The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1901-06-20
been different" And dry sob rose in

been different" And dry sob rose in
the merchants throat.
ut would have been different. too, II
the babies had lived" he went on.
"How happy we were over the first one
such wonderful little fellow, we
thought himi Even now seem to feel
her tears upon my cheek and the
touch of her soft face against mine as
she crept into my arms for comfort
when he was taken from us. Some
times. when she can't help it. she will
think of the lost little ones and Of
their father. When she does. Harring-
ton, hope you will comfort her."
It was Harrington now who was
drumming on the window. As he
made no reply the merchant contin-
ued reminiscently: "How bravely she
nursed me through the fever-'twas
me-and how delighted she was when
I sat by the window for the first time.
Perhaps II had worked less to pro-
vide her with luxuries and more t''
keep her affection she might have
cared for me still"
"Have you informed your wife of
your decision to abscond and give her
freedom?" asked Harrington. without
turning. "Does the plan meet her
approval?"
T-the fact is, she doesn't know it
or that I have any suspicion of last
nights denouement. To tell you the
truth / haven't--Td rather not hear
her confess that I have become moth
ing to her. Even though know she
loves you I'd rather not hear her say
so. take the 9: 80 tonight and shall
leave without seeing her again.
trust you will carry out my wishes
in regard to the marriage and comfort
my wife in the hour of her desertion." "
and the merchant laughed harshly.
Evidently" said Harrington. turn
ing toward him, "you did not hear all
of last evenings denouement, as you
call it. You must have retired from
the scene before the finale"
"Yes," answered the merchant. 81
CHANGED upon you accidentally and.
as a man of honor. heard and saw no
more than was inevitable before
could escape. You were planning a
trip to-was it Venice? when l with.
drew"
"Nos planning-it takes two for
that" explained Harrington, "and for
your sake I am glad to say that last
nights unfortunate crisis was entire
ly one-sided. I love your wife-you,
loving her, too, can perhaps under
stand why-and last night. as you
know, I rashly proclaimed my devo.
ton. I took her unawares. surprised
her with my avowal. and forced my
kisses upon her. alone was RESPONSE
ble for the scene of which you were
witness"
"And Helen" demanded the mer
chant. hoarsely. "Isn't she-doesn'.
she care"
"Not for me-" answered Harrington.
81 leave tonight for the west and-l
may be a scoundrel as you say, bnt
your wife is a true woman and-lovcs
you. Let me leave you this as proof
of her devotion" and handing the
merchant a note Harrington hastily
left the room.
Note in hand the merchant walked
to the window and stood gazing down
upon the swiftly moving stream of hui.
manity below-gazing with food of
gladness in his heart that frightened
the otherwise somber scene. Then
opening the note he read as follows:
my Dear Mr.. Harrington: Allow me
once more to express my deepest regret
for last nights mistake. and to beg your
forgiveness If seemingly encouraged your
attentions. Resting secure In my hus-
bands affection and my love for him am
most surprised and panied to learn the
nature of your regard for me. With my
heart safely in my husbands keeping let
me assure you Of my best wishes for your
future happiness and the hope that you
will adhere to your resolution to leave
the city. Yours, respectfully.
HELEN BANFORD."
When the merchant had finished the
note he looked around for Harring-
ton. But the man was gone. Touch
ing a bell he summoned clerk.
"Order a carriage for me at once"
he said. "Quick, now; I must get