Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1878-03-29

pidlu was III u tusIulb. ne WAS bOTety
tempted. Chance or, it might be
Providence-had led him to this par
ticular place, and revealed to him the
treachery Of bis darlings lover. and her
most loved and trusted friend, Florence
Wareham.
Should he tear the veil from her eyes,
and, in doing this perhaps break her
heart? No, thousand times no And
yet he was giveE chance of winning
her, and he would not cast it aside.
Sooner or later she would get over this
sorrow, and come to him for Comfort.
Poor dove Poor little one It was
better for her to know the truth now than
when it was too late.
Where should he find her? A hasty
search revealed the fact she was not in
the parlor, not in the music-room. Alb!
perhaps she had returned to the library.
Upon this thought he went there quick
ly and found her. She was sitting once
more in the large crimson chair and, the
fire flashed up, he saw that there were tears
upon her lashes. A sudden fear camo
to him at the sight of her--that if he did
not make haste, the two in the garden
would be gone. If they should be,
there was no more hope for him.
Madeline, do you care to be convinc.
ed by the evidence of your own senses p
He was at her side bending over her,
his eyes like points of flames. She
knew what he meant and rose instantly,
saying, $50 on, I will follow"
The earth seemed TO reel beneath her
feet, the stars waved to and fro in the pale
azure vault above her-thcre was rush
ing sound like thunder in her ears but
she walked steadily and noiselessly after
him down the garden path
As for him he had but one thought =
"Pray heaven we be not too late" Com
ing slowly up the path were two persons
Arnold Major and Florence Wareham.
His arm was about her; her golden
head, from which the dark cloak had
slipped, lay upon his shoulder He was
talking to her softly-yes, softly; but the
ear that knew every infection of that
voice, caught the words which were re-
peated over and over
My darling my darlingW
AT this instant the wan moon came
out from behind cloud and stepping
forward Madeline confronted the two
traitors to her love.
"The house would have been more
comfortable, and if you had only let me
know you would not have been disturbed.
She was whittier than the dead
even her lips and eyes we're lit with the
fires of utter despair, but she spoke in
an even, albeit harsh voice.
If you had only let me know" she
repeated.
Florence had given a little scream
when she saw who stood before; but now
she only troubled, and bid her face up
on Arnold Majors breast. And he, he
did not tremble; but a look of mingled
rage, sorrow and unutterable relief was
on his face.
II do not ask you to forgive u.s." he
said. 1--WE have sinned against you too
greatly, and you have right to scorn
aud hate us. 1t is best that we have
been discovered, for should only have
made you miserable, Madeline. | was
not worthy of your love-"
And he drew the trembling Florence
aside, in order that she whom they had
injured might pass.
"Give me your arm, Colonel Lau-
renee" said Madeline calmly, and walked
past them without word.
Ten minutes later they stood in the
library for the third time that evening.
DO you forgive me, Madeline" fall
tered the soldier.
eyes, more than that, | thank you"
All, if there only had been something
in her manner to lead him to hope!
"Can do anything for you p he
asked.
Nothing"
"Will you marry me ?"
eff you wish it
He fell on his knees with great sob
aud taking bold Of her dress between his
hands, kissed it.
MAY heaven" he said softly, "teach
me how 10 comfort her."
At this point two big tears fell on his
face--then another and another. He
rose and stood before her.
When you want me, send for me, nv
dearest" be said, aud left her.
A year from that day she married him.
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