The Celina Democrat. (Celina, O. [Ohio]) 1895-1921, 1911-12-08

lrtihciality Of it all wearied me; more
and more deeply l realized the sordid
manner in which l had been sold, and
| grew to hate those things which had
purchased me. II was not Lord Oar
lington-he was more father than hus-
band, humoring me in every way, and
secretly regretful for his part in the
transaction. I became i'll, begged for
the sea, and we went aboard in his
yacht. He was not unwilling, but to
my mother it proved a constant hard
ship Only her anxiety to prevent any
rupture between us caused her to go
on board. Yet even when l had re-
covered health / would not go back;
that life would have killed me. Out
in the open l could breathe and live;
it yielded me courage to continue as
l was"
She bent forward bringing her face
once again into the revealing moon
light, her eyes frankly open to mine.
Il only wish | could make you re-
alize how drearily lonely that life be-
came. There was no knowledge of
love to complicate the situation, and at
first l even felt a sense of gratitude
toward Lord Darlington for many acts
Of kindness and the consideration
shown me. This changed, however, as
began slowly to comprehend the self
ishness of his motives-that his ac-
tions arose merely from a certain
pride in my youthful appearance and
the advantages to be derived from my
wealth. My mother soon alienated my
affections by always allying herself
with him. Finally l had no one to
whom / could turn for comfort or ad
vice. l felt entirely alone, and grew
silent, suspicious, and adverse to all
social pleasures The VOWS Of mar
riage rested lightly on Lord Darling
ton, but for that did not greatly care,
except that the knowledge snapped
the last weak bond between us. AL
most wild to escape from Europe and
its torturing memories / finally
planned an extensive yachting trip
around the world. l was impulsive,
headstrong, even hopeful that might
be permitted to invite few congenial
friends and sail alone. To my surprise
Lord Darlington expressed pleasure
in the idea, and even persuaded my
mother to accompany u.s."
Her face sank suddenly into her
hands, her body trembling.
Il bore it all smilingly, and enjoyed
the sea. But was a woman now, bit
terly resenting the manner in which
| had been bartered in the matri-
monial market. knew nothing of
love, except as l perceived 1t in the
lives of others, but l was hungry,
for It, We arrived at Val
paraiso; this strange adventure oc-
Cured to me. and-then / met you"
Her hands went out again to me,
and l caught them eagerly.
'That--that day in the cabin, T.
knew you for one of my own class |
knew you for a true man, a gentle
man; IL read the love in your eyes.
and should have been an angel not !
10 have welcomed 1t. oh, God knows
tried not to do so! ! prayed for
help to resist my own heart, but the
help wss not given me. Now / com
Drehend it was not meant that / should |
resist. The end was in sight even from
-ne beginning. Love is more than
ceremony, and can make even death
Iweet. have no sense Of evil as ]
ook into your eyes; have come into
ny Inheritance, the rightful inheri-
ance of every woman--love. Even IL
t is only for day, It is miruh-mine
" the gift of God. Oh, Jack, Jack, /
lave waited SO long, so lbng, and now
III can say, all desire to say, is. /
owe you'll"
Oh. that scenel that desolate,
reary, God-forsaken, hopeless scene
he heaving waters. the cold sky, the
ce-gleam, the awful expanse OF bar
enness all about. Did ever love come
0 mortal before or since in such a