Connecticut western news., 1874-12-04

aDle 10 lend 1t, and to no other friend
 could he apply.
 So, on the morrow, all would be over and his brief, bright dream of love a an end, and in it's place sorrow and dis grace.
 He had brought it all on himself too, and this knowledge made hi thoughts all the more bitter, for he fel that he deserved the misfertunes whicl were thronging about him-he was no worthy to call sweet Jennie Morton b, the sacred name of wife.
 The day wore on; and, as the hou for closing the bank drew near, MT Morton rose from his chair to depart but at the office door he suddenly paused.
 "I had nearly forgotten, Mark. Jus look in my desk-here is the key-ant you will find four hundred dollars il cash that I wish you would lock up il my private vault. You will be up this evening, of course? Jennie expects you so goodbye for the present"
 Left alone, Mark opened the bankers desk and gazed intently on the coarse bag which contained the gold. His cheeks grew deathly white, and his frame shook like an aspen leaf. He put forth his hand and touched the coin, then drew back as though stunq by scorpion. Once more he advanced his hand, and this time he clutched the bag then taking down his overceat from the nail upon which it hung, he threw it over his arm in such manner as to conceal the gold, the latter being too heavy to place in his pocket, and hurriedly left the bank.
 "This will save me-" he muttered " and before MT. Morton can miss it shall have replaced it from my salary only one week to wait for it now. Oh how low have fallen-a gambler and a thief, Mark Shipley P
 "Well, sir," said Mason, "here l am. Can you say the same of the you owe meP"
 "Here it is, replied Mark, hoarsely " Count it, to make sure it is right, and then begone, and never dare to cross my threshold again."
 "Not unless you cross mine, never fear. We'll, it's all right, sir. There is your receipt, that I've carried in my pocket these three weeks. I'm thank | LII VO 6AVO Au OO JOu du 4aSts
 Manson moved toward the door with a sneering laugh and Mark, excited beyond control, advanced toward him with uplifted hand, silent threat that was not lost on it's object, who quickly vanished.
 It was not quite time to go to the bank, and Mark spent the interval in walking up and down his loom. At length he threw himself into a chair and bent his head upon his hands. he looked up with brighter glance in his eyes, a frmer expression on his face.
 CT will do it !'' he exclaimed. "Ir- resolution has been my bane through life but for that should never have fallen thuslew. Oh, Jennie, my be- loved, Heaven grant that you care not for me as I had once hoped and be- lieved {! I would fain that this sorrow should fall upon me alone, who have deserved it all."
 He walked rapidly to the bank, and entering MT. Morton's private office, found that gentleman seated at his desk. Pressing his hand over his fast throbbing heart, Mark advanced, and stood in silence until his employer looked up.
 "Why, Mark, you look ill" he ex- claimed. "What is the matter Sit down, sit down r
 "I am i'll, sir," answered the young man, slowly i'll in mind. I have com mitted great sin, and have come to you to confess it"
 And then, in brief, clear words, he told it all-his first false step and it's his temptation and his fall.
 MT. Morton listened in silence. He was kind-hearted, upright man and while his sense of honor was shocked at the story of Marks wrong-doing, his heart recognized the inherent nobleness in the young mans character which had led him to confess his crime. He longed to speak to him words of con- fort, but nevertheless he deemed it best that he should suffer yet while longer, in order that the remembrance of those dark hours of sorrow and humiliation might never fade away.
 Mark" he said, "I need not say how shocked and grieved I am-you know all that. You have sinned but you have proved your repentance, for you know as we'll as that in all proba- bility should never have discovered the absence of the money. For this reason shall retain you in your posi- tion here. I trust you still, you see. But, Mark, tell me on your sacred honor and conscience, do you think l would do right to confide the happiness of my child to one who has sinned as you have? Are you worthy of herp
 He waited for an answer. and it came in low, gasping tones
 "No, sir, I am all unworthy. You would do wrong to give her to me now. will not seek her-you may trust me for that. Tell her, yes, tell her what I have dcne,. and then she will cease to love me, and not suffer as I shall. Would I might die; but I must live to work out my atonement.
 "Be it so, Mark" answered MT. Morton, and then he went hastily out from the office that the young man might not see the tears in his eyes. But Mark could not have seen them had he stayed, because of the scalding drops which blinded his own sight.
 Time passed on. Two months had gone by, and Mark, wiser and nobler man, was steadily working out his atonement. Not once had he looked upon her who had so nearly been his bride, nor had her name once been between him and her father.
 The bank closed at three o'clock, It's officers and clerks having generally al departed at four and then, from this alter period until five o'clock hour of the night watchman's arrival he building was entirely deserted. Mark had had some extra work to do, and not having completed it when his friends left the bank, remained in Mr.. Morton's office for that purpose.
 His pen ran steadily over the paper before him, but suddenly he laid it town and bent his head as if to listen. His quick ear had caught the sound of stealthy footsteps in the passage lead ing to the office in which he sat. A mo- ment's attention convinced h1m that he