The Palatka news and advertiser. [volume] (Palatka, Fla.) 1902-1905, 1903-09-25
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tOriginal.l

that consent, and as there was no hope
and he felt he could not live near heI
and not possess her he went to point
as far distant as he could we'll gel
within the limits of the United States
He settled in Seattle.
He was an attractive fellow, and
there were attractive girls in the far
west, but 0lcott considered his heart
broken and would have none of them
When told that some day he would for
get all about his youthful love and
marry he declared that he would never
marry any one but Marguerite Searle
He was certainly faithful lover, for
he cherished her image In his heart,
and though he and she grew out of
their youth that image remained the
same. Marguerite married to suit her
mother about year after Olcott's
departure, but Olcott did not hear of It
till long after, and then only that she
was, married. When, where and to
whom he did not learn.
Then OlcOtt's uncle died and left him
fortune on condition that he should
take the uncle's name, Howe. Olcott
accepted the terms and the fortune and
went east to manage his estate.
He was now forty instead of twenty
and began to feel the necessity of a
companion. He was expected by the
terms of the will to open the manor
house, and would need some one to
take care Of 1t and preside over 1t.
The romance In him had died out, at
least he said so, and he made up his
mind to marry on common sense prin-
ciples. Some of his friends advised
him to choose woman much younger
than himself, since the wife should be
younger than the husband and he
would find girl of twenty much more
tractable than a woman of forty. But
Olcott-Or, rather, Howe, which was
now his name-demurred, declaring
that he would marry one near hisNown
age.
Among those to whom .he was intro
duced after his return to the east was
Mrs. Harding, a widow. There was
something about her that reminded
him of his old lOve. Perhaps this in
huenced him, though he did not ac
knowledge 1t to himself. At any rate
he made up his mind the first time he
saw her that she was the woman he
wanted. He was hurried into q some
what precipitate proposal from the
fact that she was preparing for two
years absence in Europe. Howe de-
termined to stop this If possible and
the only way he knew to go about ii
was to offer her the position he had in
mind.
Il know" he said to her, "that we
have both passed that romantic period
where we think we can love but once.
I confess that my heart was given to
another when I was but half my pres
emit age, and have been true in 70.
mantle point or view to the girl !
loved, and shall always be thus true.
But the affection of more mature
years is still mine to give, and / am
told by married people that the love of
in time hardens into family
love that, if less violent, is far deeper
and more enduring. That love offer
you"
Il, too" said the widow, "have pass.
ed into that stage which you describe.
have had one love in which my heart
was absolutely engaged and l can
never have another such; but / can
love as you say, and If such love Is
acceptable TO you it is yours"
Howe WINGED. He was quite willing
10 give a dead love, but when it came
10 the point he found he preferred
i've one in return.
'There is a. difference" he said, "be-
tween our cases. In yours the object |
If your love is dead; in mine she may |
>e living, though, confess, as to this |
am not Informed. She married years |
lgo, since when l have heard nothing
II her."
''YOu mistake" replied the widow. |
My late husband was not the love re-
'er to. In my girlhood l loved one
whom could not marry"
"Then," said Howe. 1--WE are quits as
o these two loves. Had we not better
ct them remain buried in the dead past
md devote ourselves to living pres
mt? l confess these old loves, when
confronted with new ones, are musty
nd have sepulchral Odor. Dear Mrs
Call ME Marguerite" she whispered,
citing her head fall on his breast.
Marguerite" he asked, starting.
eyes; Marguerite"
marguerite Searle?"
II was Marguerite Searle."
"And am
"Anthony Olcott."
"You knew me"
"From the first. A woman's love Is
OF mans, to forget even the slightest
RAFT, tone of voice, step. look of
he eye. She treasures these in her
cart, and when they come TO her again
fter years of absence, thUugh dis
uised, they have for her the same
harm as of old"
Marguerite, forgive me for not
rue, you reminded we of yourself, but
confess
'@There is nothing to forgive you for
Mess it is for being a man. Men can
OF retain what is SO enduring in wO-
lan."
"But 1t was you, not 1, who
Eyes; l obeyed my parents, Though 1t
ost me more than it cost you. In this
on men have the advantage of US wo.
len. You are stronger and less emo
onal.. But when it comes to true love
e are far more fervent and enduring"
After all, Anthony .Olcott Howe con-
udosl TINT thnrn IL n ..or.,nr,no L.. Lana