume] (Grantsville, W. Va.) 1883-1984, 1899-04-18

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newal of all the old ties OF brother
hood between us.
with his coming, the tide of affairs
appeared to change, and the sun to
peep forth once again from beneath
the clouds of adversely; yet. as week
followed week, ! shrank with strange
presentiment from presenting him to
the woman l fondly hoped to one day
make my wife.
Accident finally made it longer
impossible, and forced an introduce
ton. l saw his eyes rest admiringly
on her face; watched the color creep
gently into the beautiful cheeks, as
she, too, marked his gaze; and in that
moment, fierce, unreasoning jealousy
took possession of me, which | strove
in vain to overcome.
My business prosperity no longer
gave me pleasure. Roger wondered
at the change in me, sometimes openly.
oftener silently AZ such moments
could read it in his eyes; and even
Metals seemed to question me. But
| would not heed them.
"At last, dayf would go by and |
would not seek ner presence, sitting
alone. gloomy and wretched But one
day camo little note from her, beg
ging me to come to her that evening
= petition found myself unable to
resist.
AS the hour drew near, my mood
softened, and | determined to put an
end to the suspense which was CON
Stunning me-to discover whether my
jealousy was. indeed, but the fruit of
al idle Imagination.
with my heart beating high and
every pulse throbbing, J approached
her fathers door. 1t stood invitingly
open. The SOUND of voices in the par
Tor seemed an invitation to enter.
For one moment | stood unob-
served on the threshold. Meta and
Roger sat side by side. He was talk
! ing, his handsome head bent low, the
words full of earnest passion, she list
eniug with flushed cheeks and down.
cast eyes.
&" 1t is love and only love which has
prompted it; love which has been
rendered silent through distrust;
81 waited to hear no more. With
my brain afre fastened home, de-
termined to put an end to so miser-
able life before the day dawn.
Taking out my pistols, ] carefully
| polished them, and saw that they were
| fully loaded, determined that if one
barrel failed another should do the
work. Then taking pen, ink and
paper 1 sat down TO pour out, in not.
burning words, to Meta, the story of
my love for her, its hopclessness and
its result.
That finished, sealed aud al
dressed, / determined to wait no
longer, and catching one OF the pistols
in my hand, pressed it against my
temple. Thcnext moment would have
been my last, but that Roger, unseen,
unheard, in my excitement, had en-
tered the room. aud, with an ezclama-
ton Of horror, threw mp my arm; the
bullet intended for my brain whizzing
through au open window.
Great Heavensl what were you
about TO do?' he exclaimed
To kill myself answered.
calmly. An occurrence you have
only postponed
care You mad?' ne questioned,
that you would destroy q life so full
Of promise? Listen, Charliel have
just come from Meta Holden She
loves you, and your strange conduct
Is causing her acute distress. Even
tonight she expected you
Traitor, / exclaimed. Did moi
hear you tell her Of your love, that
You should thus taunt me?'
" Not mine, Charlie, but yours, hC
answered, calmly q was too good q
friend 10 both not TO interfere.
| left my heart behind me, old fellow,
and only spoke tonight because TO
morrow / had determined 10 set ouI
I Tor the East to bring back my bride
I'm fact the moon is shining so clearly
. ] think ! will ride part Of the dis
lance tonight, leaving my horse NJ
II g railroad station, and you can sen,
fJrit tomorrow. Will you not bid ~,
good-hy aud God speed?'
Silently / ciasped his outstretchcO
hand, my heart too full TO speak
" One moment, he added. 4 re
ceived to-day one Thousand dollars
half Of which I leave with you, TO q,
on with tho improvements we hav
talked Of. DO the best you can will
1t, old fellow, and have a welcom