Cameron County press. [volume] (Emporium, Cameron County, Pa.) 1866-1922, 1904-12-15
THE SHADOW
OF HER LIFE
Copyright, 1904, by Daily story Pub. Col
BY j. n. WILLIAMS

DROWNE gaZed in astonishment at
y the girl beside him. What could
she mean? Was she really in earnest
in telling him this ridiculous story?
In the sad eyes that looked steadily into
his there was nothing but the most in
tense earnestness. Perhaps-but he
thrust the thought from him; he could
not would not think the girl he loved
mentally unbalanced. During the last
few weeks he had watched her change
from a bright, glad-hearted girl into
a nervous, despondent woman; the eyes
once so gay and frank had now shift
ing. haunted expression, which panied
him inexpressibly.
Judith" he asked, "how long has this
creation of your imagination,-I beg
your pardon, dearest-this companion
ofyouTs been known to you?"
Ever since was tiny child" Judith
replied wearily.
"A child! How very STRANGE"
Immediately after my mother died,
in those sad days when ! was alone and
desoate. Henri began to visit me- He
was beautiful boy, as bright and full
of spirits as was melancholy. He
changed my life, Charles I believe
should have gone insane but for him.
You know always was very nervous
child"
And now" thought Browne. "she is
a very nervous woman. That is the
only explanation possible for this
strange idea of hers; her extreme ner-
youS temperament and the morbid state
of mind brought about recently by her
fathers death"
Yes, Judith, remember well
what a pale sensitive little creature
you used to be, but after your step
mother came, you changed wonderfully.
1 believe you were happier and more
healthy after that, were you not, dear?"
yes, very much happier. Mamma
has indeed been blessing to me From
the time of her coming up to dear papa s
death ! was perfectly content, and dur
ing that sweet, happy time, had very
few visits from Henri. In fact. he
stopped coming altogether, and | had
given up all hope of ever seeing him
again until about month ago"
When you were child, and he visited
you so frequently did anyone else see
him?"
NO Charles That is the strangest
part Of it; he never came when others
were about, and everyone laughed at
me. and thought me crazy when talked
of him"
We'll. dearest, | am glad you told
me this, for | want to know your past
life and all your experiences. But Henri
does not affect our life at all; he has
nothing to do with your love for me nor
mine for you"
On Charles, you do not understand.
He affects our life very much"
What do you mean, Judith? Has
your heart changed toward me?"
'Oh no, no. 1t will never change
toward you, dear" answered the girl,
lnolting steadfastly into Brownies eyes,
while ner own were full of love, and
yet of a deep sadness as well
We'll. dear one, can't you tell me
what is the trouble them" asked Browne,
drawing her closer to him.
Charles she replied, when Henri
and l were growing up, in those days
when he was everything to me, prom
ised to be his wife, to wait until the
time came when he could come for me
from his home in France, where he was
poor and unhappy and misunderstood.
You understand now; l am engaged to
Heur dear"
"Oh Judith. Judith! Can YOU let a
phantom. a hallucination. come between
us? Howcan you use me so?" Brownies
face was full OF agony.
Charles. don't speak so! I'd give the
world if it were only phantom. Wait
moment" And Judith drew from mel
neck a chain and Browne saw, suspend
ed from it, simple little ring, set will
few tiny garrNts. This is our engage