Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1904-01-01

ne could do no wrong to any one will
July as that she drew breath.
mat Nora Warner was his wretched
~ife she understood too well, for had he
not himself acknowledged the stain in
On MS name; but that he had acted the
part OF a villain toward her Carol could
never believe.
wonderful, is 1t not, what things dart
through the mind in a few seconds of
tme! Roger could bear the silence no
longer. When he spoke his voice yibrat-
ed with emotion, which he tried In vain
to suppress.
Carol, my own love, for the last time
1 come to you. a suppliant. Pride has
given way before the love that floods
my sou. You may hate me for thus
tempting you, but 1 do not look At 1t in
the same light you do. The shame of
the past is buried in the mad house. WHY
should this woman come between lis?
Oh, my poor darling, why were you ours
ed with a love like mine, that seems to
blight where it falls; and yet IL 1 could
serve you by having my poor body tor
tured, willingly would l undergo the in
hction. You believe me, do you not, be-
lovedT'
You know I do, Roger. You know that
my heart is wholly yours, and ever will
be, but once again 1 tell you what you
ask can never be. There rests between
us a deep and unfathomable abyss. My
heart is breaking, Roger, but better that
1t should do SO with love than shame and
disgrace"
Shame and disgrace" he muttered,
repeating her words almost unconscious
ly, and with a vague look upon his face.
Forgive me for saying 1t, dear, but 1
cannot ever be your wife while Nora
Warner lives. Her death can wipe out
the shame, nothing else. Until then we
can be nothing to each other"
A light leaped into his face that was
most wonderful to see. 1t seemed trans
figured, and the sadness Of woe unutter-
able gave way to the brightness of hope
and joy.
Carol" he said, huskily, would you
be my wife if Nora Warner were dead,
so that her name would be all that was
left Of her? Would that indeed wipe
out the disgrace that has fallen upon
the name in your eyes?
$40 both of your questions l have but
one answer-yes! Heaven knows how
willingly l would join my lot with yours,
to be with you always, in sickness or in
health; but while Nora Warner lives it is
impossible. Give up all thoughts Of such
happiness, dear Roger, for it is beyond
reach"
She pitied him the more since she had
seen that glad light leap into his eyes,
for she felt sure that he was building up
false hopes.
mot so far as you imagine, my darling.
Even now it seems to me the skies are
growing brighter" he said, drawing forth
a letter.
"What do you mean, RogerT
"Nora Warner is dead!" he replied,
slowly.
The girl gave a start, and an exclama-
ton fell from her lips.
"Impossible!' she cried.
"Not so, dearest. Read that letter, and
you will see that what | have told YOU
was the truth. Nora Warner, poor girl,
has found rest. The letter was delayed
in finding its destination, and some kind
fate directed it into my hands. Read.
This was what she read in the great,
coarse scrawl Of a man who had been a
scholar once, perhaps, but never a good
penman:
"Mr. Roger Darrell:
"SirlThe young woman whom you
committed to my care, Nora warner
made her escape from the asylum a week
since. and drowned herself in the river
We have this day succeeded in finding the
body. which, though badly mutliated bS
the fishes, has been identified by articles
of clothing as that Of your unfortunat'
wife. 1t shall wait for you two days
aud at the termination Of that period
should YOU not some, will have the body
inferred. With deepest sympathy for you
great loss. | subscribe myself, your hum
TIMOTHY GRIM, NJ. d.
"Elvsium House on the Potomac
She read this through and then hande'
II hack TO him with a look of pain on he
face.
"This Timothy Grim, NJ. D., may Of
ordinary occasions be a keen man pu
Fate has made a football with him, o.
else this letter has been %purposely. de
layed SO that n deception he may hav'
intended could be carried out. one mn
is sure: Nora Warner is IN the nesh ~
DAYS after this letter was written
have seen and conversed with her, rae
to face" m,n,
"Aliye and here! What can she wan
NOR Girl. but why need | ask? If tina
be SO, then all is gloom again where e,
had caught a glimpse of dawn, and tn
darkness will be all the darker and tn
uain more bitter because of it. Oh
Carol, am 1 to go from you forever
Something seems to tell me that II W
part now it will be never to meet asai ~.
His eyes were glued upon her race, iu
Of the passionate fre OF ,ne ao sa en-
love that possessed his SOUL and 81
Nv - ,ndor the look. knowing he