Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-12-10
}. THE SHADOW OF HER LIFE
 By Js M. WILLIAMS
(CopyTight, 1904, by Daily Story Pub. Col

< e . DROWNE gazed in astonishment at ID the girl beside him. What could she mean? Was she really in earnest Fin telling him this ridiculous story? ? Tn 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 a bright, glad-hearted girl into 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 your
 Ever since was a tiny child" Judith replied wearily.
 "A child! How very strange!
 ssImmediately 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 was melancholy He changed my life, Charles. I believe I should have gone insane but for him. You know always was a 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- yous temperamenta and the morbid state of mind brought About recently by her fathers death
 "Yes, Judith, I remember well what 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, I had very few visits from Henri In fact, he stopped coming altogether, and had given tip all hope of ever seeing him again until about month ago"
 When you were child, and he visited 1 you so frequently did anyone else see him?''
 '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, am glad you told me this, for want to know your past life and all your experiences. But Henri does not affect our life at all; he has aothing 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 Ine?"
 'Oh no, no! It will never change toward you, dear" answered the girl, looking steadfastly into Browne's eyes, while her own were full of love, and yet of deep sadness as well.
 '"Wel1, dear one, can't you tell me what is the trouble then?" asked Browne 1 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'prom- l 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; am engaged to Henri, dear.'
 "Oh Judith, Judith! Can you let a phantom, hallucination, come between us? How can you use me SOP" Browne's 1 face was full of agony.
 Charles, don't 'tspeak so! I'd give the world if it were only a phantom. Walt a moment" And Judith drew from neI neck aschain, and Browne saw, suspend. ed from 1t, a simple little ring, set with few tiny garnsts. t"Tnis is our engage. ] nent ring" she continued. ''Henrl mas
 one from me just like it.'' 'tOh Goal" groaned her lover, awhat can be the meaning of all this! HeI mind is unbalanced through her grief!' But Judith's eyes were quite sane and full of wiomanly tenderness as she tried I to comfort him.
 Be patient, dearest, she said, q shall try to be true to you, and WheI Henri comes. as he will soon. I shall ex'