The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1904-01-14

glad the hearts OF your erstwEile friends.
whom you knew were eager to welcome
you back to the old circle after your long
absence abroad"
Your penetration is not remarkable
for it's acuteness tonight" the man
submitted tentatively. He gave her
long, searching look. This is the first
function l have graced CD in five years.
The night you gave me my congo, l fore
swore society, and since then have
sought companionship among the
beasts of the jungle. They are, at least.
merciful, as they inflict mortal wounds,
which are far less cruel than the linger-
ing variety"
The woman WINGED slightly, then with
an effort. she said. quite steadily:
why recall by-gones, Albert? 1t is
so hopeless, so unavailing. Let us draw
the mantle of forgetfulness over the
old days, and for tonight give ourselves
over to the present. Let our watchword
be To-day for yesterday is gone from
us forever, and tomorrow we may not
live to see. Life is too short to waste
in vain regrets"
"Agreed-on one condition" said the
man, earnestly.
And that?" with rising infection in
her voice
THAT you tell meat least do me the
justice to explain why you threw me over
and married a man whom l have every
reason to believe you did not love"
The womans face was as white as
the rope of pearls which encircled her
fair throat She sat nervOusly toying
with the rings on her small, shapely fin
gers. When she at last looked up, there
was tired, weary look about her eyes.
Since you persist" there was
sort of break in her voice-"I will tell
you. Fathers business affairs were tot
tering, ruin was imminent. A rich SON
in-law, he said, would reestablish con-
fdence among his creditors, and bridge
him over. He put up a pitiful story;
there was no time for hesitancy-no al
tentative, and sol broke with you,
who had at that time no prospects to
speak of-and gave myself up as sac
rifice"
The man in the shadow caught his
breath fiercely. inadvertently his hand
sought his pocket and drew forth some
thing small and glittering. He smiled
grimly as he turned it over in his hand
and reflected with what facility it did its
work. In one brief second it could for
ever remove the barrier which stood be-
tween her and happiness. Bit he must
not make scene and spoil her evening
Later He set his lips resolute-
ly, threw away his cigar Qong since
gone OUT, and then. like far-off music
he could hear her saying:
after all, Albert it was the hand o.
Providence. We were such children
and did not know the meaning of love
Why, compared with the real thing, tina
youthful passion was but a spurious
imitation. At that time had net The
faintest conception of the beauty, the
fullness of what Drummond defines 'th,
greatest thing in the world A won
derful being is the little god of love
Though blind and deaf to our wishes o
desires. he dissipates cares, tighten
burdens, and makes life one grand, swee
song. All, Albert, in the old days,
never dreamed of such perfect love a
now fills my life"
The man rose and offered his arm.
Before returning to the ballroom,
he said, in a voice disciplined to steadi
ness, II should like to offer my con
gratulations, and-pardOn me-bu
should you mind telling me the name o
the fortunate one upon whom you"
The woman interrupted him with
soft, ripping laugh.
LAS if there could be but one-tha
noblest and best man God ever create,
my husband"
They passed on. and the man in tn
shadows sank back into the chair an
drew forth another cigar. Before light
ing it, he returned the glittering objec
to his pocket. In voice strangely sol
and tender, he murmured:
Cod | thank Thee"
Far down the street some one wa
stunning on guitar and singing:
Tell me that YOU love me,
Tell me softly, as of old,
Tell me that you love me,