The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1905-03-04

tinctly: but l was sensible that WOm-
an dressed in black was kneeling behind
me. She started back, half fearfully,
as / moved; but something In my face
seemed to reassure her, for the next mo-
ment she again advanced. | brushed
away my tears, rose to my feet and look
ed at her.
She seemed about twenty; her figure
very slight: sweet. pale, melancholy
face; and light, golden hair, that fell in
natural ringlets down upon her shout
ders. While l looked, a thrill ran
troubles affected my brain? No. it was
she. My eager looks again frightened
her.
II heard you sobbing. and l thought
you were ill., she said, timidly. is
there anything l can do for you! II
not, pray pardon my intrusion"
She drew further away from me as
she spoke No; | could doubt no more
That soft, musical voice, that had haunt
ed me in my sleep-whose tones had new
err ceased reverberating in my soul, from
the hour in which had first heard them
was still the same, although the face
and form had grown older.
do you not remember meT l cried,
in a trembling. eager voice.
She thought was mad, and look Of
fear crept over her, but no sign Of rec
ognition.
DO you not remember Bury st. Ed
mund's-the night l met you under the
old gateway-five years next month 2"
At the mention of Bury st. EdmuDd's
I could see her face culver. She paused
for moment after / had finished speak
ing; then she came close to me and look
ed steadfastly into my face.
Yes; it is the same" she said. in
low voice. How strange that we should
meet again! | have often thought Of
YOU"
IL have never ceased thinking of you!"
l answered. And l could not help my
tone being passionate one.
She did not appear to remark my
manner, but seemed half lost in reverie.
We were now walking away from that
dismal spot; the keepers were clearing
the park.
DO you know" she said, speaking
suddenly, that thought you were 60
ing to throw yourself into the canal, and
that was why l spoke to you? Your
eyes were fixed with such a strange look
upon the water, and you were moaning
SO sadly"
l shuddered. Already, the thought of
my meditated crime terrified me. The
despair was lifted off my heart In the
last few moments, and life seemed worth
preserving, after ALL
She seemed to read my guilt in my
telltale looks.
But for you, should now be lying
at the bottom Of that canal! l answer
ed, in low tone, and my tears fell fast.
They relieved my sudden revulsion of
feeling.
"And l have saved you from such a
wicked deed! 1t makes me so happy to
you wish to-drown yourself?" she asked.
Because my life was SO wrctched, SO
endurable-because l have no friends,
no employment, no hope!" l answered,
mournfully.
II have no friends" she answered. in
sad voice; "but l have never wished
to destroy myself; it would be so wick
ed"
ooh, will never think of it again.
said, eagerly.
But if you have no friends and no
employment, you must want money. l
can spare it; indeed can. l give away
good deal. 1t will please me SO much
if you take it."
This was said in such q simple plead
ing tone, SO unconscious of offense, that
it could not have mortified the most SEN
sitive delicacy. But could not accept.
PLEASE not to ask me; / cannot take
it," said.
We walked on until we came to a
street of small, pretty houses.
II live there" she said, pointing to
one which appeared to have been re-
Gently built. Il am late tonight; Mrs.
Wilson will wonder where l am"
us she your sister," l asked, haz-
arding a guess.
"Oh, no-my landlady. AS l told you,
l have no friends"
How very remarkable the coincidence
has beenv' l said, after an awkward
pause do you remember when first
we metv
"You must not talk of that, please"
she interrupted, hastily, with a shud-
der; NOR set me thinking Of that time,
or shall see them all night in my sleep.
But | must wish you good night"
And shall | not see you again?"
said mournfully.
you shall come and see me, if you
like" she said. innocently; but added,
next moment, in. doubtful tone, 81 do
not know what Mrs. Wilson will saw
about it. Perhaps it is wrong. She
knows all these things so much better
than / do"
My countenance fell, and she observ-
ed it, for she went on in a compassion
ate tone: But it Is so hard to have no
friend-no one to speak to, and no en-
ployment! l am so much better off than
you! | have a good, kind friend to talk
to, and to be good to me, in Mrs. Will
son; and then have plenty of work.
lou shall come and see me, and I'll coax
her to be good to YOU"
1t was now quite dark. l could have
fingered there all night listening to her
voice, gazing upon her face. But she
held out her hand. l pressed it. and
we parted.
But could not quit the street. l lin
gered about long time, until lights be-
gan to appear in the bedrooms OF the