The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1872-01-19

general election, or any other dread.
giul perturbation of things which might
bhaye attracted him for q time from
himself and his suffering.
Charles Randolph eyed Wilfred
Euston somewhat sayagely for while
as they met in the House, or at the
club, fancying that perhaps he was
the favored lover. But, besides that
Euston did not look by any means
radiant, Randolph felt that there was
something in the tone and manner OF
Alice, the last time he saw her, which
told him that il be was rejected, it
was not because any other 4was pre-
ferred.
Meanwhile Alice was profoundly
unhappy. Nething that Colonel and
Mrs. Shirley could do could rouse
her from q state of deepest despond.
ency, and her happiness made them
unhappy, too.
One night Charles left the House
rather early. As he walked moodily
down Westminster Hall, he was ac-
costed by shabby, red-faced man,
with broken down military air.
who, taking off his hat with ostenta-
tious politeness, said he believed he
had the honor of addressing Mr..
Randolph; aud on receiving q some
what brnsque assent, craved for an
interview of few moments.
Charley came TO a stand, to signi-
fy that the interview might take place
then and there.
Mr.. Randolph, I believe you are
acquainted with Col. Shirley aud his
family p
II am. What then?"
MAY ask If yor are engaged to
the lady called Miss Shirley?"
You may ask, but you certainly
shan't be answered. What the devil
is it to you?"
Nothing TO me, but may be a
good deal to you. am a gentleman
sir. and / once had the honor TO hold
Her Majesty's commission, and /
cannot see a gentleman and man oi
honor like you deceived. Mr.. Ran
dolph, that young lady's name is no.
Shirley. She is the daughter of an
actress who ran away from her hus-
band.
"Why do you tell this to me?'
because 1t may be worth your
while TO make some arrangement,
you know, in order that this mayn'i
be talked of. / am an honorable
man, Mr. Randolph, and if We can
come to terms, you may rely on my
keeping silent"
why not apply to Col. Shirley p
"Col. Shirley" land his bloated
face darkened) has not treated me
like gentleman. / expect better
treatment from yon."
How am l TO know that what you
tell me is true? ?"
ASK Col. Shirley, he has always
known it. Ask the young lady
Miss Alice she knows it now for the
zEst time. Perhaps you have mol
lem her since she heard of it, ten
days ago, or | dare say she would
have told you.
This was said with scarcely dis
guised sneer.
Charley had heard enough now
He turned fiercely on the man and
said:
IF you were one shade less of O
scoundrel, / would horsewhip you
round Palace Yard, there. And as
it is, if you ever dare TO stop me OF
speak to me again, l will give you in
charge of the police"
The man attempted to stop him.
Charley flung him aside, and strobe
out Of the Hall. His heart swelled
and throbbed wildly.
"Dear, sweet, high-minded little
girl !" he said TO himself. THAT is
the reason she would not have me !
/ knew something sudden had hap
pened. / see it all! She knew il
would make no difference to me, but
she was too proud and sensitive, and
she would not tell me. She does
love me, though. l understand ev
erything now, and she shall accept
me"
He jumped into a Hanson and
drove to Col. Shirley's. A quarter
of an hours talk told him all. Their
Col. Shirley went quietly up stairs te
the room where Alice and his wife
were sitting, and, by the aid of some
pretext or other, brought his wife
away.
Alice sat alone in the dusk of the
summer evening. thoughtful and sad
Everything looked lonely, drear ano
ghostly, in mournful keeping will
the weariuess and grief of her owl
heart. 1t was too much, and she
buried her face in her hands ano
sobbed bitterly.
Suddenly an arm was around he
waist, figure flung itself down be
side her chair; and, starting up, she
met the eyes of Charley Randolph
..My love, Alice" he whispered
sI know it all, and I love you tel
thousand times better. You crue
girl, not to tell me; as if anything
on earth of that kind could max,
you less precious to me- But for
give you for not telling me; only
swear will never leave this plac,
until yon pledge yourself to MARI.
mel"
She looked at him for a momen
with streaming eyes. Then she onl,
said, "Oh. Charley" and laid he
head upon his shoulder.
They were married and are yer,
happy. The wretched man who hat
tried so yainly to make money out o
the history of the dead woman, whs
was Alices mother. disappeared YER.
soon, when he found he was playing
hopeless game. When Wilfree
Euston heard of the marriage o
Charles Randolph and Alice, pans
lof ,oa1nrcv observation-disclosures anf