Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1874-11-20
MARYLAND FRIDAY MORNING. NOVEMBER 90 1874

Human nature was too much for him.
He felt towards Crofton as Cain Of old
might have felt towards Abel.
Il can't stay to see her married to
him." he thought II had better go
away before commit myself by some ex-
ceptionally outrageous piece Of folly"
SO he went to New York
Went thither inst in time to take part
in speculation which made him wealthy
man in comparatively brief interval of
time.
The acquisition of gold has wonderful
influence on the nature of man.
Perhaps it helped to deaden the duh
pain in Charles Stapylton's heart sooner
than anything else could have done.
1t was bleak December night, five
years after, with gusts of occasional snow
hurrying through the streets, and the
lamps Pickering dimly in the wind, when
a lady, dressed in black and closely yelled
stopped at the door of superb mansion
at the corner of two of the most promi-
nent streets.
"Has Mr. Stapylton returned yet p
"Just come" said the servant. indf-
ferently. ''But he's very tired, and very
busy. Better call again. 1t amt likely
he'll see anybody tonight"
''Ile will see me" said the lady, in a
low, firm voice, as she drew out card
and penciled two words upon it. Take
this card to him without delay I"
The man stared, but obeyed, and pre-
sently returned.
You're to walk in, ma'aa, please
And forthwith he ushered the myste-
rious strangerinto small reception-roon
furnished in blue velvet and gold, and
mirrors cleaning all around
In the middle of the room. at an inlad
desk, sat a gentleman, in whose grave,
care-lined face and hair slightly sssprinkled
with gray" it would scarcely be easy to
recognize Cur old friend, Charley Sta
python.
daisy, is it your he asked with
earnest cordially. as he advanced, with
outstretched hand.
Eyes, Charley, it is | /"
Pale, beautiful, dressed in deep black
she stood before him, the violet eyes as
blue as ever, the dcwy-red lips quivering.
"And | have come to beg mercy at
your hands" she added, nervously inter-
twning her own.
"Daisyw
"Be silent aud hear me. They have
told you of the forged check on the bank
the five thousand dollar check p
Yes"
And the forger is detected p
Certainly"
But have they told you of the crimi-
NAILS name 2" she faItercd
''No; surely, Daisy" he muttcred,
with strange light of comprehension
dawning over his face
ut is my husband Oh, Charles Stall
python, you know my errand now. 1t is
to beg, to plead that you will be nercifu-
to us, as you one day expect mercy to be
shown to yourself at the Eternal Throne.
II is not that longer care for him" she
added, with a choking sob in her throat.
"The spark Of love died ont long ago, on
the altar of my heart. | discovered my
delusion when the orange blossoms of my
bridal wreath were fairly withercd. But
| have some pride left-and to see my
husband condemned to felon's doom
would kill me / believe. You alone can
save me, Charles, by putting stop to
these legal proceedings viii you do it
for my sake 7"
Il will do it for your sake, Daisy"
She bent her head over his hand
He could feel the tears dropping there
ooh, Charley, if | could only have
known then all that know now Oh,
Charley, Charley p
That was all. They parted.
But the next day, with IA great thrill
at his heart, Mr.. Stapylton, the bunker
heard that the forger had committed sui
eide in his place of confinement, during
the very hour in which bis wife was
pleading for pardon in his behalf
The pardon had come, but it was too
late.
A year afterwards, Charles Stapylton
was married to Daisy Crofton--and her
past became only as troubled dream
"You are quite sure you love me now,
Daisy p he pleaded on the eve Of their
bridal day.
II have loved you longer than you
have any idea Of, Charley she answered.
TREMENDOUSLY. II found out my fatal mis-
take before I had been married to - to
that man month Oh, Charley | be-
lieve was acting under spell p
1T is all over now, dearest" he an
swered.
And so began the second life.
The old love was dead aud sepulchred
the new was blossoning out.
.