The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1908-04-15

fell back suddenly in dead faint. He
had had severe illness recently, so
he told me later, and had been subject
to such attacks since then. But l ala
not know this at the time, and was
terribly frightened.
remember kneeling at his feet,
frantically chatting his hands, sick at
heart and trembling. At length his
eyes opened slowly and rested on
me. think we both knew then how 1t
was In my mind, at least, there re-
mained no shadow Of uncertainty.
knew now what love meant. 1t was
no calm, friendly feeling, but great,
unquenchable passion. Shame-strick-
en-, fed from his presence, and fought
out my battle alone; the strength OF
my own feeling was revelation to
me. | had at least sufficient honor to
despise myself.
Next day | feigned illness, and 1t
was not until the voyage came to an
end that we met again, and he stood
at my side once more, helpful as ever
but reserved and distant. 1t made my
heart ache, but sympathy. possessing
the rare tact that pierCes through con-
ventionality.
my dear" she said, after we had
dined, "you wish to be alone; you are
in no mood for talking"
| was about to reply as politeness
dictated. but she only smiled and
shook her head as she led me in to the
cozy library settled me comfortably
in the armchair by the fire and left
me. How | blessed her for her kindly
consideration. Left to myself l could
at least try to think
would be true to the promise l had
given so many years ago, bus | would
not deceive the man who lcved me-
I would tell him all.
So | sat thereinthe dark room and
waited till, out of sheer weariness, l
fell asleep.
A slight sound awakened me.
rubbed my eyes and peered through
the gloom. Surely that was a man
seated at the table his head buried in
his hands.
"Mr. Dillingham;" whispered, "is
it you or am still dreaming?"
The vessel had arrived a day earlier
than was expected. Mr.. Gillingham
was not there to meet me. and l was
conducted by his friend to the house
of his aunt, who had offered to receive
me as a guest. She was model host
ess, gentle and full of | knew it was
best so; indeed, mistrusted myself
so greatly that would have shaken
him off had it been possible. Un-
fortunately it was not.
st is l." he replied in a strange,
hollow voice. "And so my wife has
come to me at last, after six weary
years of waiting.
The word wife" stung me into acute
self-consciCusness.
Eyes, answered slowly, "I have
come, but do not come near me, do not
touch me till you have heard all"
He appeared little inclined to do so.
He might have been figure carved in
stone, still and rigid, cold and hard.
Listen" cried, flinging myself at his
feet; 81 will be a faithful loving wife
to you who have waited so long and
so patiently; but will not come to You
with a lie upon my lips. Il have not
been true to you"
mot truel" he cried, rising to his
feet; mot true! Child, do you know
what you are saying? Who has come
between us?"
"Your friend, and that by no fault
of his own. l alone am to blame; he
never tried to win my love; he was
only kind-oh! so kind and thought
full"
so kind and thoughtful" My words
were re-echoed mockingly, but paid
no heed.
"It's all over now," continued;
"trust me: I will never see him again.
From this time forth I will put him
out of heart forever"
mo, no." cried my lover, mot for
ever. I hope. Surely there is no need
for that"
Then he clasped me in his arms and
covered my tear stained face with
kisses. It was good to know myself
forgiven, good to feel those strong
arms about me.
For space hid my head upon his
shoulder; when l had courage to lift
my eyes to his I understood.
Sweetheart" he said, 'it is for me
to ask forgiveness, for you to forgive.
am both John Gillingbam and his
friend. You gave me, your promise
so long ago that strange doubts and
fears beset me, and | was fain to do
by wooing over again. This time,
thank God, have n."-From The
New York Evening Journal.