The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-12-20
His Fair Old Wife.
A Christmas Story
BY WALTER F. JACKSON


by the Sunny South.)
With a slow and weary step, his face
deathiy pale. Jack Desmond ascends the
broad staircase and enters his rom, clos
ing the door noiselessly after him.
Turning on the light, he opens drawer
in little inlaid table ard takes there
from small silver-mounted revolver Il
smile inexpressibly bitter curls his bag
gard lips, as he draws back the hammer
and deliberately places the cold muzzle
against his temple.
Luck is against me- he mutters, "and
I'm sick OF the struggle-sick OF life it
self. Let the curtain fall and the lights
go out. No worse hell can await the
ruined gamester than the hell of his own
miserable thoughts
The cynical smile deepens upon his lips.
revealing his clenched white teeth. His
steady hand presses the trigger.
\ sharp click follows, but no report
Fortunately the cartridge has failed TO
explode.
His eyes flash feverishly. He is about
to recock the weapon, when there is a
low, frightened cry, a rush of soft foot
steps; and as the pistol is dashed from
his suicidal hand a voice shaken with
horror cxc!aims
'.stop Oh. merciful God! Are you
mad."
With convulsive start, the young man
wheels
by what right he begins hoarsely.
he gets no further, however, for the
person before him, erect but trembling
in every limb, and with one hand pressed
against her painting bosom, is woman.
y woman of middle age, with a pale,
pure, intellectual face, delicate white
hands and an affluence of shining sill
very hair; a woman OF singular grace and
beauty despite her years, and possessing
q nameless. indeseri5able charm as eX-
quisite and as intangible as a strain of
haii-forgotton music.
Desmond has met this lady very fire
Quently within the last month or two.
These meetings, though, have been con-
fined to the staircases and corridors of
the hotel where they are stopping; and
though struck by the supreme distinction
OF her air, the young man has made
few inquiries concerning her, nothing be-
yond a :mlle and a bow mas hitherto
passed between them. Imagine, then, his
establishment at seeing her mere.
miss Maynard" he exclaims. You"
She flashes through her colored glasses
an involuntary glance toward the clock
on the mantel. The hands are pointing
10 quarter after midnight.
Il understand" she says ulsteadily.
But / am here to save-to keep you
from crime. Come with me-"
The last words spoken in frmer tone,
are uttered with the air OF one who expects
TO denial. In his present desperate mood
Desmond finds them rather amusing. Per-
haps. too, though he has silently cursed
her for staying his murderous hand, Re
H. nevertheless glad of the reprieve.
Il am at your service, madame" he
answers courteously."
She turns and leads the way from the
room. few steps bring them to plush
draped archway. Pushing aside the heavy
portiere, she ushers him into little PAR
Tor whose daintily luxurious appointments
appeal to the cultured taste with the
same subtle. indeflnable charm which is
so sweetly welded to herself.
''Sit down." she says waving her hand
toward a shell-shaped velvet chair. land
] will tell you how 1 came to enter your
room. / saw your face as you were com
ing up the stairs. and l knew that yoc
were crazed with suffering and bent OH
doing some desperate deed. So the mo-
ment you closed your door l stole to it
a
tered words which told me only too plain.
IL that you were about to destroy your
self. Are you surprised, then, ar my run
ming in and knocking the pistol from your
hand?"
A tremor as of horror thrills through
her as she speaks-a tremor that does
not escape Jack Desmond's now keen
and wondering regard.
II an surprised" he answers, cat the
rains you took to verify your suspicious.
What interest can you have in a man
ike me' Pcn.Il"ss and friendless, with
70 one to blame for my ruined life but
myself, l am tonight, OF all creatures
or earth, perhaps the most miserable.
You would have been far kinder, madame.
had you made no effort to save me-
The lady starts from the chair into
which she sank moment since, and with
her rich draperies sweeping the deep
CARPET moves n few steps away from
him.
lis there no hope for you?" she asks
in a trembling voice. Can you not re
deem he past?"
A sccrnful laugh escapes his handsome
lips.
Impossible, madame. I have 10
money, no business qualifications, no
knowledge OF any profession. How could
! live?"
Have you any desire to live?-to sup
port yourself in an honorable way?--
&c win baci; the love and respect of Jour
tsllowmeu?"
apasn Of pain crosses his naughty
ycEng ace.
why do you question me?" he says.
\ sudden lovely smile flashes over her
sweet, sad mouth.
Then you have that desire! Will you
Iroye it? You would study law, but you
haven't the means. You have very ex-
travagant tastes Give up your present
reckless way of living and your every
wish shall be gratifed. Will you promise
me this?"
She has drawn closer to him; and as
nc rises. his eyes widening with astonish-
ment, he can see that she is quivering
with emotion.
Madame he stammers. "why-why do
you take so deep an interest in one so
unworthy?"
THAT Is my secret +" iS tho low-almos