The Shasta courier., 1859-04-09
CHAPTER II.

waiter Roscoe, turning away from his sister S
home, thought sadly of the many days that mast
elapse before he entered it again He thought
of Gertrude, and his mind dwelt upon her
again and again her image came up before him
as he had seen her last.
Have not wronged her p he thought, as he
paced the floor of his Office that evening 9 Is it
not possible she may be innocent, though ap-
pearances were against her? Shall | see her
once more ? Pshaw what fool | am Did !
not see her there beside him? Did not see his
lips meet hers If asked for better proof than
my own eyes have given me, must be a mad
man. will leave this place and never come
back till she has gone away
He threw few things into valise, locked
the writing desk beside him, and stepped out
into the street valise in hand, locked up his of
fee, and walked away. His residence was a
long distance from the garden of his sisters
house, and yet it was there he found himself af-
ter hurried walk of some five minutes He
lifted the latch of the gate and entered
1t is the last time, Gertrude, that shall be
so weak, he murmured, as he looked up to the
vlne-curtalned window, where lamp was still
burning, the last time | shall be so near you !
OH Gertrude, can you dream what you have
! done, or is your heart all marbleF
! He buried his face in his hands, and went like
child The memory of the happy hours he had
spent with her came over him too strongly to be
borne. He could only meet such remembranccs
with tears.
When he looked up again he was conscious
of an unusual hustle in the house. Lights were
moving hurriedly in several directions, and once
or twice he caught glimpse of his sisters figure
passing the window of Gertrude's room. What
could it be? Was Gertrude i'll?
His heart stood still at the thought He could
bear never to look upon her face again /; hut oh
the grave must not cover it from him He
| sprang up the path, and was about to enter
when the door opened, and Alfred Egerton came
out.
you here, Walterr he exclaimed, starting
back, as the pale face Of his brother met his eye
Faith just told me to go for you when had
summoned the doctor
The doctor 7 said Walter, turning pale, as he
found his worst suspicion realized, Who wants
the doctor p
Miss Alewynne is very ill., replied Alfred
{ She is threatened with the brain fever, think
Oh, merciful Heavenl' The unhappy man
staggered, and caught at his brothers hands to
steady himself.
/ Alfred looked at him moment and then said
soothingy Walter, it will not do for ME to stay
here moment. But go in see Faith she will
comfort you.' He wrung his hands sympathi-
singly, and hurried away.
Half-blinded with his unshed tears, the unhap-
| py young man entered the house, and seeing his
sister at her writing desk in the parlor sank
| down at her feet and hid his face in her lap.
! Will she die, Faith p he asked
q hope not, my poor Walter. But she is very
| ILL., answered Faith, laying her hand upon his
/ head, Our own doctor is with her now, and AL
fred is just gone for another.
What are you doing 2 he asked, looking up
at the half-finished note before her, Writing tc
her brother to come to her, replied Faith
: | didn't know she had one, Faith.
'Oh, yes. | have never seen him, but she
4 sent me his portrait once. You know she ad-
/ ded with faint blush, it was quite dream
/ with US when we were girls-that is she wished
me 10 marry her brother, and | wanted her to
marry mine
Il know-I know said Walter, and an inde-
/ Enable expression of pain fitted over his face
and so she sent me Edwards portrait con-
tinued Faith. Would you like to see it, Wal
1 terY
Yes he replied quickly
She opened her writing desk, and taking out
a small inlaid case and gave it to him. He gave
one startled glance at it-another-an the por-
trait fell from his hand, and he uttered loud
cry.
.Oh, Gertrude he exclaimed. Oh, my poor
wife
Gertrude your wife 7 exclaimed his startled
sister, 'oh, Walter, when will these mysteries
ceaseF
'Now-with this moment, be replied. rising
and seating himself beside her. You shall hear
all-you deserve it. Faith, you have had your