The Shasta courier., 1859-04-09

| Faith in terror. She caught the bell-rope in her
hand, but Miss Alewynne grasped her arm
| firmly.
Don't ring; shall be better soon,' she said
in a low voice. And Faith, for the sake of the
old time when were school girls together,
say nothing of my illness to any one, and ask me
no questions now Leave me for little while,
and tomorrow | will tell you ALL
Wondering and perplexed, Faith left the room
with her children, and went down the stairs
Her husband met her in the hall, and stopped
to speak to her. Has your friend arrived he
asked.
yes, Alfred she replied. Have You seen
Walter?'
Invent to his Office as you requested me to do,
my dear, and asked him to come and dine. He
consented, and was talking to ire as usual, when
l happened to mention Miss Alewynne's name.
He started up and turned white-but here he
comes, Faith, and you can see for yourself how
strange he is.' He stopped speaking. and both
turned towards the door as Walter Roscoe en-
tered, pale and agitated.
Faith is it true-is she in this bopseq he
asked, wildly.
Miss Alewynne is here, Walter, she replied
He struck his hand upon his forehead, saying,
Why was not told that she was comingp
Don't look SO angry, dear Walter pleaded
Faith. 'l intended it as pleasant surprise for
you BOTH
He half uttered an oath, and Faith bursting
into tears, cried, sOh Walter don'tl Don't
swear before these children, too You never
| did so before
1T was only on account Of your pheasant
surprise, he answered, bitterly. Don't ever
try another, Faith. | have only come to say
good bye. The same house can, never hold
Gertrude-,' he paused, and then added, as il
with an effort, Gertrude Alewynne and myself
But why, Walter p asked Faith, clnging tc
him, as he was turning away. Have you eve1
met before?
lie looked at her with strange smile, as he
replied, Yes, Faith, we met once too often.'
You knew Gertrude, and yet never spoke tc
me of her, when you knew how much wished
You to love each other,' said Faith reproachfuly
Oh, Walter, | always thought had your con-
fidencer
and so you have, Faith so you have, except
in this one thing he said, kindly, softened by
her evident distress. 'And when she has lef
you, will come back and tell you all
Not beforeY she asked persuadingly.
Not before, Faith, he replied. Let me &C
now
Oh, Walter, would almost give my life if
could see you both happy together"
/ Faith, Faith, how little you know of what
I you talk That woman has embittered my life
she has destroyed my confidence in every hu-
man being, she has deceived and betrayed and
disgraced me. And yet, know if l look but
once upon her face should forgive her all fol
| loved her, Faith, loved her more than my
life. Sister, | must not see her.. When she has
left you, viii come back again-til then fare
well
He kissed her fondly, shook hands with hel
husband, patted the golden heads cf the chill
dren, and was gone. The young husband and
wife looked after him wistfuly. A cloud seem
ed to have covered the bright spring sky, and
the little parlor of the cottage seemed lonely and
deserted when they again entered it, because ol
the mystery that might be guilt, that was even
then sheltered within its peaceful walls.