The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1899-07-24

ed her, bNk she was never true. She for
sock me. She left her babe to die.
followed her, and on my kpees pleaded
with her to return to me. 1swore that il
she did not l would kill her, and she
knew that l would keep my vow. 1t
was whispered to me that she had q
wealthy lover, and it drove me mad
She told me this was false, and with her
soft words and caressing touch she cooled
the fever in my brain and said to come
tomorrow when l was calm, and she
would talk to me. Tomorrow came, but
she had fled with him. Since that time
had sought for her with one purpose
in my heart-to take her life.
"She understood that night that she
must meet me, and she stole out as l
knew she would. She used all her arts
upon me. She told me he was dead,
that she was wealthy, and together we
could 60 away and be happy as in the
olden time. My heart was still. She
knelt to me, she prayed to me, she
threw herself into my arms, and while l
held her on my breast plunged into her
heart the blade which drank her blood
and silcnced her false tongue. Why was
l 30 hard? I saw her in the moonlight
when she flung herself at your feet,
Ralph Caren, and begged you to love her.
saw her kiss your hands and battle
them with her tears. 1t turned my blood
to fire. and had you been less the man
you were should have killed you there
and then, but you were honorable, and
what l say to you now will make amends
perhaps for what you and that poor girl
who lies in yonder prison cell have suf-
fered through me. Pray, pray, oh, God,
1t is not too late"
For Violet the only hope of life had
been quiet and absolute freedom from
excitement, but when Ralph came, his
face beaming with happiness, presented
himself and demanded admittance, a con-
sultation was held, and it was decided
that he was the proper person to carry to
bis afiianced the glad news of her vindica-
ton.
Ralph had not seen Violet since the ter
rible day when the verdict was announc-
ed, and although he had sought admit
lance each day he had been steadily de-
MED.
1t was subject of much doubt wheth-
er in her present condition Violet could
be brought to recognize him Or comprs-
bend the object of his visit. They could
but try, and Sudden shock" has been
known to restore dormant intellect.
How frail she looked lying there with
her transparent hands clasped upon her
breast, her large eyes fixed in vacant
stare, taking no heed Of passing events.
As Ralph stepped across the threshold
Of the prison. cell wave Of tenderest
love and pity filled his heart.
Softly he approached the couch upon
which Violet was reclining. He knelt be-
side her, and, taking in his her little
hands, he stroked them tenderly while
great sobs shook his manly frame.
"Violet," he softly mtlrmured, do you
not know me, dear? 1t is Ralph, Ralph
Caren, who speaks to you"
Her gaze wandered to his face and set
tied there, at first vacant and unseeipg,
but gradually growing more intent, and
at last with an interest and questioning
which all watched breathlessly.
violet, have come for you, love, to
take you away from this sad place, to
take you home. Do you hear, Violet, to
take you homer"
Like a great wave recollection swept
over her. She turned her troubled eyes
to the grated windows of her prison and
sobbed out weakly and family, Ralph,
oh Ralph"
Holding her closely to his heart, Ralph
slowly and cautiously told her the story
Of the crime. She listened, look of in
effable peace upon her white face, and
when he had finished she removed her
eyes for the first time from his face and
turned them toward heaven.
Clasping her trembling hands upon her
bosom, she murmured brokenly in a voice
inaudible save to him who held her on
his heart. "Dear Lord, thank thee-for
SUPERINTENDENT"
She spoke no more. Her hands were
still clasped, her eyes still looking heav-
onward.
"Oh, violetr' moaned Ralph as he
kissed her unresponsive lips, my Vio-
let"
She did not hear. Her ears caught but
the welcoming chorus Of angels, her eyes
saw only the glories Of the celestial city,
a smile rested upon her parted lips,
across her face gray shadow crept, and |
like white dove, her pure soul spread |
its snowy pinions and scared upward to-
ward the gates of heaven.
They carried her back to the home
whose light and joy she had been for 10 |
happy years. In the darkened parlor,
heavy with the fragrance of flowers, she
lay, slim white shape. Upon her quiet
breast pale lilies dropped their perfumed
cups, and purple violets nestled lovingly
against her marble cheek. As Ralph
stood beside her, his heart bursting with
grief, ray of sunlight stealing through
the half closed shutters rested like ben
ediction upon her shining hair.
Over his troubled spirit sweet calm
,rept. He stopped and kissed her waxen
cheek.
Farewell, farewell, until I greet you
n heaven, my Violet."-St. Paul Globe.