The Placer herald., 1873-03-01
CHAPTER w.
A TAINTED NAME. REVENGE.

lbe morning dawned, seemingly brighter
than usual, and the sun shone with an angry
glare, as though chjdng all the earth for
some deed of the past night.
In the hotel at Ophir, all was cons.erna-
ton aud excitement. Rose had been absent
all night, and no one could account for her
whereabouts. She had left the ballroom
early in the evening, some one said, and had
gone no one knew where.
Little groups of miners began to gather
here and there, and many and varied were
the opinions expressed AS to the cause of
Roses absence. 1t could not, they reasoned
be Il disgraceful one; for she had heretofore
borne an rreproachable character, and they
would not believe that she had fallen from
the pedestal which she had graced for so
long, that of an unblemished reputation.
Suddenly, as if by magic, all voices were
hushed; the little groups joined together into
one, and not a sound broke the stiffness Of
the morning air. Sad and detected, ever
and anon brushing a tear from his eyes, Maj
Harland appeared upon the scene. They all
knew how he loved Rose, and in respect for
his grief became speechless; no doubt think
ing that he wished to say something to them
1t was So
"Boys," said he, his voice trembling with
violent emoii N, 81 have a word TO say to
you, and trust that you will hear me-
"We wil!'' was the hearty response
"Ihls trouble of last night is shrouded in
mystery, which may be unravclled DO not
speak of it, even among yourselves, until it
is cleared up. There may be no cause at all
1 Il
speaking i'll of her before we are sure she de-
served it. VIII you grant me this ?"
"We will"
"But, Nat," said sturdy Cornishman
81 tell yc, yon swell chap had suthin to do
wi this business and for |, say we go'ot
and get even with him; ELI, mates ?"
"Ay! ay"
"No, no, hoys," said Nat. eff there
violence to be doue, know who shall deal it
for if Ashton is guilty of what we suspect,
by the God above us, III cut his heart out T.
And with parting warning to them to keep
quiet he walked away and entered the
hotel.
"Ah Nat, Nat. Have you heard any
thing p asked Mrs. Kitlle, peously.
Nothing further, Mrs. Kttle, and fear
that Rose has deceived us.
"And WAS so proud of her, too. Bat
now, she can go, I'll have nothing more to
do NIT her. She must bear the consequences
alone, and may Heaven make dem hard to
| bear"
The conversation was here interrupted by
the entrance of one of the miners, who shout
ed: 81 knowed it, | knowed i'll Rose is com
ing! She's all right"
All rushed ont upon the veranda, and
sure enough, Rose was seen coming up the
road, alone! Harry was not with her.
This fact seemed suspicious. They thought
he was ashamed to accompany her home.
As Rose approached she smiled to the lit
tie group gathered to receive her, and their
serious faces made her heart tremble. "Rose,
where have you been ?" said Mrs. Kitte.
"At the hotel in Auburn"
"Wby did you not come home p
81 was not well, and Harry made me
stay"
"Vas'nt you wiling to stay?"
"Perfectly y-but why these questions,
mother and the sober faces which surround
you have done nothing wrong
"Noihing wrong? You have disgraced
yourself forever. and deceived us all. You
are no daughter of mine
"Why, mother, what do you mean?" said
Rose. approaching her mother.
"Don't touch me. leave my sighi!"
ooh, you don't mean that, mother; you
don't mean tlat!'
81 do, and you must leave my housed"
81 can explain everything"
81 want no explanation. 1t is enough to
know dat you vos away NIT Harry Ashton.
Don't come near me, and never speak to me
again.
"Oh, mother!" cried Rose piteously,
"don't turn me away, don't, | am innocent,
indeed am call Heaven to witness that
| have done no wrong. Let me speak.
Mrs. Kitlle made no answer, but casting
Rose away from her, she entered the house,
and closed the door.
Poor Rose was utterly crushed; her heart
was broken; and, sitting down upon the steps
she wept bitterly. When she looked up
through her tears, her eyes met the earnest,
sad gaze of Nat Harland.
"Oh Nat! You don't believe me guilty ?"
"Rose," said he, 'would to God could
believe otherwise; but the proofs, your own
words condemn you" And he turned away
"Oh Nat! don't you turn away from me-
you, above all, my old playmate and iriend!
"Rose, tried. God knows, 90 hope that
the horrible story which came to us this
morning was untrue. ! called the boys to-
geher, and asked them not to speak Of il
until we knew the truth. could not believe
it; for loved you, Rose, dearer than my
life, and until Ashton came, hoped to win
you. But that hope has fled, and the hopr
that you had not deceived us is broken
broken and crushed as is my heart. Good
bye, Rose, and may God forgive you. II