The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1877-04-28

"let the police come; my deed merits
punishment; call, call the police!"
"NO, no." resumed Washburn, "you
all-don't forget it-'twas an accident
If not for his sake and mine, for the
honor of the navy, my boys!"
Very few of these men-men who had
faced all dangers calmly q hundred
times-were tear-proof at these words of
Washburn; but, owing to his over-exer-
ton, the Lieutenant fell again into a
swOOn. Falkstone stood as though par
alyzed. Although efforts were made to
keep the whole affair secret, the police
soon learned what had occurred, and
Falkstone was arrested. Early next
morning the Coroner was at the hospi-
tai to receive Washburn's statement.
But he got only one answer: cit was
an accident" An inquiry was held,
and witnesses were heard; but as they
were all faithful to Washburn's request,
Falkstone was shortly discharged.
1t would be superfluous to say that
the Commodore soon learned the truth
in all its details and that, thinking him.
self not bound to secrecy within the do
nestle circle, at the breakfast table he
related what had taken place, stating
Washburn's condition as very precari-
Gus. During this recital Blanche suf-
fered agonies. After struggling some
time against her emotion, she rose and
left the table. The whiteness of her
morning dress, the pallor of her coun-
tenance, and the uncertainty of her step,
made her look more like ghost than a
living being.
You should never relate such things
in her presence, !" Mrs. HARDWOOD said to
the Commodore; i" she is too sensitive
to stand it.'' The Commodore, of
course, acknowledged his wrong.
Upon reaching her room, Blanche
threw herself upon her bed, with sobs
and self-reproaches. At last she rose
with determination, wiped away all
traces of agitation, put on street cos
tune, wound thick veil around her
face, and then, running rather than
walking, she made her way to the hos
pital. There she asked to see Lieutenant
Washburn, but she was refused admis-
sion. The Doctors orders were per-
emptory. But partly by entreating,
partly by pushing, she managed to en-
ter.
"Mr. Washburn," she said, 81 have
come to see how you are with my own
eyes, to ask if can be of use as nurse,
and to beg your forgiveness for very
mischievOus deed"
Edgar looked at his unexpected visit
or in amazement, then, as if he caught
the meaning of her words, he said
"Ah, you refer to the sketch?"
81 sent it" she replied, with a sound
like sob.
Washburn looked at the wretched girl
with pity in his eyes.
"Mr. Washburn, forgive ME, ~
Blanche continued, with passionate de-
spair.
81 forgive you," he said.
"And now let me turn to something
more cheerful. Rose Horton and her
mother have been in Norfolk lately, and
were inquiring for YOU"
Rose here!" and smile frightened
his pale cOuntenance. A silence ensued,
during which Washburn was seemingly
making efforts to fix some fugitive image
in his mind; then he resumed: You
said Rose was in Norfolk was she, re-
ally!"
ayes"
"Where is she, nOw?''
"She has gone back to New York.
But" she added, seeing his look of dis
appointment, 81 shall call her back 20
"Thank you, thank you! Write to
her." he resumed, family, Z" that as soon
as am able" but there he stopped,
disabled by fatigue and emotion from
saying more.
Blanche wrote without delay. She
had the courage to tell Rose the whole
truth. From that day she shared with
FalkstOne the cares of nursing Edgar.
The young man soon began to improve,
and all danger was past. Commodore
HARDWOOD and Captain Powers spent
many hours ut the Lieutenant's bedside,
and Edgar blessed the wound that had
revived the Captains friendship.
At the end Of the week Rose was back
again in Norfolk. Although, in order
to avoid a shock that, under the circum-
stances, might have been productive of
grave effects, the two lovers had been
prepared for the meeting, yet it was not
NRHouo SiCut CilIOdOh tusst tiCy uiCt
once more after such vicissitudes. AS
soon as Rose turned away her eyes from
Edgar, she perceived the unfortunate
Blanche in corner of the room, and,
moved by pity, went towards her.
"Oh, Kose!" cried Blanche, "can
you forget and forgiven
Roses answer was to clasp her in her
arms. W
"How good you are!" said Blanche,
after pause, leaning her head on her
friends shoulder, "after what made
you suffer
"What l have Suffered rejoined
Rose, interrupting her, sis nothing in
comparison with my present happiness,
and l owe it to your letter; shall not
forget it,"
"Do you really forgive me, Rose?"
For reply, Rose wound her arm
around Blanche, and led her up to the
Lieutenant, and from that moment Mr..
and Mrs. Edgar Washburn have had no
more valued friend than Blanche Har-
wood.
A Fashionable Custom.