W A S H IN G T O N
COUNTY
HATCHET.
her W h en Miss Barclay went up stair* fe w weeks at hard work the v oting man
decided to leave town for several d ay *
"Y e a , one that takes us oo a pleasant Mrs. Barclay waa quite excited.
be (elected a trustworthy substitute
" S a that detective haa been here again?
jGOJTHfy.
to represent him He had made all his
" M i s * Barelay, may I take this letter W h at did he want?"
Mow B a re la - felt her cheeks flashing. arrarlgem ^ -ts f ~ r — — ------
for a few beams?"
H er g r _t, sad eyea met M r H o w e ’s
"1 never thoagbl at him w a detect was leaving the bank when yoo s m a rt
" W o u ld that be honorable? H e m u- ive. H e came to inquire how co r affairs ed his a l t f r i n a by asking if ?oo migut
s e e the prendect Need I
“ ? oc^ ’
un dcrstixl me.
H e said 1 tempted are progressing. ”
" I doe « think I understand you
" H e knows more about them than we
him. "
"T h e mystery is simple enough, io n
"In d eed ! 3 e pet the biame oo you.
d o Oh. Belle, when w ill all this per
through ih eceiiterun the ma. him
-xcited h i interest and cerc^-ty He
W e lt 1 can believe that his thoughts plexity be ended?’ '
out the pin and lay the other, si
hastilv
returned
to
the
room
adjoining
w oold never grasp y w i W e a r « limit»
“ Tom orrow afternoon. ”
tilled, in place, pressing back tb_
the ooe you entered, and thus overheard
ed by our undertakings, our education,
" A n d you hope for something?"
from which you pulled the wires,
your conversation with ------
our oppoctuniriea. This letter us a very
"ja oiiie, let us try and put this away
to bring tbe next row close to
"
Y
o
u
mean
that
1
have
never
seen
good showing of the man's character. 1 from us for tonight ” She suddenly
The rows o f stitching should uot|
Mr. Messenger?"
__
trust it has made no impression upon threw her arms around Mrs. Barclay
more than three-quarters of
- I w a» going to name the man whom
you. Believe me, there is a spiritual “ 1 must save all my strength fa r tomor-
apart
The loops may be cut w
vou met. bnt as you may never = f> k im
life aa far beyond the physical ami men
1 t
whole. T w o |iersous can work a
'again
perhaps
it
is
w
ell
to
be
chan
ta
tal as life is beyond death— a life that
W IV E S IN P O L I T I C A L LIFE.
know that you are expect-
' Still
a d mi - ' -
sly. ,,ue winding the
b l e W e w ill not judge him. Mi=s Bar-
broadens and deepens with each day s tng
. g n„- stitching Tke|
clav,
M
r
Messenger,
after
]'»tenm
g
to
O M E politician* readily agree
experience, the one life that satisfies us
M ollie! M oUte’’ ’
is very durable. Dark
your pleading, fol.owed you up Broad
with ex-Senaior H ill of New York thus
if w e eudeaTor to follow its teachings
M is* Barclay made her escape to her
that a man in public life Is u*1*' are prefeiable: hit-and-miss gi
The soul mast be considered, fed, culti own room. Once alone, she repeated to w ay and assisted you into a car. You
vated, enjoyed. 1 pity the mac or woman herself M r H o w e's words and tried to have no recollection of him whatever.
dered rather than helped by being m ar good effect.
“ N on e And he has been our friend ried. It 1* noticeable, though, that most
w ho dares not spend a portion of each strengthen and aerve herself by recalling
P r e t t y W e d d i n e Custom.
W e shall never be able to prove our men who entertain this view are, like
day in communion with the soul and its them. She even sought solace in them.
line of tl.- pretty feature* of tbc^
gratitude, never. ”
G iver Yoo know what it is to struggle
Mr Hill, confirmed bachelors. It mat eru English wedding Is the tiny.
The lo n g steepness night at last ended
" H e has a voung man § sympathy far be that Mr. Hill bas demonstrated by and miniature man w ho attend]
w ith evil. Your soul has come ou t con in dawn, and the exhausted girl rose and
queror. H aw have you developed in the occupied herself with little offices for your brother. * He was a child when your bis ow n ex|»erience and to his ow n sat bride as bridesmaid and page.
past two weeks? Trouble has made yoo the children. She had to take the noon brother came here, and he has pleasant isfaction that celibacy and the ignoring
little pair or three i
strong; sorrow has shown yon your bet train, and even the effort to dress recollections as a schoolboy of Jasper of social life are conditions of political but they make a very pretty ph
Barclay.
Human
nature
is
as
good
and
ter Mill
Yoo can choose the right and wearied her Once seated in the car, she
success, but if tbe distinguished gen their quaint costumes follow!«
yet sympathize with the man w ho would felt her courage re vive The sea breeze as bad as it always was. W e young men tleman will stop to look over tbe mem bride to the altar. T h e small
ruin you forever. Trust me, 1 w ill not proved invigorating during the few min can see the flaws in the methods adopted bers of that august body of which he usually dressed in court cost
betray your confidence. 1 would, how utes spent on the North river boat. She by onr elders. In your brother’s case the was so lately a member, or tbe mem white satin or doth embroideredj
ever. advise yoo to keep this letter until walked from the ferryhouse to the bank, remedy was too late, but Messenger set bers of Congress or the list of success
this whole matter has reached a settle and as she opened the heavy door dis to work to prevent further suffering.
ful statesmen and politicians in any
ment. O f coarse it has no signature, but covered that her nerves were very un H i. holiday is ovsr. but I think it waa one of the States, he will discover that
it bears internal evidence that would steady. Could she trust herself to per w ell spent Miss Barclay, can you for the overwhelming m ajority of them are
■
j J V
tell against him. ” Mr. H ow e drew a severe? It was just 2 o ’clock. She paused give him for the suffering which ho men who have willingly become Cu
chair to the table and sat down, facing at the first desk to ask if she might see caused you? It was unintentional He
pid’s victims.
Miss Barclay. " N o w , let tut anticipate the president, but her lips w ould not do had perfect confidence in the integrity
Perhaps no better Illustration can be
som ewhat
Tonunrow yoo intend to anything but quiver. So she passed on of the rnan who represented him.
given o f how valuable to a politician a
grant him this interview?’’
" I know that I only wish I could sec wife may be than w as furnished by the
to the w ell known door, opened it and
"1 must "
entered quickly, suspecting her own him. W bv did he not st3v to he*»
late Senator Logan, who many a time
" A n il yonr mind is fully made up as courage. The man whom she dreaded to If I could only make him understand
and often expressed absolute confidence
to your decision?’ ’
see rose, came forw ard and offered his how I appreciate his goodness. ”
in his w ife’s Judgment, never failing
H is eyes made her hesitate
" H e knows all about i t ”
hand and then stood gazing at her in
to act in accordance therewith.
"Y e s , 1 think it is. Stilk when it quiringly. W ith clear, steady eyes. Miss
"F ro m you? So then he sent you to
Gladstone, who is admitted to be one
comes to the point, 1 may let m yself go.
Barclay had met his easy, confident me. **
of the greatest of English politicians,
1 have altered my determination a dozen smile and withheld her hand.
" Y e s and n o Miss Barclay, this is not has paid worthy tribute to the services
times since I received his letter
Yon
"1 am here,” she said, heT voice the place that I would have chosen in
of his devoted and thoughtful wife,
see, I am so obscure, so insignificant ’
sounding thin and sharp
“ 1 w ill not which to make my confession. Still I
who ta s striven so faithfully to pro
"T h a t is one view of the subject, 1 do what you ask. ”
must know how I stand with you. W ill
mote his success In the field of politics,
grant. ”
“ So you are satisfied w ith the results yon give me the right tef call yon Isa
and there nre not a few other English
"T h en it is the one chance to save of your rejection of my offer?”
bella? W ill yon forgive me for the test
M AID S A N D PA G E S .
men in politics who find efficient politi
my brother. ”
" N o , no. You know I am not But that I subjected you to this day? L too,
cal
helpmeets
and
shrewd
campaign
silver or gold, and decorated
W e must suffered keenly, bnt I had to satisfy my
" A n d your brother w ould let yon I have tnougnt it an over.
suffer the disgrace, the misery, even self about yonr strength of character. managers in their wives. Turning to paste buttons. Sapphire blue I
make the sacrifice?”
Miss Barclay was silent for some min poverty. A fter all, thousands o f women The pain was shared, and I was at hand this country, we find Am erica's politi trimmed with lace ruffles, is i
cal history replete with instances of favorite dre ss, nud with the lari
with their bread honestly and keep their
utes.
to protect yon. You can repay me richly
"1 can understand his desperation.’’ self respect I can do i t Bnt surely you if I have served you. I wish I could see the successful participation of wives in hat and white feather it is verjf
sue said, wttn aimcuity.
"Perhaps,
w ill have mercy upon my brother. Per you smile. It must be glorious to hear the political life of their husbands, and tive
when it comes to the last, M r Messen haps you have been trying m e Have
the great majority of our statesmen
The little page Illustrated
you laugh. Come, let me look into your
ger w ill have mercy upon him and spare pity and think how 1 w ill alw ays honor
have paid considerable attention to so of three at a recent fasbioiiaUtl
eyes. I can read my fate in them. I have
both, because of my love, should 1 agree. ’’ yon as a kind, good frien d ”
cial life.
ding
The costume is a white!
won yon, have I not?”
“ Poor g irl! You cannot tell w hat you
David B. Hill may find his life of blouse with Vandyke collar aod|
" I offered you my terms. Miss Barclay.
" B u t this is not thanking Mr. Mes
w ill do a few hours hence
Your anx
celibacy "one grand sweet song,” but knee breeches with rhinestone I
Listen. Sit down. Let me urge my senger. ”
iety is not for yourself. Yet I feel sure
claim. ”
" N o , bnt it is giving him a wife. ” the great majority of men would tire of and a cape of green velvet lia
that your con»cieiice w ill assert itself
" N o . D on’t touch me! Don't mention He gently took her hands and watched their solo singing after a time. Be this white satin hanging from one i
and keep you from the power of your
that again! I w o n ’t hear y ou!”
her questioning eyes. " B u t for yonr ut as it may. most Am erican youths will The three little maids who accoi
emotions. I wish 1 could assist you to
"T h e n you can go. ”
ter absorption in yonr brother’s troubles undoubtedly prefer to emulate the ex the pages had white satin gov
calm judgment. ”
" A r e you human?”
I could not have learned your value so ample of those men who, while posses ered with white chiffon, frilled d
" I wonder w h y you are here!”
“ Yes, thoroughly so. ”
thoroughly. Sweetheart, your lover was sing marked abilities, have thought it fichus, and mob caps o f green i
" T o tell vou that should the bank offi
" I t cannot be true. W ere all men like w inning yon under an assumed name. not good that man should be alone, and Another quaint little costume!
cers w ithdraw their charges against
you, the w orld w ould come to an end
Yon are so chai n.ingly unconscious, so have not hesitated to enter the field of Is a long dress o f white sati
your brother 1 can obtain employment
Nature would reject her own work. Y’ou overwrought, that your mind w ill not matrimony through fe a r of thus imper bishop sleeves and a deep kiltt
for him in another part o f the country. ”
disgrace humanity. ”
act
Hereafter there shall be no mys iling any political chances they might of white chiffon around the neck,
“ It sounds like mockery after listen
“ Miss Barclay, your words can be teries, no sorrows, but those that w e can have.
with three rows o f narrow lace. I
ing to Mr. Messenger’s words. H e alone
overheard. Y o u must leave me. I cer tr-ar together. From this moment let me
can help us. ”
B l o c k —n t i n - k i r t » .
tainly confided in your sense o f honor.
make you happy; lit me see yon sm il
" I think yon arc right. I had no idea
Women who have black satll|
You are not w illin g to accept my terms. ing, with yonr heart at rest W i l l you
that this man could control so much
need uot think la-cause I
The matter is ended between us. I insist love me as P h ilip Messenger?”
money, bnt he is interested in several
skirts are uow so much favo
npon your going. I f you w ill not leave
TH E END.
stork companies and no doubt has the
the former useful |>ossession
the room, i shall. ”
means at command. ’’
Miss Barclay left the room She w a lk
They will be worn Just as much
N e w Y o r k N e w s p a p e r V e te r a n ».
" Y o u think he would do all that he
ed slowly like a blind wom an along the
and this is something to feel j
The Dansville Advertiser adds several
promises?’ ’
narrow passage. A t the door a man names to our list of editors of country
happiness over, fo r they can i
“ V’es, even if his passion led him into
overtook her.
be brought into use. and alwti
newspapers in this state who have been
crime. H e could take trust money and
" A r e you Miss Barclay?”
! well and generally in place.
in
the
harness
for
23
years
or
more,
replace yonr lirother’s deficit. I tell you,
She nodded and tried to regard him though we made no attempt to make a
if you yield to evil you increase the in
W h a t W o m e n A r e Itoi
w ith composure.
H is manner was complete list. W e mentioned the names
clination to it in others. Therefore, if
T w o women are about to
w holly businesslike
of McKinstry of the Fredonia Censor,
possible, lie strong to do right and let
factory in Atlanta, lia., for
"M r . Messenger would like to see you Gane of the W atkins Express, Bunnell
r<-snlts follow. N o one is required to sin
facture of a bicycle tire they
for a few moments. ” The message filled of the Dansville Advertiser, Beach of the
in order to take another’s burden. ”
ented.
her with strange hope. A gain she turned Brockport Republic. Root of the Niagara
" I know you are rig h t I am glad you
and followed her guide, w ho preceiled Falls Courier, Pomroy of the Niagara
Mrs. Nansen. Sr., mother of
came. 1 was beginning to fear for my
her into a room opposite the one she had Falls Journal and Dudley of the W arsaw
known explorer. Dr. Nansen,
reason. ”
just quitted It was a much larger apart N e w Yorker, and Mr. Bunnell adds the
ited with having iiiuugui
” 1 should have been hero sooner.
1
ment, containing a center table, around names of Milliken of the Canandaigua
Elegant riding habit of hunter's green healthful pastime for women
was detained.
It grieves me to see yon
which a number of men were seated Journal. Pratt of the Corning Journal,
ladies' cloth, made with
adjustable ganing and gliding on snows!
suffer s a ”
She w as given a cushioned chair, and Parker of the Geneva Gazette. Sanders
Miss Frances B ray has the
skim, the folds being caught up and
" I t cannot ho helped. Think how
then a voice seemed to reach her from of the N u ad a N ew s, Stowell of the Sen
fastened on the left so that it is "w a lk being the second wom an In tl
much more Jasper suffers. Then, his
a groat w ay off.
eca Falls Reveille and Holden of the ing length" when my lady is off the Kingdom entitled to add t!
w ife !”
“ Miss Barclay, 1 am happy to inform Yonkers Gazette. Nearly if not quite
horse. There is a severely tailor-made L L .D . to her name. T he first!
" I see. I shall be anxious until your you that w e havo reconsidered yonr
all of these men, says Mr. Bunnell, were coat, with the new coat sleeve, slightly tltia Wnlkington. is likewli
rise I
interview tomorrow is concluded. ”
brother’s case and concluded to w ith on the same papers as far back as I860,
fulled on the shoulder. There nre cloth- woman and a native o f Belfi
"Listen. I am going to do right. Yon d raw all onr claims agaiust h im
Thi9 and some of them for many previous
covered buttons. Cbic bicycle suit of
have shown me the way. I can suffer. I is due to two facts— his many years of
The queerest fad on record
years. It is pleasant to know that so
gray covert oloth, aoeordion-plalted Miss Dell Ten Eyck, of
am learning how so quickly. W ill you faithful service and the very helpless
wl
many newspaper veterans are still in ac
skirt. Tbe pretty blouse Is trimmed Mass., who amuses herself 1
cotne again to hear what I have to tell? condition of his family. To follow np
tive service.
W e wish them health and
with black silk in Norfolk effect, and ing and taming Hli sorts of
W e are quite alone here, deserted Do this suit w ould do us no good and might
strength and prosperity. — Rochester
there is a perfectly new style of what strosities. She has ja r s of
you know that I forgot to tell Jasper of be productive o f much harm to his in
Post-Express.
| is called the wheel collar, braided, giv and says she really enjoys
your kiudness? I was too excited, too nocent w ife and childreu He is almost
ing a tab effect. There are eight double enee.
troubled. ’ ’
completely indebted to our president,
R e lic s o f S h a k esp ea re.
row s of braid ornamenting the skirt at
“ It his best as it is ”
Cuban women o f the famill
Mr. Messenger, for this clemency. W e
Thomas Hornby, whose grandmother,
’ ’Once tomorrow is past, everything think it best that he should know that
intervals of one nnd one-half feet, also insurgents are inculcating wl
tbe late M ary Hornby, was once a resi
that we dread w ill hi\ppon. W ill you Mr. Messenger has all along urged us in
two rows o f the braid on the lower consider right Ideas in the
dent of the old house in which Shake
care to como then?”
the direction o f mercy. Y onr brother is speare was born, has at his place at edge give a neat finish to the skirt.
their children. A prim er has
"Y e a "
now us free as ever and at liberty to tako Kingsthorpe, England, several valuable
printed in Cuba setting furti I
P r o p e r 1 o ><l l o r B e a u t y .
" Y o u are too good. ”
immediate measures for the support of relics of the great poet. They include
C lear complexions do not w ait on the tionary sentiments in an
"O h . no. Others feel for you as I do, his family. W e congratulate y o u Miss
carved oak chests, portions of a carved fickle, nor rosy cheeks on the morning manner.
bnt probably see no w ay to help you and Barclay, on yonr sisterly devotion, your
bedstead, fine oak ebairs and several griddle cake. The woman who intends
Mrs. Zelia Nuttall. the an
are fearful o f intruding upon you. A courage under grief and difficulties and other articles of household furniture.
to have a good complexion must make whose explanation o f the Mi
good woman never lacks sympathy. For yonr persistent efforts in his behalf.
Besides the above Mr. Hornby is also the a careful study of the food question. endar stone has elicited sin
that matter, neither does a bad ona
Yon havo offered us an example which owner of Shakespeare's iron chest or It goes without saying that sugary sub
plause front scientific men.
Borne one can always be found ready to restores onr faith in human nature. ”
“ treasure box,” an old sword that for stances must be banished from the bill the University o f Pennsy!
excuse poor human nature. N o w 1 must
Bewildered, dizzy, silenced, her heart merly belonged to the bard and several o f fare. Candies are, of course, exclud
setitu at the ethnological
leave you. I have a great deal to attend throbbing w ith joy inexpressible. Miss contemporary paintings, one of which is
ed. Cakes follow in their wake. As Riga, Russia.
to before 1 can see you again. I must set Barclay sat and gazed at the speaker. framed with the wood o f the famous
for pies and all other compounds of
about it without delay. Just at this mo Then her eyes wandered in search of m ulberry tree.— St. Louis Republic.
P lln it» s t th e F a ir
flour ami grease, they are fatal to clear
ment I mil supposed to be in Colorado Mr. Messenger. In vain; he w as not in
She—I can sympathize wl
skins. Bread that is doughy or starchy
pursuing health.
You look surprised. the group, but Mr. H owe w as watching
A B u r g la r A la r m .
ranks almost as low as pastry in the w as married once myself,
1 may explain in the future. Kemember her with eager eyes, brilliant w ith re
Jimmy Hope, the ex-burglar, is liv estimation o f the seeker after good you w asn’t married to a
I am going aw ay w ith perfect confidence flected happinesa She started and flash
ing quietly in this city. He is often looks. W hatever excites the nerves or Bits.
in yonr fidelity to conscience. ”
ed
seen on Broadway, bnt always alone. overheats tbe blood tends tow ard the
Mrs. K uddler— Do you kn
“ That helps m a "
Presently the men rose, shook hands One day he was asked if there was such
final destruction o f the smooth, peachy that everybody says the -
“ You must be firm in your resolution with her and left the room
Mr. H ow e a thing in existence as a burglar alarm
Mr. K uddler -
texture which is the chief o f every like me?
to help yourself. ’’
retained his seat His voice sounded pe that could be depended upon. “ Yes,”
wom an's ambition to attain. W hatever Anne; the baby Is now mo
"1 am beginning to fear that my culiarly sweet and soothing.
he replied. “ A dark house will never be
has the effect of producing n healthy months old and It has nevt
strength w ill give o u t 1 hate the idea
"H appin ess must affect us as sunshine entered by any one bnt a greenhorn.
of seeing that man again. ” Shu looked does the flowers. Yon are transformed. Groping about in a house where there is action of the digestive organs is good word.— Boston T ran script
fo r the complexion. Acid and lnxative
u p “ l could write to him. ’’
I f a woman should select^
Do not revert to the sad for a moment. no light is a thing that appalls the bold
fruits especially. If taken at breakfast, suited to her disposition
" l can appreciate that feeling. Still, 1 Y’our brother w ill be notified at once by est housebreaker."— N e w York W orld.
are good
Graham bread and toast as she matches her gow ns I
think it would be wiser for you to con telegraph of this decision. "
rank high among the bread beaut I tiers. plexion there might not be!
trol your dislike of meeting him mid
“ A nd Mr. Messenger! W a s he hero?
P ro fe s s o r W a a A b aeat-M In d ed .
R«s1 and Juicy meats, green vegetables, path from the m arriage alti
face the interview tomorrow. Other 1 (1MI not see mm. I must. M ow shall 1
'P ro f. Pusel. of Bonn, notlcfd one
wise you might hereafter regret your ever thank him? 1 have wronged him, day his w ife placing a large bouquet milk nnd eggs, nre all conducive to the voree court.—Atchison GI ‘
attaining o f a brilliant complexion.
want of courage. ’*
m isjudged him. I want to toll him how on his desk.
“W h y do you send Blum I
“ 1 suppose you are rig h t
I w ill sorry 1 feeL ”
“W h at does ifll that mean?" he asked.
A Hnme-M;id<» Rut?.
some and costly present
promise you to go. ’’
"O n e m o m en t” Mr. H o w e’s voice
“W hy. this Is the anniversary of your
H ave your blacksmith
bend
two Saxey?” "Just because
“ A t 8 o'clock in the afternoon you had lost its music. H is manner w as re marriage,” replied Mrs. Dusel.
heavy wires in the^ shape o f a hair pin. Blum married the girl tli_
w ill be in Mr. Messenger's office?”
served; his words came slow ly as if
"Is that ao? W ell, let me know when twenty-four inches long and tw o inches ised to m arry me. I can’t <
chosen with difficulty, “ i he trutn la
" Y « . ’’
yours cornea round and I II recipro between the prongs. On these wind for hint."—Detroit Free
He roes and offered Miss Barclay his that Mr. Messenger owes yoo an explana cate."
_________________
woolen rags cut half an Inch wide,
Charlie (to his friend
hand, and without hesitation she put tion. It la this: A t the time of the cash
winding them in and out as yon crimp yon think o f this new
Attorney—W h at waa there about tbe
ier's sudden death the president of the
hers into i t
your hair.
Prepare a foundation—a wile. Bob? B o b — W h y. it
bank waa taken very ill and waa obliged deceased that led you to believe he
“ A nd you w ill ba brave for eon
piece of old ingrain carpet or a coffee
instantaneous. Isn't It?
to resign. H is son. who bear* the same waa of unsound mind? W itn e s s-W e ll,
science's sake?"
sack answers well, tbe carpet being the
makes you think so.
name, undertook his duties and was for one thing, he abhorred bicycles.A
"Y e n
b est Lay one o f the filled plus on one
well, because she bas her I
, bar hand, bowed and left , duly appointed to soooeed him. A lte r a Philadelphia North American.
He ]
end of tbe foundation and stitch down - 'N e w York Tribe»»«*.
,„,1
E t K A2G A 2ET LEI
eft* Pi*.
D uring the R o a io d e r o f W- «■'!i j all
T M > d
W eUM adsT u o n iio ^ M m
earned this letter in her pocket
.n ^ read st at abort u tterrak Meantime
m efts'V came fitjo J a p t f, but Mrs.
Barclay gaio u l streij{th hourly
The
straw war tjecoajing a ropfc Late oo
Wednewlay afternoon M il* Barclay took
refuge in the library, locVgd the door
and sat down to wrestle with herself fur
the Iw t time. A knock interrupted the
fo e t a l argument, and she opened the
door to pcr.xiee M r H owe standing be
hind the eervant Hurprue kept her silent
until they were alone, and glancing at
him (h e »aw that he looked move ani
mated and had a touch o f color in h u
eheekn
"Y o u
«<-m astonished, ’’ be said
abruptly " Y o u r brother has been here. ”
" Y o u knew he w a* coming. "
"O h , ye*
H a re you kept a good
heart?"
" I am afraid noC 1 did not «uppow
that you were acting for M r Messenger
Jasper know» that M r Messenger as
sisted him to runt os. ’*
" A n d w a* be not kind in to doing? 1
thought M ix Barclay’s recovery might
reault from seeing her husband. 1 am
mystified. W h at was the outcome of
last Saturday's interriew between you
and the president? You hoped so much
from i l "
Miss Barclay dashed painfully
Mr
H ow e regarded her intently.
"N o th in gdefin ite w a»decided upon. ”
She spoke with an effort, and her eyes
drooped under his steady gaze.
" B u t be bad some mewtage from the
directors. ”
"N o t h in g pleasant. ”
" M is * Han-lay, you are suffering in
tensely Torgive me for what may seem
unwarrantable curiosity. The truth is
that, even if aiding for Mr. Messenger,
1 am an xlons to be of service to your
brother Cnless you are perfectly candid
w ith me I cannot act to the fa ll extent
o f my powers. This matter certainly
came op f< r discussion before the bank
officers since I saw you, and the presi
dent had ix-rain proposition* to lay be
fore you as your brother’s representa
tiv e ”
"Y e s . but they were not fa v o r a b le ’’
"So? W as the interview final?”
" N o . 1 am to see him again tomor
row. "
" W h a t are you to decide?"
" D o n 't ask m e 1 cannot comply with
his dem ands.''
Mr. H ow e rose and paced back and
forth in the pretty room. Mine Barclay
sat as i f motion were impossible to her.
Hhe became aware that M r H ow e had
stopped Isolde her and was resting his
slender hand on the table near which
she sat. The hand was white and deli
cate, hud something made her look np
and catch his glance. His fairness made
his face almost boyish, and his eyes hail
In them the frank expression and the
blue o f childhood. He snoke calmlv.
“ W h y may 1 not ask?’’
’’It can do no good. I cannot ex
plain. ’’
“ Yon amaze me! There is nothing
that may not ho openly discussed in this
matter. In fact, there are no secrets con
nected with it now. ’’
“ I suppose not with my brother’s
crime. ”
"T h en with what, pray, has secrecy
to do? Miss Barclay, there is no personal
question involved? Impossible! W hatdn
yon mean? I insist u | k > i i knowing jire -
cisely what has passed between that man
and yon. He would not dare” — —
M r H ow e's languor changed to the
oilier extreme. His eyes shone, his voice
waa fu ll of decision, his uiunner that of
“ H r would ant dore."
a person accustomed to givin g orders
Mias Barclay mechanically drew the let
ter from her pocket and placed it on the
table.
H a road it rapidly, then carefully
and finally looked at her bent head and
burning cheeks
" A m I to believe that he mode this
propmition to you In words last Satur
day afternoon?”
Miss Barclay tried in vain to raise bor
eyea and speak. A fter a moment she
gave w ay to pnesiouate tears
Mr
H o w « watched her.
" I think you are wise to let your feel
ings overpower your raaaoiiiiig faculties
T he truth is that you have U-eii putting
great restraint upon yourself for days,
and the react mu lias to coma I hope
you w ill forget this letter. ”
" H o w can If It must be answered,
and my brother must go to prison. It
w ill haunt me as long aa I l i r a ”
" T o u r decision, then, is made?"
" Y e a Misery is not so terrible aa dis
grace. and It cannot last very long. ”
" I t w ill kill y o u ."
" Y e s I need to regard death aa some
thing to dread, bnt It may come aa a
friend. ”
" A friend?"
S
A