The Monticellonian., 1904-12-15
THE SHADOW
 OF HER LIFE By J. II. WILLIAMS
Copyright, 1904, by Daily Story Pub. Co.,

Copyright, lyJA, by DalIy story Fuo. No.p DROWNE gazed in astonishment at 6 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 bright. glad-hearted girl into a nervous. Respondent woman; the eyes once so gay and frank had now shift ing, haunted expression, which pained him inexpressibly.
 Judith" he asked, how long has this creation of your imagination,-I beg your pardon, dearest-this companion of yours been known to you?"
 Ever since l was tiny child, Judith replied wearily.
 "A child, How very strange,
 Immediately after my mother died, in those sad days when l was alone and desolate. Henri began to visit me. He was a beautiful boy, as bright and full of spirits as l was melancholy He changed my life, Charles. I believe I should have gone insane but for him You know l always was very nervous child"
 And now" thought Browne, she is very nervous woman. That is the only explanation possible for this strange idea of hers; her extreme ner- vous temperament and the morbid state of mind brought about recently by her fathers death.
 "Yes. Judith, I remember well what a pale. sensitive little creature you used to be. but after your step mother came, you changed wonderfully. believe you were happier and more healthy after that were you not. dear?'
 Yes, very much happier. Mamma has indeed been a blessing to me From the time of her coming up to dear papa's death I was perfectly content. and dur ing that sweet. happy time 1 had very few visits from Henri. In fact, ne stopped coming altogether, and had given up all hope of ever seeing him again until about a month ago.
 "When you were child. and he visited you so frequently, did anyone else see him2"
 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"
 Well dearest I am glad you told me this. for l 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.
 "Oh Charles. you do not understand! He affects our life very much"
 What do you mean, Judith? Has your heart changed toward me?s
 "Oh no. noi It will never change toward you, dear" answered the girl. while her own were full of love. and yet of a deep sadness as well.
 Well dear one, cant you tell me what is the trouble then?" asked Browne drawing her closer to him.
 Charles" she replied, when Henrl 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 Henri. dear
 "Oh Judith, Judith, Can you let phantom, hallueination come between us? How can you use me so?" Brownes face was full of agony
 Charles don't speak so, Id give the world if it were only phantom Wait a moment" And Judith drew from ner neck a chain. and Browne saw, suspend ed from it. simple little ring. set with few tiny garnets This is our engage ment ring" she continued Henri has one from me just like it"
 "Oh Godl" groaned her lover what can be the meaning of all this! Her mind is unbalanced through her grief" But Judith's eyes were quite sane and full of womanly tenderness as she tried to comfort him
 Be patient, dearest" she said, T shall try to be true to you, and when Henri comes. as he will soon, I shall ex- plain it all to him and it may be he will release me from my promise. did not mean to be false to him; oh, noi I never meant that, But after papa $ second marriage, when l was so happy