Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1878-10-15

den 10 me. But love you, ana so plO
you go from me, and seek to forge. me
in some happier love-"
Something in her tone and voice awed
her lover from any demonstration Of
/ happiness at her frank confession. lie
prisoned the little white hand sho had
placed upon his arm, and said:
"Contde In me then. Tell me your
secret. or. if you will, keep il, and res;
assured will never Try 10 surprise it,"
/ "'nnot. Nothing but death can free
le. md ,ur life is TOO useful too noble,
to ., spe,, IN waiting for me. Forget
me Don.'i Nav God bless and keep
you -
She was gone before h, could say
more, and he knew her decision was fin
al. Mrs. Hursey's delight at her broth
er's escape was certainly tempered by
indignation thss Maude had dared re-
fuse him.
What on earth did she expect to
marry ?' the mstron thought.
But Maude, pondering over 1t all. ac-
ceptod the pain as one more sorrow in
her shadowed life. and made no moan
looked tor no sympathy. 1t was hsrd 10
see the fsce that had been ever full of
sympathy and tenderness turned coldly
away; hard TO hear the children wonder
why Uncle Donald came to see them
no more" but the routine of duty filed
each day. and there was certainty
soon OF release from the monoIony of
teaching.
October was midway on her golden
tinted journey across the earth when
Mrs. Hursey was called upon TO find u
new governess. 10 vain she scolded,
and even wept. Maude gave no reason,
but she must go.
Il was noi to spy upon her movements
that Donald, finding the governess
leaving the house. followed her in the
train ,ha. took her 10 New York. 1t was
only in his deep, unshaken love, the lear
for her future. the anxiety 10 be sure all
was TO be well with her now lite. She
did not dream she was watched as she
took hack and, followed still, drove TO
small house on The outskirts OF Brook
Ign. where woman met her at the door
and led her in weeping bitterly. Tha,
was all Donald saw. buI the face of the
weeping woman was Msude's face.
should years OF sorrow and tears set
their sea- upon it.
Restless and curious in spite OF him.
set. Donald Iounged into a cheap restsu-
rant near the little house, and called for
something to eat Closo beside him two
rough-looking men were discussing some
oyster stews. and Donald heard one say {:
80 Dennin's time is up He came
osi of Slug Sing yesterday p
"'Cording to my guess" was the re-
ply. "he didn't hev no call TO be thar
lie never done il, never"
"He was wild, too?'
Yes. got on spree too often. an was
in bad company, but never had no more
hand in that bank robbery than you nor
l."
Got fge years for it,; said tho other.
"au' he's come out 10 die He's over 10
his mothers thar" jerking his shumb in
the direction OF the lIItle house, IAN
won't last week-consump,ion."
This was the secret then A brother
in The State prison. innocent or guilty, a
convicted felon. Donald shnddered as
he thought OF the fair stately woman be
loved, with her pure, proud nature, daily
tortured by The secret OF her brolher's
crime He had vague recollection Of
reading the trial OF some bank robbers,
where the name OF DENIM occurred, bu,
it was only hazy memory q, best.
Maude was with her mother, in a home
even il poor one. with crime for it's in
mate, and he had no right to intrude up
on her grief. So he ate tho greasy, tough
chop before him, paid his score. and
wen. ous into tho stroot again. L! was
quite dark. and be gave up any idea OF
returning to his sisters that night. finding z
hi. way 10 New York and a hotel.
Three days passed before he heard
again of Msude's brother. and then the
public journals told the story. He was
dead Only twenty-six, the papers said,
and dead Bot there bad come comior!
in the last hour. Two OF the gang who
had been engaged in the bank robbery
had made sworn statement exonerating
him from any guiltT part in it. 10 so far
as be was under the influence OF liquor,
was in bad company and was led by
them. he was guilty.
But he was innOcen. because he was
purposely kept ignorant OF their inten-
tions, aud had no knowledge that he was
in bank vault until the hands of the
officers of justice were upon him there.
Five weary prison years. disease, final
ly death. had paid the penalty of youth
of reckless living, bat the stain of actual
crime was lifted from his memory, and
the journal that had chronicled his trial
and sentence gave publicity 10 his limo.
cence and his death.
! II Was no shame 10 DonaId's manhood