Staunton spectator and vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1896-1916, 1909-09-24

now Cdu We grasp SdCu OIuSl pOlAt
Of view? AS lovers-ah, that's a diff
ferent story! Then, we forget and
forgive.
You say, Write me all about your
clients and cases. Don't I, always?
My letters are so full Of my work and
the people am working for that some
times I'm ashamed Of them; still,
ramble on, secure in the thought that
you will understand.
For the past month, ever since Mrs
Dargie's return, neither she nor her
daughter has scarcely dared move
without consulting George. The last
few days have been unusually exciting,
which accounts for the brief note l
wrote you Sunday. A friend tele-
phoned from Santa Barbara stating
that Mr.. Gray had started for San
Francisco, threatening to kill both
Mrs Dargie and Madge. At that, Mrs.
Dargie asked George to inform the
chief of police, and the ladies' apart
ments at the Palace have since as
sumed some of the characteristics of
an army post A ferret-eyed, under
sized detective does triple duty as
commandant, sentry and striker, while
the role of scout is alternately filled
by George, the young man from the
springs, and myself-when it can't be
helped. So far we haven't succeeded
in locating Mr. Gray, though we've had
all the trains from the south watched.
We think he didn't come; but the
ladies are positive he is in the city,
hiding, lying in wait for them. Mean,
while the young man from the springs,
who is a fine fellow and desperately in
love, urges immediate marriage, plead
ing that If Madge is once his wife he
will have the right to protect her
Mrs. Dargie, fearing a possible recon
Citation between her daughter and
Mr.. Gray, approves of the marriage
IL it can be carried out-the laws OF
this state requiring one year to elapse
after divorce is granted before either
party can remarry-but Madge OBJ
jects.
81 was called away just then by q
telephone from Mrs. Dargie. She said
that George had found an old clergy
man friend who was willing to per
form the ceremony-they were tC
charter a tug and go out to seal
only they could gain Madge's consent
Would 1 come over at once to the
inf h
she was kind enough to say was con
siderable-to theirs towards Fastening
the marriage? How could | refuse
Well, went and found Mrs. Dargie
alone. She had grown thin and pale
Somehow my manner must have tolt
her I was sorry for her. In that, ant
that alone, before God, Edith, was
to blame for what followed. After We
had shaken hands l briefly stated N!
errand. Although she was eztreGel.
nervous, she did not speak until | hae
finished; then she walked over to the
window and looked out for moment
When she turned-so innocent, 81
childiike, so he!pless-it made NJ.
heart ache to see her.
"|rou say that my marriage vii
simplify matters ?" she asked. 'Tha
| it will be best for me-for my mother
who has done so much for me?
should do as she wishes? That il
your advice?
81 bowed afiirmatively.
| "Even if l don't love the MANI an,
| then, before could answer, she added
| coming close, and gazing at me as
she would look me through ant
| through, Tiff it were-you-'
Edith, upon my honor, | never wa
| so at a loss for words. | couldn'
think. The only thing to do was t.
| come away.
| George, who has since joined me a
! the Office, says they found her in ;
| swoon They didn't know what ha,
! passed between us, but as she ha
| promised to marry the young MAJ
| from tae springs day after tomorrow
| they tank that l influenced her. Per
| haps did. | have told George that
| will not be a witness at the marriage
| ceremony, but | did not tell him why
| ooh, if you were only near me! l
| ever I've needed you, it has been thi
| past month and How-now, Edith
1 Why aren't you here? ROY"
| "Hotel Rafael, Apr. 3, 1901.-T'
! Miss Edith Ralston-I enclose a news
paper clipping that will tell you ali
| | don't know how it happened-but it,
| done. God forgive me! I'm brute
Married at sea, April 2, 1901. by Rev
l Abel Abercrombie, Royal d. Belmont o
I New York city, to Margaret Dargie o
l Santa Barbara, California. Boston an
| ROYAL BELMONT"