Sequachee Valley news. (Sequachee [Sequatchie], Tenn.) 1896-1952, 1914-03-12


went, He was as one lost in a dream
His thoughts now were of his sister
and her lover, yet still he could moi
escape the source that was holding
him, as it we're, in reverie. But, he
was soon to be awakened from this.
AS he turned a corner car attracted
his attention. He glanced at the oc-
cupants, and to his bewilderment, he
beheld Harold with-well, with a
young lady whom be had never seen.
This recalled to mind the events OF
the day now closing. He called cab
and was soon egain in his own apart
ments,
Again James was seated in bis chair
by the open window. and soon his
thoughts again drifted into words.
''He promised my sister that be
would be here at that very hour when
| saw him with someone else. Per-
haps it was more than dream that
troubled her. But, why should she
care to tell me' Well I will find out
all right He shall prove his love in
way that he has never proven it be-
fore. He is to be away from here next
week. l shall try him then. Perhaps
she will be all unnerved but I will
comfort her. He shall not make her
whole life miserable. Better part now
than after the wedding day
James was not seen again that day,
nor until lats in the day following.
Harold bad called earlier than he bad
intended, and be and Louvenia had
had pleasant stroll among the flow
ers. He had assured her again and
again, until at last she was her own
self again and was amused over the
mornings proceedings Then he had
told her of cousin, who had arrived
unexpected that morning, and invited
her to spend the evening in his home.
She had spent the afternoon in per-
feet joy, but on his departure he had
made her acquainted with the fact
that he would be absent from the
city the next week and would not be
able to see her again until on his re-
turn. This had brought little sor-
row, but still true love existed. She
had not the slightest doubt now.
Morning arrived and Harold left the
city for country town where he was
to attend some of his fathers busi-
ness the following week, James had
retired late the night before, there
fore he did not arise at his usual hour.
He was late for his breakfast and was
not in at noon. He and Louvenia had
not met since the drive, and he was
not acquainted with Louvenia's pres
ent feeling In the evening he MOTTO
ed her while she was seated out ON the
lawn. She looked sad and that urg-
ed him on to his purpose.
This was Wednesday now. Harold
had been away for three days. James
time for the trial, as he termed it
was now at band. In the evening he
mailed note to Harold. IT read
thus:
"Desr Friend:
"With sad, sore heart perform
what duty requires at my hands. It
is this: My sister, your betrothed.
now lies silent under the sod. She de-
parted at sunrise Tuesday morn. To-
day, the saddest of my life, we laid
our darling to rest undisturbed by
doubts OF fears. When you return, do
not call at my home until you have
seen me privately.
"Yours,
JAMES.
Wednesday, June 3.
Harold read the note twice before he
could believe his own eyes. Then he
let the note fall to the floor and with
a shaken voice he cried: "Dead
Louvenia, my love. my darling, dead !
Ill was" He could say no
more. 1t was more than he could
bear. A heavy sound was heard and
Harold lay lifeless beside the little
note. The servants had heard the fall
and rushed to the rescue. They plsc-
ed the mute form upon the bed and
summoned physician, who was soon
in the room, looking 5oubtfully into
the face Of his patient.
i. Could James have known the misery
that he was causing; could he have