The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1900-09-04

} TRUE TO THE CORE ;
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Athcrton had parted Not a tender
word, not even hand clasp, though
they had been friends for years. A
bitter parting; but the meeting one
year after was more bitter still. In
the interim Myra had gone to the city
TO her aunts home. Made reckless
from her misery, she plunged into all
manner Of gaycty, and dispensed her
hollow smiles on every side.
When Leroy Baker asked her to be-
come his WIFE, she said Eyes" without
hesitation.
She did not love him. she knew that
his faults were many and flagrant, but
he was rich. SO she became Mrs.
Baker the mistress OF an elegant es-
adjustment. the leader Of the social
circle in which she moved. Stlll, her
heart was sore, her days were torture,
her life seemed all mockcry.
Just one year from the time when
she had parted from Robert she was
back again In that room under the
caves. She had come TO her old home
on vlsit-to gain relief from her
false. hollow life.
She sat looking out aud thinking
thinking when suddenly she felt an
arm enclrcing her waist and a kiss
pressed upon her cheek and heard a
well known voice, saying:
"Myra -Myra. bid me welcome
home"
Size turned with low, glad cry OF
Robert" She could not say more;
but he saw her face. her eyes, and he
drew her 20 himself. crying softly:
"Myra. darling. do you love me?
Oh. I could not remain away longer.
I dared not hope for your love, but |
felt that any certainty was better than
suspense"
She was trying to release herself
from his embrace.
"Have made n installer he asked
quickly. "Do you not love meT
"Have you heardT she began.
"WhatT'
"That am-am married" The
word froze on her lips.
married. he echoed, In n hollow
voice. no, did not know IT. |
have seen no one since my return-not
even your mother. | did not know
that you were married. To whomT
Leroy BakcrT
"AIy God! To hlmr he cried, start
ing back.
"Do you know him. Roberto
81 did know him-craven. cOwardI |
once called him friend, but he was so
false. so base SOL forget; he Is your
husband. and / should not so speak
against him"
She sank to the floor, only half co.
sclous. In this benumbcd state she
remained while the shades Of evening
gathered and settled into darkness.
She heard the sounds Of life below
vet she felt no desire 20 move. She
knew that her husband was coming
there. yet she did not 20 TO meet him.
She remained on the hard, bare floor
in silent anguish.
"Myra-Myral Wake up-wake up|
II was her mothers voice, so sharp,
so pained. that It brought her to her
feet in an instant.
what is It? Quickl What Is ltT
'T.eroy is dead.'
"UOw-howW
Gle was brought here
81 know" Myra interrupted wildly.
Gle was murdered Where2 Howf
Tell me ALI"
"He was shot and found in the path
that runs through the woods yonder"
"They met. and this Is the endl Le-
ROY was false to Robert, and this Is his
revenge. But he is SAFE thank God
he is safel No one knew Of his arrival
and he will flee at once. Leroy Is dead
and | am free. Free, but, oh, God,
parted from Robert foreverT
Another year and another dreary,
rainy November day. Myra was seated
by the window of her room watching
and thinking and suffering-suferlng
from the remembrance Of two other
autumn days so like this one. A Wis
itor was announced, and in the apa-
thetlc way that was habltual to her OF
late she went down to the parlor and
met Robert Atherton.
"Robertp she cried gladly. Then,
remembering all, she turned shudder-
ingly from him.
He quietly placed In her hands a let
ter. Wonderlngly she opened 1t and
read. 1t was a deathbed confession,
written by the murderer Of her hus-
band, who had done the deed for
money.
She read 1t and then stood like a
statue, hating herself for having doubt
ed the innocent.
81 tended him." said Robert, point
Ing to the letter, "till he died. From
him learned that you were free. And
Myra-oh, have hoped that you would
love me nowl Can you and will you"
She scOurged herself by telling him
all, feeling and fearing that he would
hate her for It; but he did not. He
took her to his arms, saying:
"rhe past is past. care for moth
ing save that you become my wife.
Myra, tell me-yes."
And she did.-New York News.