Windham County reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1901-1906, 1903-06-12

10 that old satyr. to be gloated over
the horror Of that thought to woman
to any woman, good or bad. To have
ones beauty turn to curse her and
make her desirable only-only as we'll
fed cattle are priced. No matter how
great the manifestation Of such 30
called love. 1t all the more repels a
woman and adds to her loathing day
by day. Then there was something
worse than all"-she was almost weep
ing now-"I might have been able to
bear the thought even Of that hideous
marriage-others have lived through
the like-but-but after-that-that
day-when you-it seemed that your
touch was a spark dropped into a heart
full Of finder. which had been lying
there awaiting 1t all these years. In
that one moment the flame grew SO In
tense ! could not withstand it. My
throat ached: could scarcely breathe.
and 1t seemed that my heart would
burst" Here the tears gushed forth as
she took 4 step toward him with out
stretched arms and said between sobs:
II wanted you. you, for my husband
for my husband. and could not bear
the torturing thought Of losing you or
enduring any other man. l could not
give you up after that-it was all too
late, too late: it had gone too far. l
was lost. lost!'
He sprang to where she stood lean.
TN tau ovSI oh har e., p
breast.
She held him from her while she
said: Now you know-now you know
that would not have left you in that
terrible place had known it. No, not
If it had taken my life to buy your
freedom"
Il do know; l do know. Be sure of
that. l know it and shall know it al
ways. whatever happens; nothing can
change me. l will never doubt you
again. 1t is my turn to ask forgiveness
now"
"No, no. Just forgive me. That is all
I ask" And her head was on his breast.
LET us step out into the passageway,
Edwin" said Jane, and we did. There
were lluieS Wueu Jane seeucQ 10 De III
spired.
When we went back into the room.
Mary and Brandon were sitting In the
windowway on his great cloak. They
rose and came to US. holding each 9TH |
er's hands, and Mary asked, looking up
to him:
"Shall we tell themT'
"As you like, my lady"
Mary was willing, and looked for
Brandon to speak. SO he said. This .
lady whom hold by the hand and my
self have promised each other before
the good God to be husband and wife
If fortune ever so favor us that it be
possible"
''No; that is not it." interrupted Ma
ry. There is no if in it. 1t shall be
whether it is possible or not. Nothing
shall prevent" At this she kissed Jane
and told her how she loved her, and
gave me her hand. for her love was so
great within her that it overlooked
upon every one. She, however, always
had plenitude of love for Jane, and,
though she might scold her and appar-
Chtis ililSust dtl, Jane was as GEAR as
a sister and was always sure Of her
steadfast. tried and lasting affection.
After Mary had said there should be
no ''if'' Brandon replied: ..
very well, Nine. Destiny" Then,
turning to us, What ought 1 to do for
one who is willing to stoop from so
high an estate to honor me and be my
Wife"
"Love her and her alone with your
whole heart as long as you live. That
ls all she wants. l am sure" volun-
teered Jane senimentally.
"Jane, you are L Nine. Solomon" ,
said Mary. with tone of her old time
laugh. us the course you advise as you ,
would wish to be done byr And she
glanced mischievously from Jane to me
% the laugh bubbled up from her heart,