The Washington herald., 1909-05-30
Her husband was standing with bis back toward
her"

car and wheel it round on the broad way in front OF
the silent inn But when she had turned her motor
homeward she drew it 20 dead stop. and put her
hands TO her burstiEg temples revusion Of feeling
swept over her. and in fash she the gravity OF
her position and the enormity Of her crime.
Somewhere along that dark, silent road on the far
side Of the high railway arch she IN vision the
mangled body OF him who had been her husband Oh
what had she donei What power had held her in its
fatal grasp?
She felt that she had been carried away by power
outside Of herself since she had set eyes on the
despicabIs Annette Michelin. What disbocai power
hers that mis- adventures should ruin the lives
both OF her mother and OF herself
She had the feeling that all that evening she had
been but the spectator in moving tragedy. which
had eliminated in the death Of him who was dearer
10 her than life itself IN vague way she was con-
that had tossed ike spindrift on the
tempest Of passion and she realized when 1t was
too late what an unfeelng brute she had been
For the she in intense emotion OF
grief and anguish. 10 which added the haunting
what awaited her, sti and ghostly, along
that silent road. Her all the time pre-
ternaturany acute. She glanced toward the gaunt
the bridge family against the murky
sky. mineral train slowly crawling over 1t on
way south and she gazed the moving lights far
Up above slowly the train made its then. as
it neared the end seemed TO gather speed. and
dashed with a hollow rumble the last stone
arches.
Beneath the bridge she could see family gray and
gstening gloom quiet waters OF the Forth,
and could The plash OF the rocks
down by the jetty She marve.ed the extraordinary
acu -eness OF her faculties intensiry-of
pressions received in these few moments OF agonizing
suspense.
cod have mercy she moaned; but I must md
him. On, my beloved"
She sat I'D with a start Was that cry?" she
whispered peering circle OF light by the
brilliant lamps Gilbert ny beloved @ ed am SE coming ing
ing out into the stiffness. bringing back no answering
cry wailing OF lonely bird BY the shore
She sprang from the car AID ran towards the
bridge But under the high arch she hesitated IN the
on The light Of the lamps. trembling with she
called softly once more Gilbert my beloved" and
The srch caught up the call and echoed it back in
ghostly whispers, but the night Drought back no
the spot where she stood he must be lying. Yet her
terror OF the unknown kept her from stepping OUT
another train rurnbled overhead and with cry
God Cod SeP M I she 0e gToaned Setting me car in
ton slowly she advanced, peering for any sign OF
cTept through the arch began ascend the hill
herself and no Sooner had she Uttered the words
she dark form not lying prone and stlll on me
roadway as she had pictured but standing motloness
She drew up the car suddenly. it you dearest2'
she whispered and the tones OF her voice would nave
softened the heart OF q sphinx
i was indeed her husband He was pressing OIooo-
"Oh thank God GiIbertr' She said fervently, and.
springing from her seat. rushed toward him.
and there something in the steely glitter Of his
eyes tnat gave pause to her steps
on, dearest hurtZ she said in pleading
tones Your poor head is bleeding Come and let
me bind il for you" and again she advanced
Forgive me. dear husband" she pleaded; for
Lucy" he answered slowly, and there was an
infection in his voice that she had never heard be-
fore Lucy. pray co not trouble about VIII you
please enter the againT
But for answer she flung herself down on the
greer swaro at his feet "Oh. my husband" she
walleo say you forgive me; give me but one word
OF lOve- need it." and far more than ne knew, the
unhappy girl spoke truly
Please get into the car, he repeated. in the same
sble" ~ % ~ - p
new fear thousand times more poignant than
the last gripped her heart. With a oufvering sigh
she rose and walked toward the
Pray, how often have 1 TO request you TO get
INTO the notor he said in freezing tones at the
WORD, Ike poor hunted thing, she sprang up and
Not there If you please" he said; q intend to
oh, Gilbert It is breaking my heart" she burst
out pleading1y.
Rise, please"
She rose slowly TO obey his word which was
command, saying at the same time: Have pftv dear
say you VIII forgive ne-some day"
SGt Without q word, without much as look he
tOO IL sea- dno SCI tne car the hill pace
All the way home he sat staring fxedv AZ the road
IN 'front.' OF him Not did ne glance toward the girl
covering at his side looking af him win large
her little hand on his knee As felt the gentle touch
the passion OF great love swept through every recess OF
his SOUL and ne onged TO gather the girl his heart
shower the kisses Of forgiveness on those aie ns t
remembering all that had happened he sat unrnoved
AT the journeys end the young minister dexterousy
Grove the car INTO the courtyard and French the chauf
feur, sprang from doorway.
See TO the French" said the minister in his
usual voice. then turning sharply, he
go into the dining room; I will follow"
For q long moment she gaZed at his fare huth he
looked into her eyes IN CLASSY stare turned his
made her way 70 the dining room
The electric lights were burning garshly but the fire