Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1904-03-19

sin, Eva Wood. when quite young. The
girl was devoted to him, but time
brought to the knowledge OF the young
man that he did not love her as he
should the woman he would call wife.
Her health began 10 fail and the doc
tors said TO cross her would bring serf-
Gus results; SO, when all at home were
humoring her every within Ashley had
not the heart to break the engagement
as he had intended doing.
AT this time he went to New York on
business. While there he met Sara
Lester. With them 1t was the rare
happening of love at first sight. He
prolonged his stay, thus. dallying with
temptation She knowing naught Of
MS engagement was not on her guard
and slight incident happened that
suddenly brought words tripping
through his lips that for days he had
endeavored to suppress.
He held her in his arms, the one
woman in the world he could love. and
she with trust gave him the grand pas
sion of her life.
Bidding her adieu until he should
again come to her, and going home in
tent upon revealing the truth to Eva
he was met by the news that she must
go abroad and as his wife.
Il know you have been engaged a
long time, Walter, so take the liberty
OF telling you the truth. You may
save her life by going with her at
once" said the family physician.
Was man ever placed so before. Wal
ter wondered; then seeing the hope in
Eva's eyes he sat down and wrote the
circumstances to the woman he loved
pleading with her to forgive him for
the pain he felt he was giving her.
She did not reply, and Ashley soon
after went abroad with his wife. to
whom he was invariably kind. He felt
glad that she was spared the knowl-
edge of that other love, yet he often
doubted the wisdom which had sacri-
need the love of two lives for one.
Much to the surprise of her friends
Miss Lester suddenly married Mr.. Len
nard, Californian. whom she had met
while on an outing the year previous
The meeting on the train had
brought to the surface all Ashley's
doubts and into active existence the
love which dominated his life. There
was something about their meeting
and the invitation she had given him
TO call upon her that puzzled him.
Why should she tempt him to her pres
ence when she knew he loved her?
Was she seeking a sort of revenge for
her past suffering. or was she unhap-
by herself. and like some other women
had become reckless and thus would
lure him on to-God, No, he dared not
think of that; he did not wish 20 think
of it and yet. Well, he would see her
at all events.
few weeks later found Ashley in
New York, awaiting the ladies at Mrs
Testers home. Mrs Lennard entered
alone.
Glad 10 see you. Mother is not we'll
and sends regrets" she remarked. as
she extended her hand in greeting.
81 am delighted to see you again.
Sara, l have thought so much of our
chance meeting. Fearing you are not
happy-you-" moving nearer and TAX
ing her hand. AS she did not resist
he raised 1t to his lips, and then con-
tinued:
DO you remember that night we"
"Oh, Walter. hush! I have not told
you" she interrupted
mo, you have not, but know-was
he cruel to you, Sara? could not
bear to know you had suffered. Your
kindness in asking me here made me
think you would-conide In me, dear"
pleadingly.
Then IL you know of Mr. Lennard's
death, which occurred a year ago, /
want you to know also that he was
kindness itself to me-" she said with
emotion in her voice.
At once the man pulled himself to-
gether. Running his eyes over her he
noted the unrelieved black He won
dered how he had been so stupid, and
was thankful he would never know
his mistake. Hurriedly he said:
you did not enlighten me that day
and II was not until later that I knew
of your husbands death, but I have
loved you always, my darling, | can
not wait longer to tell you'll"
Again she was in mis- arms as on that
day so long before. Trust and love
surged from heart to heart with the
old enchantment which is ever new.