Thrice Wedded, but Only Once a Wife — page 197: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

188 THRICE WEDDED. “T know now that you did not pen one word of it; but I will tell you my story, and then you shall relate yours. You | can imagine something of what my feelings were! At first I was-stunned, overwhelmed; then grief filled my heart, and — I was nearly crazy. Once I resolved to go to you and de- mand an explanation; but I knew your proud, willful soirit, and felt assured it would beof no avail. Ah! if I had but obeyed the instincts of my heart then, all this sorrow would have been spared us. ‘But my own pride began to assert itself, and, in a fit of desperation, I hastily packed a few things in a valise, and, with an almost breaking heart, I went back to the city, found my friend, and started for California. “There I toiled for many lorg, weary years, growing rich and prosperous beyond my most sanguine expectations, though I was often starving for a morsel of love—-for a kiss and a smile from your sweet lips, and a glimpse of my baby boy. I stil loved you, and clung to you, in spite of what I believed you to be—false! ‘‘At last, about seven years ago, a man came among us who had lived near your former home. I immediately sought him and inquired after you and my boy. He told me that which made my blood boil, my heart furious, and realized who the schemer was—your vile brother! He said you returned home the day after I departed, and found a letter from me awaiting you, saying that I was tired of you, pronouncing our marriage a farce, telling you that I did not love you, and had left you forever. In a frenzy of grief --and passion, you flew to the little casket where you had always kept our marriage certificate; but, lo! it was gone. ‘I questioned him closely, asking how you had happened to leave home while I was gone. He said that you had re- ceived a letter the very day I left, saying that your father was ill, and you, somewhat alarmed at such an unusual occurrence, hastened to go to him; but finding him more comfortvble than you expected, you returned the next day - but one, fearing I would miss you. ‘‘You found I had been there and gone, leaving, as you believed, that heartless letter behind me. He said you fainted when you read it; and only revived when the cries of the little one attracted the attention of some one pass- ing, who entered, and came to your assistance. Soon after you disappeared, and were only heard from when your ~ comicbooks (ele) : * ’ : | tee nv ,*y , 3 v. : te) j } 4 e 4 PP a Oe “ ‘ é q d