The Shasta courier., 1859-04-09

Oh Walter !! she exclaimed.
Don't interrupt me- he said. Il knew lone
ago what your wish was but | wanted to iudge
of Gertrude for myself. knew she tbouobt Won
were my own sister, and she met me as Walter
Roscoe, at a fashionable watering place, without
a supicion of my identity. found her al you
had SO often described. | followed her to her
home, and she was still more lovely there. Still
ibid not make myself known as your brother
Perhaps had fancy for one Of your pleasant
surprises, Faith
Oh, go on dear Walter said his sister.
married her, Faith, and was looking for
ward to happy meeting with you. 1t was the
second evening of our marriage, and | had
walked out with a friend to whom I wished to
say goodbye. The moon had risen before I
returned, and as | had my hand upon the latch
OF the gate, | remember looking up at the moon
and thinking what tranquil beautiful aspect
it wore and how perfectly happy was Faith.
flooked at the moon many times since, but she
never wears that lovely face for me now'
lie paused and sighed Faith kissed him
tenderly, and awaited the conclusion of the
story.
'Well, itmust all be told,' he resumed. |
entered the house quietly, thinking to surprise
Gertrude with kiss, as she was watching for
me. | found her-oh Faith-I found her with
her lips pressed to those of another, and her
arm around his neck 7
Faith uttered an Indignant cry. Brother
she said, there must be some mistake here
Gertrude is good-and pure. know it,
Thank you fer saying so,' he answered with
melancholy smile. Il know it, too, now.
would to Heaven had known it then ?
But what did you do Walter? ??
What would any man do, Faith 1 sprang
upon him like tiger-she threw herself between
uc Ha oh n l,,,4 ,lo I
Nota word-not word if you love me ? Think
of it, Faith IT eloved her? Was it not enough
to madden? | aoas mad, believe | cursed
her BITTERLY called her wanton and unfaithful
She had listened in silence till then-then she
turned very pale, and looked at me- | can hear
her saying now, in deep low yoice-'After
that, can never be more to you. She turned
away and took his arm. They left the ROOM
and II let them go. Yes, Fath-I was too
heart-broken to ayenge myself. | was too
deeply deceived to lift my hand, oven when my
wife left the room with one fully believed to be
her paramour. From that night, we have never
met, and only two cold brief letters have passed
between u.s.
'Oh, Walter That is what has changed her
sor
is she then changed?' he asked eagerly.
She has grown cold, and hard, and proud
and she is sad-oh, so little like the Gertrude
of my school daysl" said Faith.
She has been drinking bitter cup and my
hand held it to her lips said Walter. Now
hear the rest Faith. Half an hour ago believed
her guilty. But that fatal portrait shows me
the same trace saw on that accursed night. 1t
was her brother.
sAnd she never told you so = said Faith
You little know Gertrude, | see' replied
Walter, wounded her in the tepderest spot.
She is the soul of truth and honor; but if any
one should doubt her, wo be to him And
oh what fearful doubt was minel wrong
ed her deeply, she was far too proud to forgive
me- Will she ever do it, Faithr
She will-she mustp cried Faith earnestly.
1T has been a terrible mistake, but let US trust
that all viii go we'll see it all now. Not till
to-day did she dream that Walter Roscoe and
you were the same. Oh, how much she must
have sufieredp
low knock came at the half open door of
the parlor, and Alfred Egerton Immediately en-
tered. / have been for the physician, Faith,
he said hurriedly and both seen her. l have
the best of news for you They say it is only
the long and hurried journey, and great mental
excitement that has prostrated her. They have
left her quite comfortable and she has asked for
you. Will you go up and see her while l set
with Walter p
up to him with beaming eyes.
You were evera messenger of glad tidings
to me, Alfred she said; and now to reward
you, you shall hear nine
She related what she had already heard in a
few brief words, and then stealing her hand
into his, asked, Now what is to be done p
l should say, my dear Faith, that the sooner
those two are brought together the BETTER re-
piled Mr.. Egerton, when his astonishment al
lowed him to speak.
l knew that you would say SOP exclaimed
Faith, Walter, follow me; and YOU Alfred,
wait here | will be back in a few moments
They went quietly up the stairs together to
Gertrude's room. Leaving Walter at the door,
Faith entered, and went up to the bedside
Gertrude was lying half asleep in bed. The ira
ces of tears were on hercheeks, and small gold
locket lay open in her haad. A rapid glance
assured Faith that it was her brothers portrait,
and she bent down and kissed her friend
Gertrude started-looked up, and tried to hide
her portrait. But some second thought prompt
ed her to lay it in Faiths hand, and say, with a
sad smile, You see, know him.
Is that all, Gertrude?' said Faith gently
All ? said Gertrude, springing up in bed, and
tossing the black hair from her forehead. Lis
ten, Faith loved him more than earthly
thing married him year ago, though nev-
er hiieW ne was your brother till to-day. lie held
my very heart in his hand, and crushed it to at
oms! He had no faith in me-in me-who
would not have wronged him for worlds. Oh
talth though he is your brother, he has made
my lie weary thing to bear. Leave me-to-
morrow Will tell you more-but now am too
weak
She sank back upon her pillow and covered
her face with her hands. Faith stole noiselesslv
away and Walter entered and took her place
All was silent for a few moments Then without
looking up Gertrude asked, Faith, are Won
there?
1t was stronger arm than Faiths that was
around her, and moustached lip that kissed
her hand She looked up in sudden bewilder-
ment, and saw her husband bending over her
with his eyes full of tears. The sudden ioy was
too much for her, and all her pride was swept
away in a moment.
Walter, it was my BROTHER she murmured.
know it dearest know ALL But can YOU
ever forgive me, Gertrude?'
Forgiver she repeated.
There was a beautiful smile upon her lin as
she drew him nearer and kissed him passionate
ly. The estrangement of year was all forgot
ten in that bewildering return of happiness
Faith wept silently for joy, upon her husband $
shoulder, in the little parlor below; and who
can doubt that the angels in heaven reioiced to
see so perfect and complete reconciliation be-
tween those proud and loving hearts for those
who forgive are dear in the sight of Him who
has forgiven