The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1878-06-29

I6plICQ tuC WOItuy, udNt
no words to waste on such as you, sir
l am here to perform duty"
Scoundrel" Harold began, at the
same time raising his hand. She touched
him, and he was still.
"Sir," said she, az am mistress of my
own actions. If | choose to accompany
nav brother, it is-because / choose
Harold, good-by! Come what may, my
faith will not falter, my love never
change"
The last four words were murmured
As she shaped them she reached forward
and kissed him before her brother, whose
surprise at her defiant attitude was un
speakable.
They parted and went their several
ways.
The charge against Harold White OF
embezzlement, and the result of it, pro-
duced wonder that lasted much longer
than the proverbial nine days. His
departure, the day after the hearing, nc
one knew whittier, had had the effect OF
increasing the number and sympathy OF
his friends. 1t was generally admitted
that his defense had been weak-incom.
prehensibly weak. But who knew? he
might have had his own invincible reason
for not making it stronger. Why had
the brother of his affianced (for she was
his affianced in all but an open DECLARE
ton of the fact) broken with him SC
suddenly? Until Blanchard appeared
on the scene they were inseparable. De.
pend upon it, the West Indian was at
the bottom of it. In this fashion the
gossips of Singlebridge discussed the
events of Harold Whites downfall and
departure.
Three months had elapsed, and not a
word had been heard of or from Harold
White; unless the female gossips sug-
gested he had written to Miss West
brook, which, considering the circum-
stances which preceded his departure, he
was hardly likely to have done. For
once, however, they were out in their
calculations. He had written her let
Ter in which these words occurred:
off thought, darling, that you would
be happier to be rid of nae for good and
all, our bond should be dissolved. 1t is
your love for and simple faith in me that
sweetens my life, and keeps me steadfast
in my determination to undo the misera.
BILE wrong from which | suffer. They
shall right me yet.
81 have borrowed for the present
another name-my mothers before her
marriage; but the people with whom !
am know that | am Harold White, and
are acquainted with my history. Unjust
try, dear, to rub ON without the consola-
ton which your letters would bestow.
1t Is better that we should seem to have
parted forever. In the good time we
shall meet-and thenp
1t puzzled well-informed Singlebridge
to hear Fanny Westbrook's cheerful
words, to note her placid brow and
bright manner. She never could have
thought much of that Harold White,
you know, or she would have manifested
some regret at his misfortunes.
Blanchard, too, was mystified by her.
What did it portend? Had she resigned
all hopes of becoming restored to the
lover whom he had so effectually helped
to disgrace and Danish? He would see.
His impetuous love for the sunny haired,
Saxon-eyed girl, love which sprang into
existence the moment they met, had
grown nightly since the going of White.
He would put an end to this uncertainty.
He could face his fate.
can interview with meT replied
Fanny to his blandly-profered request
certainly, Mr.. Blanchard" Her tone
was provokingly even. "And, if you
please, let it take place now. Pray be
seated"
If she had only been embarrassed.
Miss Westbrook, II fear that the
impression which / made upon you the
day of that unfortunate rencontre by the
riverside was not favorable. I"
pray proceed sir" she remarked in
icy tones.
"Well, then-allow me-you cannot
surely have remained firm in the resolu-
ton you then expressed-to cleve to"
"Mr. Blanchard, l will assist. You
apparently wish to say that L mast have
ceased to love Harold White. Is that
500"
"Miss neutrality-suspicious.
| do. He is all unworthy of you. Oh,
if you did but know the depth of my
love for you"
"Stop, Mr.. Blanchard" said she, rising
from her chair, and moving slowly to-
ward the door. "Let us understand
each other. Whether or not Harold
White holds the place in my heart which
he once did concerns me, and me only.
The honor you have done me, Mr..
Blanchard-call it by what tender name
you please despise. Mr.. Blanchard,
[ know you'll"
"Stop, Miss Westbrook!" he ex-
claimed, making one step forward, and
barring her way to the door, "and heark-
en- to me. You have thrown the gage.
Very well, accept it. II was l who
drove Harold White from Singlebridge.
All, you can be impressed, | see. 1t is /
who can compel your consent to my de-
mands. Now, Miss Westbrook, knoot
mel"
Her face was very white as she swept
proudly past the West Indian; but it
was not the whiteness of fear. They
measured swords with their eyes-how
cleas and searching hers were!-and
parted.
Next day Fanny Westbrook was miss
ing from Singlebridge.
For twelve months Silas Westbrook
has been daughterless. Fanny was
sought for far and near, but without
avail. Augustus had, to quote the lido
matte expression of that congenial COM
panion already referred to, gone clear
to the bad" Of all his former chums,
Blanchard was the sole possessor of a
knowledge of young scapegrace's where
abouts. AS for the West Indian, he
seemed to have entirely relinquished all
intention of returning to Jamaica. How
ever, we must for the present leave
Singlebridge, and make our way to the
Theater Royal, Easthampton. The house