Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1910-04-25
A VOICE FROM HEAVEN

skies gave little promise OF sunshine
Add to the depressing influence OF the
weather the vivid memory of dream
In which her loved mother had appear
ed to her with outstretched arms
pleading with her TO rpnOunce he'
lover even at this late hour. telling hpr
that nothing but misery and uniiappi
ness could result from the union. ano
1t will be readily believed that 1t was
with joyless heart that she arose.
Cicely was an orphan. possessed of
considerable wealth. She made het
home with a maiden aunt whose chief
aim In life was to make Cicely happy
Her wealth as well as beauty of face
and loveliness of character hau
brought many suitors to her feet. Or
them all but one had won her heart
gay and handsome Philip Reycroft.
There were many who openly de-
clared that it was Cicely's wealth that
he desired, as he was known to be
reckless In his living and frequently
involved In financial difficulties.
Cicely could not throw Off her op
preston OF heart and. though not un.
usually superstitious. she felt that a
voice direct from heaven had spoken
and should be obeyed.
With aching heart and tear dimmed
eyes she wrote u note and sent It to
her betrothed.
Scarce believing the evidence of his
eyes. Philip sat as II stunned on read.
Ing Cicely's message. She had clearly
stated her reason for her action and in
closing had said:
1T will be useless to attempt to see
me. as | leave home at once for an ill.,
definite period. | shall always love
and pray for you"
For perhaps the first time In the TWEEN
ty-nine years OF his existence Philip
Reycroft INDUCED In mental reverie
the subject of which was his own life
and actions as they must have ap-
peared to others. and he could not but
wonder how such sweet girl as
Cicely could ever have cared for him.
He was forced to acknowledge that
she was justified in her act.
AS he loved her most sincerely ne
resolved that he would prove his love
and IL fate was kind would yet win
her. Henceforth his old haunts and
friends should know him no more.
With this determination he entered
the office OF large law firm and de-
voted himself most faithfully to the
practice OF his profession. to which he
had heretofore given little time.
Five years elapsed. and Philip Rey-
croft was known as one of the leading
lawyers of the great city and a man
who for integrity of character COM
manded the respect and admiration OF
all who knew him. During these years
he had no word of Cicely. but be be-
lieved that somewhere in the great
world she still lived and cared for him.
Weary of travel and sightseeing and
lonely at heart since the death of her
aunt, Cicely resolved to return to her
native land and take up her abode in
tate situated ON the banks of a noble
river, and there she found peace of
mind such as she had not known for
many years. Old friends welcomed
her heartily. and it was not long be-
fore she learned of the change in Phil
ip and the splendid name he mad made
for himself.
One morning at breakfast on taking
up the daily paper her eye caught the
line Lawyer Reycroft Seriously In
jured."
After the first shock of the news she
read the full account. which stated
how a favorite little newsboy OF MIR
Reycroft's. running across the street
to meet him. came directly in the way
of runaway automobile which sud
denly appeared around the corner and
but for the presence OF mind and
speedy action OF his friend must sure
ly have been killed. The child escaped
with slight injury. but his rescuer was
severely hurt and taken to the hos
pitai. where it was feared he would
not recover.
Cicely lost no time. but went up at
once TO the city and drove directly to
the hospital. She was told that no one
could see him. but she begged so ear
nestly to be allowed to go to him that
permission was granted her. Philip
was III a partially unconscious condi-
ton. muttering broken phrases In
which she caught the sound OF her
own name.
Kneeling by his bedside. she laid her
cool hand on his tevered brow and
softly murmured: "Philip, dear Philip.
am here. Will you not speak to me"
At the sound OF her gentle voice his
eyes opened. and as they rested Oh the
loved face an expression OF absolute
peace and happiness gave place to that
of pain and agony. Too weak to more
than utter her uame, his baud clasped
over hers. aud he fell into Il deep sleep.
On awakening Cicely promised. ON
condition that he would not try to talk
or excite himself. that she would call
again on the morrow.
Grave fears for his recovery were