The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1879-10-02

z
j seemed 10 comprehend it all. She felt
as though she bad known all along that
he would help her out Of her great trou.
. tile aud now, as the crushing weight
was lifted from her heart, she raised her
head, her eyes Frightened. her whole
expression changed 10 ono nr joyous ex
ultation, aud she said softly, "Oh. thank
God 81 and then walked straight 10
Frank, put out both hands. aud let him
clasp her to his heart aud kiss her lips
before them all.
or course everything had to ne re-
hearsed for Elinor's benefit, after every
one had INDUCED ia hand-shaking and
embraces, mingled with smiles aud
tears, much as though a wedding had
been the occasion Of the gathering.
Mrs. Duff was the first who thought
Of physical wants 90 be supplied. and
she quietly slipped out, and before long
called the rest nut to tea. But no one
cared TO eat. Even practical DIR. DuT
who laughed at sentiment, slipped his
tea sparingiy and left his dainty supper
almost untasted. as he. like the rest,
asked questions and listened to Franks
recital Of various interesting matters.
Elinor sat among them like one in
happy dream, her deep eyes full Of un-
utterable content, her brow unmarried
by line Of care, her usually pale cheeks
flushed with joy aud pride.
"Well, my girl" said the Doctor, at
last, 81 guess you won't need any Of our
treatment we were preparing Tor you a
while ago"
Aud then he laughed aud told what
had been said, while Annie started up,
saying, anxiously:
80, Walter, we must 20 home 10 baby
at once. ! never left him alone with
nurse so long before"
And she hurried the young father oil,
after brief invitations to Frank and Eli
nor TO come and see theIa.
The old and young lovers spent AN
evening full Of quiet happiness together,
and for the first lime Frank was able to
/ put away thoughts Of parting, aud sim
ply enjoy the blissful present.
Next morning he and the Dactor
called on the President Of the faculty
and arranged for an interview.
"Of very great importance, sirr' said
DIR. Duh, impressively
At the appointed time they accompa-
MED the prisoner and his guard to the
Presidents Office, aud there met the
whole faculty, whose faces expressed
much surprise at seeing Captain Talbot
enter in company with DR.. Duff Tor
they all remembered the lutter's violent
hostility to the former. Those who
knew him began 10 greet Captain Talbot
with great cnriiality, bat he treated
them with sullen contempt, and, after
enjoying the ludicruus scene for few
moments, DIR. Duff cleared his throat,
stepped to the center Of the room, and,
as Talbot dropped doggodly into chair,
said, in tones whose exultation was
scarcely veiled
Gentlemen, this person." pointing to
Talbot, "has visited you this morning
for the purpose Of informing you that
the stories he told last Winter regarding
Miss ElinOr Norton were base caIum-
nies-slanderous lies, in fact-without
the slightest foundation. Isit not SOP" be
added, turning squaTely to the scowling
Captain, who drew HE breath hard, bit
his heavy mustache fercely, and
glared at him without uttering a word.
Remember, Captain, it is purely a
matter Of choice With you whether you
tell these gentlemen the truth or not"
said Frank Stoddard, in his smoothest,
deepest tones; but, when Talbot turned
to him with face full Of concentrated
fury, his snaky eyes fell before the
strong, compelling gaze that seemed TO
him TO be reading every thought Of his
cowardly soul.
After a few moments OF dead silence,
he muttered, hoarsely:
"rll say what you want, if you'll
agree it shan't go any further"
DR.. Du1 glanced apprehensively at
Frank, and shook his head hastily, tut
Frank treasured him with a look and
said, sierniy:
1--WE have no concessions 10 make.
Do As you agreed to, or refuse, and re-
ceive the punishment your crimes de-
serve. The world will believe the truth
then, at any rate"
The poor wretch dropped his head
hopelessly, then glanced about as
though thinking Of possible escape, at
which the guard stepped TO the door and
placed his back against it, aud then,
seeing all further resistance vain, the
hardened villain broke out into a terri
ble volley Of oaths, cursing them all as
Idiots and fools.
cor course It's So" he said, turning 10
DR.. Duff with a malicious grin, "and
you was the only man that had sense
enough to appreciate my little Joke.
These fools haven't brains enough to rt,-
preciate anything but themselves-r
There, that will do, Captain Talbot,n
interrupted the President, rising 81
see we have been entirely mistaken in
our estimate Of your character, and I
greatly regret that we have been led by
your Misrepresentation to do injustice
to most worthy young lady"
The Captain scowled vindictively, and
muttered half audible curse. Willie
/ Professor Grimsby rose slowly up. aud.
with several "ahems," said, iu his usual
pompous manner: