The Jasper news., 1907-01-03
"A Triun,ph's Evidence
By HARRIET f. ABBOTT

but growing bolder, intoxicated with
success, he, too, had been at last
outwitted, and tonight he beheld him
self--a ruined man.
Who could have foretold that sud
den drop In B. & r.? Net he! But
1t came-too late 10 cloae out, and
now---the end. How the hours drag
ged Tomorrow, all his little world
would know that he. Wenwright, the
lucky, had forfeited his claim to the
title, and gone down, like many an.
other.
But, look like that of a dreamer
rudely awakened. swept over the
mans face, as. raising his head, he
exclaimed, in an awe stricken whis-
per: MY God, Edith, my wife' And
| had not. even thought of her."
How would Edith take this change
of fourtune? Edith? their lives had
drifted SO widely apart during. the
past ten years, that he scarcely knew.
or understood her. She had cared
little for luxury or social distinction,
yet how changed was the fair, self
poised woman who bore his name,
from that young girl who had strolled
with him on moonlight evenings. be-
meath the old elms, so long ago!
All, well! She had still her small
inheritance, for he had squandered
nothing which was not his own. He
had fully intended to run down to
Harport last week and see how she
was getting on, but 1t seemed impos,
| sible then, and now.
There was rustic in the doorway.
and against the dark portiere wom'
ans slender figure was outlined, in
bold relief. The sensitive profile
quivered, and low voice, vibrant
with. feeling, murmured: james,
James, I simply had to come, and so
took the evening train. am glad. oh.
so glad, to find you here! How white
and worn you look, though!
But this has been such a sad-a
dreadful day"
] The man WINGED as at touch upon
wound, but the low voice continued:
Let me tell you. This morning
there was terrible accident. l was
at the beach when young doctor,
who had been stopping at the next
cottage, was drowned before my very
eyes. He was on his wedding trip,
and the little bride, poor girl! is fran
tic. But, James, the shock and pity
of 1t all made me see even more
clearly. than ever before. how little
the world has to give us but these
three things, life and love and DEATH"
Her voice trembled, but with ges-
ture both winning and tender, she
held out her hands. rs it too late
for us. even now, dear? You are an
ambitious man, but have you not yet
satisfied your pride? I'm not senti-
mentalist, but aren't we losing some
thing that is the best and sweetest
part of existence? Nothing counts,
you see, but these three facts. life,
love and DEATH"
And Death is swallowed up In vic.
tory" repeated the man, in hushed
monotone.
But the heart of the woman still
sought expression. u have been lone
ly, so lonely, James. II I had had a
child" She turned her head to hide
the tears.
The man caught her in his arms.
But, Edith, listen!" he spoke with
apparent effort, after a long silence;
Il am ruined man. You have not
heard, but everything l own is swept
away"
"A ruined MANI" she echoed. in per.
plexity. There can be no ruin save
in dishonor, and you are not dishon-
ored" Proudly she raised her head.
and like beacon to shipwrecked
mariner the light Of her trust flashed
its message of hope to the spirit OF
the man before her.
No" rang his answer. thrilling with
the inspiring power of reawakened
courage. Defeated, but not dishon-
ored"
A look of almost maternal joy and
yearning was on the woman's face. as
she softly rejoined: "Then nothing
seems lost. All that Is best remains.
and at last, oh, my dear! we know
how much we need each other Fail.
ure means SO little, when 1t can bring
even greater JOY than success
The hearers glance kindled In re.
sponse to her own. Edith. how often
have heard your father quote the
lines: What is our failure here but
a triumph's evidenced Never have
, realized before how truly you are his
! daughter in spirit, as In flesh"
!, They stepped to window, and rais
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