The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1910-04-20
A VOICE FROM HEAVEN

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 renounce her
lover even at this late hour. telling her
that nothing but misery and unhappi-
ness could result from the union, and
it will be readily believed that it was
with joyless heart that she arose.
Cicely was an orphan, possessed of
considerable wealth. She made her
home with maiden aunt whose chief
aim in life was to make Cicely happy.
Her wealth as we'll as beauty of face
and loveliness of character had
brought many suitors to her feet. OF
them all but one had won her heart
gay and handsome Philip Reycroft.
There we're 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 OPP
preston of heart, and. though not I'M
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 a note and sent it to
her betrothed.
Scarce believing the evidence of his
eyes, Philip sat as if stunned on read
ing Cicely's message. She had clearly
stated her reason for her action and in
closing had said:
ut will be useless to attempt to see
me, as | leave home at once for an in
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 indulged in a 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
she was justified in her act.
AS he loved her most sincerely he
resolved that he would prove his love
and If 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 be
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 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 he 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
the old home. 1t was a beautiful es-
tate situated on the banks of 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 had made
for himself.
One morning at breakfast on taking
up the daily paper her eye caught the
line Lawyer Reycroft Seriously In
pred"
After the first shock of the news she
read the full account, which stated
how a favorite little newsboy of Mr..
Reycrofts, 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
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 in 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 fevered brow and
softly murmured: philip. dear Philip.
| am here. VIII you not speak to me?"
At the sound of her gentle voice his
eyes opened, and as they rested on 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 name, his hand clasped
over hers. and he fell into 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