The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1879-02-26

mother was still absent, 80 he went immedi-
ately to the library, expecting to find Judith
waiting for him there. The room was va
can't, however; then turning to ring the bell
to make inquiries OF a servant, his eye fell
upon the little white note lying on his
desk. and overwhelmed with q vague and
nameless dread, he tore it open and read
these words:
IF you are at loss to know why have
gone, turn to the secretary drawer, where /
found your key" David mechanically
touched the spring. and there. side by side
IN the pasteboard box, lay two little onyx
fuchsias
Silently he dropped his arms and head
upon the desk before him. and for many
moments the room was death-like in still
ness. Then he suddenly started up, snatched
pen and paper and dashed Off a hurried
letter, with which he was just leaving the
house when he was arrested by his mothers
voice, strangely hard and stern: David.
what does this mean; where is Judith
Gone, mother. But believe me, she is
not to blame" and closing the door behind
him, DAVID fastened out into the night
>
Three months had passed away since the
sudden flight of Mrs. Barlow's governess;
and IN one of the handsomest apartments of
Partisan hotel. in this clear, cold evening
in February, a gentle-faced lady sat listen
ing, knitting work in hand, to the soft voice
and pleasant reading of her young compan-
ion, Judith Allan. The room was a cheerful
one; but several nalf-packed trunks and open
valises that were visible proved the ladies to
be merely transient inmates, lately arrived
and soon to depart.
The quiet reading was suddenly inter
rupted by a servants entering to say that
gentleman. who gave no card, wished Miss
Allan to come Immediately to the private
saloon.
Who can it be?' said Judith, closing her
book In wondering surprise; land what can
he want with me?"
the quickest way to ascertain, my dear,
is by going to see." So Miss Allan rose and
crossed the hall to the opposite room; on the
threshold she stopped, startled incredulous;
low cry escaped her lips, and with out
stretched arms she impulsively advanced a
step; then the light died from the illumined
face, and with hands clasred before her she
stood quiet, stately and cold.
Judith" said David, coming forward and
taking her icy hands In his, have you no
word OF explanation for me?''
What need say? did you think my re-
spect could be retained when | learned you
were the author of the cowardly action that
can never in my life forget?'
"Bnt, Judith, dearest, IL was not /; and
here for three months we have both been
miserable, simply because you gave me no
| opportunity to say so.'
''Oh, David" she sobbed, "can you ever,
ever forgive me for the wrong I've done you?'
and, overcome with happiness and remorse.
Judith buried her fearful face on his shout
der and kept it there.
When you returned my letter unopened,
I started Immediately for your aunt's, but
three days had already been lost and l was
met with the chilling news that you had
just left for Europe as a companion to q Mrs.
| James Tilden, who is an old friend of my
mothers, by the way. Hastily arranging
my business, folio in the new steamer
and have travelled from town to town play
| inc tE,vanOQlinas tn tGqhrioD
since"
"But 1 don't quite understand, David. "
said Judith, looking up and smiling through
her tears, ''how did you come into posses
sion of my earring, and who told you of my
journey to APP
THE explanation is simple enough" he
replied, tenderly leading her across the room
| to sofa. Il sat two seats behind you with
a city fellow of my acquaintance, and, as We
approached the long tunnel, observing thai
your window was the only one open, he
stepped forward to close it just as darkness
fell upon us all; a moment later he returned
shaking with suppr essed laughter.
by Jove, Barlow" he said, what do yor
think did there in the dark; kissed thai
pretty girl; somehow l ran against her BY
accident, and then, seized with the spirit o
mischief couldn't resist; l slammed the
door to make her think I'd left the car, 81
she will not suspect us"
II could have choked the fellow in my
indignation, and let him know as much il
some rather pointed words; the consequence,
was. instead Of hunting together as had beer
planned, we separated and each went hi
way alone"
Judith dropped her head back on David
shoulder with sigh of great content.
But my earring; where did you flint
that?'
ION the floor of the car beside the seat yol
had occupied, and here it is, with the mat
YOU left with me; | think you will hav
more use for them" and smllingly the llttl
pasteboard box was placed in her hand.
"Is the explanation satisfactory, and am
once more restored to favor?'
The tears of happiness in Judith's eye
! were David's only answer.