Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1877-12-26
PERFECT LOVE Is SIMPLE FAITH.
London Society.


London Society. :
The three magistrates had sat unin-
terruptedly far into the Autumn after
noon, and had now retired to consider
their decision 1t was distressing case,
and occurring in Singlebridge, which is
a mere handful of a town, provoked in.
tense interest among the Inhabitants.
Everybody knew the parties concerned.
Silas Westbrook, the reluctant prosecu-
tor,was senior partner in an impressively
solid firm which had hourished in the
borough for generations. He enjoyed
reputation for strict probity and broad
benevolence which was singularly mer-
ited His son Augustus (also in the
tirm), a witness for the prosecution, was
held in much esteem by certain of the
younger sort in Singlebridge, who sym
pathized with his amiable Witnesses;
and if certain Of the older sort looked
askance at these why, that was only
natural. About Mr. Blanchard. another
witness for the inquiring gossips. He
aad been resident with the Westbrooks
for about eight months, during which
period he had sat alongside Gus in the
Office in business hours, and had been
good deal about with him at other times.
They got on amazingly we'll together,
people observed, but despite all his
efforts-and some of these were marked
enough-suave Mr. Blanchard failed to
similarly captivate Guss pretty sister
Fanny. AS became her fathers daugh-
ter, she treated the West Indian con
nection Of her fathers firm with unfal-
tering graciousness. But her sweetest
moods her tenderest looks and gentlest
tone were not for him. The magician
at whose bidding they so gladly came
was Blanchard's instructive foe From
the moment Harold White, confidential
clerk in the firm, and a potential part
ner therein, met and simply shook
hands with the West Indian, they hated
each other with hatred that owed its
sustenance on the one side to contempt,
md on the other to malice and all un-
haritableness. To-day will behold the
,iumph or discontinue of Blanchard.
l the police court of Smglebridge, in
presence of crowd of people, the
ajority of whom are personally known
him, Harold White stands accused.
} the united testimony of the West
looks, father and son, Of embezzle-
1ent.
To the profound chagrin of the mag
trates' clerk, who, cordially disliking
Blanchard, wishes we'll to the accused,
he latter conducts his own defence.
Silence in the COURT
Of the four actors in the little drama
old Mr. Westbrook betrays the most
agitation as the opening of a door at
the back of the court heralds the return
of the magistrates to their seats on the
bench. The silence is oppressive when,
IN voice full of feeling, the, chairman
turns to the accused and says:
Harold White, / who have known
YOU so many years, need not say that
the long examination which my brother
magistrates and myself have this day
conducted to the very best of our abil-
ity has been to all of us fraught with
considerable pain. And we are bound
to admit, in your behalf, that nothing
has TRANSFERRED In the course of this
aearing which reflects in the least on
your conduct during the period to which
[ refer. We have given due considera-
ton to this fact In your favor, and have
come to the conclusion, actuated by
motives which We earnestly hope you
will live to appreciate in a proper spirit
to dismiss this case You may go"
but my character" exclaimed
White, in voice husky with emotion;
who is to clear that of taint?''
yourself" solemnly answered the
chairman "Call the next case"
Dazed, trembling under the influence
Of warning passions, he left the dock
and passed out of the court into the
sunlit street. Whittier should he direct
his feet? AS he slowly and mechani-
cally. seeing nothing, hearing nothing,
with bowed head and leaden gait, stole
along in the direction of the riverside,
felt touch on his arm. He paused.
Mr.. Westbrook has sent me with
lis note, Mr. White Is there any an
er?"
Yes" he replied, tearing the paper
atoms, there is. Mr.. Westbrook
yhes to see me. Tell him that We
lall not meet again until he is prepar-
d to stand up In that courthouse. and
ray to be allowed to proclaim my in
,cence.in tones as loud as those which
used to-day in declaring my guilt"
The lad left him. The September
4 was sinking redly behind a familiar
t Of woods which fringed the further
= the river as he continued his
Tx. He had held on for miles,
the direction he took and
Se from his fit of passionate
find himself on a spot that
lowed by the presence of
ged. What did she think
all was expressed.
doubt was slain
'ollowed you for