The Argosy — page 25: what you’re looking at

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

THREE THEORIES OF A CRIME, 217 ‘“J found my way to my room and cast myself headlong upon the sofa. My heart was beating wildly. My brain was throbbing madly at my temples, and I dared not think.”’ CHAPTER IX.—THE AFTERMATH. ‘‘T QUICKLY prepared for my departure. The following morning I announced my determination to John. Without referring to the subject of Lydia’s action the night before, I felt certain he shared my suspicion as to its cause. He interposed no qbjection or argument against my decision, but I could see that the separation troubled him, for instinct seemed to teil us it would be lifelong. ‘“T was to leave on the afternoon of the next day. I fortunately had not again met Lydia. I don’t know how I could have survived the ordeal had she appeared at the table. ‘‘T was all ready to go. My trunks had been sent on to the station and I was nerving myself to meet her, for I felt, rather than expected, that she would come down to bid me good by. ‘John and I had been conversing in the parlor, and he had excused him- self to ascertain the cause of the coachman’s delay. Suddenly I heard a light footfall behind me, and turned to confront—Lydia, pale, worn and dis- traught. ‘“*T could not let you go, Henry,’ she said, witha great effort to be calm, ‘without seeing you once again. I want you to know that I never knew of ‘that horrid compact between you and John until last night.’ Then her voice utterly failed her, and breaking down completely, she sobbed as her head fell upon my shoulder. ‘I never, never got your letter.’ ‘‘ My worst suspicions were realized. My heart was torn asunder by this proof of my agonizing fears of the night before, “Understand, Lydia,’ I said, endeavoring to remove any unjust sus- picions she might cherish, ‘that that compact, foolish and wicked though I see it now, was agreed to, in cold blood, on both sides. John loves you better than life itself, and his part of the agreement was as honorably executed as my own,’ ~ ‘“*T believe it, Henry, but I can never be the same to him again.’ She was standing before me now, with her face buried in her hands, the tears trickling through her fingers, and every one dropping like a coal of fire into my very soul, ‘Ihave not spoken to him since,’ she continued, with a sob in every word. ‘I cannot bear to look upon his face. Oh, Henry! Henry ! I shall end by hating him or going mad !’ 7 ‘‘I cannot merely say I pitied her. The words are meaningless to ex- press my agony. My heart bled for her. But then came the call to honor— she was John’s wife ! ‘** You must put it all out of your mind forever, Lydia. John is so true, so noble, and so good, you cannot help but love him.’ ‘*" Do not tell me that !’ she cried frantically, and she seemed so changed in an instant that her words and tone appalled me. ‘I loved you and you CoOnniclooolkxs (S@)