The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-10-27
THE SHADOW OF HER LIFE.
BY T. NJ. WILLIAMS.

the girl beside nlms Wnae SVuAu ei.o mean? Was she really in earnest in telIinr him this ridiculous story? Tn the sad eyes that looked steadily into his there was nothing but the most intense earnestness. Perhaps but he thrust the thought rom 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. de- spondent woman: the eyes once so gay and frank had now shifting. haunt ing expression. which pained him. in-
 aJudith," he asked, how long has this creation of your imagination.--I beg your pardon. dearest--this com panion of yours been known to yous
 .'Ever since was tiny child." Ju- dith replied wearily.
 "A child! How stranger
 Immediately after my mother died. in those sad days when was alone and desoIate. Henri began to visit me. He was beautiful boy, as bright and full of spirits as I was melancholy. lieve I should have gone insane but for him. You know always was a 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 nervous temperament and the morbid state of mind brought about recently by her fathers death
 'Yes, Judith, remember we'll what a pale( sensitive little creature you used to be, but after your stepmother came. you changed wonderfully. I 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 was perfectly con- tent, and during that sweet. happy time. I had very few visits from Henri. In fact. he stopped coming al- together and I had given up all hope of ever seeing him again until about a month ago"
 'when you were a child, and he visited you so frequently, did any one else see him?"
 NO, Charles. That Is the strangest part of 1t; he never came when others were about, and everyone laughed at me. and thought me crazy when I talked of him."
 well, dearest, am glad you told me lnlS, TUT I WAHk " hhOW J00A PsN@S 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 towards me?"
 "Oh no, mol 1t will never change toward you dearrs answered. the girl. looking seadfastly. into .Browne's eyes, while her owne were full of love. and yet of deep sadness as we'll. &ar5k ast
 well. dear one. can't you tell me what Is the troube then?' asked Browne drawing her closer to him.
 Charles" she replied. when Henri and I were growing up. In those days when he was everything to. me. I promised to be hisswife. to wait until the time came when he could come for me from his home in Francs where he was poor and unhappy and misunderstood. You understand now; I am engaged to Henri, dear
 ''oh Judith. Judith! Can you let a phantom. a hallucination, come be- tween us? How can you use me so?' Browne's face was full of agony.
 "Charles, don't speak so! I'd give the world if 1t were only phantom. Wait a moment.ri And Judith drew from her neck a chain. and Browne saw. suspended from 1t, a simple Iittls ring, set with a few tiny garnets. This Is our engagement ring she con- tinued. Henri has one from me just like It."
 "Oh God" groaned her lover, "what can he 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, shall explain 1t all to him, and 1t may be he will release me from my promise. I did not mean to be false to him: oh no! never meant that! But af-, ter papa's second marriage. when ] was so happy with mama, Henri seemed to leave me altogether. and T thought he had forgotten all about me. And then you came, and loved you SO" And now 1t was Browne's turn to offer comfort, as Judith bur fed her head in his shoulder sobbing piteously.
 When Henri visited me again, she continued after a few moments, just a short time after papa died, he was much changed. He was a boy when we parted: now he is a man. ana a rich one. at last. but he is lonely and needs me. he says. Oh Charles, 1t is so strange that no ona knows Henri! I cannot understand it! But it will all be clear. Henri Is coming for me soon. He will arrive on the Nereus"
 The Nersusi That Is due next weekl And if he does not come. Ju- dith. what thenY'
 He will come. Charles; know he will" she insisted, and nothing Browne could say could shake her confidence in the arrival of her mys- terious friend.
 'Nrhe Nereus Is In Judith" Browne remarked. as he greeted her a few days later.
 Yes. know. doar." sha replied quietly. but her voice trembled with excitement and her eyes burned fever ishly. T am expecting Henri every moment. Don't leave me, Charles. I am a little nervous today"
 "sit down, dear. Wait for him here"
 "ch no. can't sit down! can't stay still: Come out on the porch with me.
 soon 1t will be ell right. dear