Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1902-08-20

it should do so with love than shame and
disgrace"
SHANE and disgrace" he muttered
repeating her words almost unconscious
", and with vague look upon his face,
Forgive me for saying it, dear, but
cannot ever be your wife while Nora
Warner lives. Her death can wipe out
the shame, nothing else. Until then we
can be nothing to each other"
A light leaped into his face that was
most wonderful to see. 1t seemed trans
figured. and the sadness Of woe unutter-
able gave way TO the brightness Of hope
and joy.
Carol" he said, huskily, would you
be my wife IL Nora Warner were dead,
so that her name would be all that was
left OF her? Would that indeed wipe
out the disgrace that has fallen upon
the name in your eyes?"
ITO both of your questions | have but
one answer-yes! Heaven knows how
willingly | would join my lot With yours,
to be with you always, in sickness or in
health but while Nora Warner lives it is
impossible Give up all thoughts Of such
happiness, dear Roger, for it is beyond
reach"
She pitied him the more since she had
seen that glad light leap into his eyes,
for she felt sure that be was building up
false hopes.
mot so far as you imagine, my darling.
Even now it seems to me the skies are
growing brighter" he said, drawing forth
a letter.
What do you mean, Roger?"
mora Warner is -deadw he replied,
slowly.
The girl gave a start, and an exclama-
ton fell from her lips
''Impossibler' she cried.
"Not so. dearest Read that letter, and
you will see that what l have told you
was the truth. Nora Warner, poor girl,
has found rest The letter was delayed
in finding its destination, and some kind
fate directed It into my hands. Read"
This was what she read in the great,
coarse scrawl Of man who had been
scholar once, perhaps, but never a good
penman:
" Mr. Roger Darrell:
''Sir-The young woman whom you
committed to my care, Nora Warner,
made her escape from the asylum a week
We have this day succeeded in finding the
body which, though badly mutilated by
the fishes, has been identified by articles
Of clothing as that OF your unfortunate
wife. 1t shall wait for you two days,
and at the termination Of that period,
should you not some, will have the body
With deepest sympathy for your
great loss, subscribe myself, your hum
Die servant,
TIMOTHY GRIM, NJ. D.
"Elysium House on the Potomac"
She read this through and then handed
i back to him with look of pain on her
face.
This Timothy Grim, NJ. D., may on
ordinary occasions be n keen man, but
fate has made a football with him. or
else this letter has been purpOsely de
ayed so that any deception he may have
intended could be carried out One thing
Is sure: Nora Warner is In the flesh for
lays after this letter was written. |
have seen and conversed with her, face
to face"
''Aliye and here! What can she want,
poor girl; bat why need | ask? II that
be so, then all is gloom again where |
lad caught a glimpse of dawn, aud the
darkness will be all the darker and the
pain more bitter because of it. Oh,
Carol, am / TO 90 from you forever?
Something seems to tell me that II we
BART now 1t will be never to meet again"
His eyes were glued upon her face, full
,f the passionate fire of the absorbing
love that possessed his soul, and she
under the look. knowing her
weakness now that love had such a pow
er over her heart; but she summoned up
her courage and resolutely shut out the
alluring scene that came before her.
Roger, there is bat one answer" she
said. Love can command my life, but
il can never cause me to forget that |
am a Richmond AS the dearest friend
have on earth, | look to you. but more
than that you cannot, must not be while
she lives. My answer is--heaven help
us both-go"
He nerved himself to meet it like a
man, but it was a terrible blow.
Carol. il may be yor are right. though
| am too blinded by love and sorrow to
1t. In the future shall be
to you friend in time of need. l shall
come and see you here, but never again
as your lover. Then il there is any reIa-
tive to whom you would like TO 90. /
will take you there. l hear Mrs. Ran
dali coming. Trust in her, for she is a
true friend. And now farewell, my iove.
my life. Farewell, farewell"
Painting she st ggled from his fierce
embrace He stood there looking at her
while she grew ca..I and icy cold. Then
turning. he took his hat and left the old
mill
She sank back with clasped hands and
fearful eyes.
Give me strength, oh Father in heav-
en-, for the light OF my life goes out with
him!"
CHAPTER Y.