West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1880-01-31

tion tonight. Nay, not chance, he added,
with sudden vehcmence, ''but the provi-
dence of God -
Then, before | could say word i'm reply,
he had freed himself from my grasp and
was striding down the shadow hunted street.
Ten minutes later my mistress came out.
She drew deep breath as she clasped my
arm. and felt her trcmble.
'Come, Jenny, let us get away from here
quickly, shall be glad to reach home
again-sO glad "
She looked so miserable and dispirited
that had not the courage to tell her what
had occurred outside the cottage while she
fingered within.
The next morning, while she was AT break
fast. and the mystical stir of the bridal
preparations was going ON IN the house, one
OF the servants brought in large package.
She cut the cords, and out fell heap of
letters-the pure, dainty letters she had
written from time 10 time TO her lovcr-and
the few books and ke, pSakes she had given
him.
saw her stagger, turn pale and catch
her breath. Then she looked at me with a
bewildercd air.
N.Y."
The package and brief note 1t contain
ed were Deane Hollis farewell.
My badly did not cry or faint Flinging
the note away, she elapsed both hands To
her forehead
my God This is incomprehcnsible.
What waat-dees he meany"
IL can tell you, Madam"
And did
When she knew that Mr. Hollis had been
"a ~ IL. Il.
what he had overheard there instead of
sinking To the floor in shame and confusion,
as half expected, she sprang towards the
door with smothercd sob of ioy.
''Oh, heaven" she said Come. JENNY
we have another mission to perform"
Where are you gong" said, looking
at her wonderingly.
Come and see. Heaven grant that we
be not too late"
Scarcely waiting for her bonnet and
shawl, she hurried me from the house.
Presently we reached a handsome man
slon-Mr. Hollis country seat. A carriage
stood before the door and some one was
just stepping into it.
My lady screamed out nj the sight and
rushed forward excitcdly:
"Oh, Deane, don't 20 don't leave me
at least until have been given a chance
to explain! You have misiudged me it is
all "A terrible mistake. Come with me To
Holmes Cottage, do come God knows
do not wish to keep any secrets from you
not one"
We all entered the carriage together and
drove To Holmes Cottage
We we've met on the threshold by the
same forlorn looking woman who had
brought the note She burst out sobbing i'm
our faces
My son is dead she cried "Hc
breathed his last soon after you went away
last night. Oh, n.a'am, won't you come in
an look at HIM I'm sure il would please
him could he but know"
We entered the poor little room and stood
beside the couch on which the dead man
lay.
The secret Of Miss Edith's visit of the pre-
vious night was soon told this rash, impet
uous man had allowed himself TO fall des-
pcratcly IN love with Miss Edith, the pre-
vious summer, in spite of the difference
and utter impossibility Of his ever hoping
10 win return of lrcr affections
When he realized that he must die a
prey to consumption, he begged to be taken
to the vicinity of my lady's home, that he
might be near her at the last.
lie had had more or less delirium for
some days previous to his death, and while
this was on him had really fancied that Miss
Edith was his wrfe, and spoke Of her i'm
his rambling way, as such
81 could not despsc his love, Deane, /
pitied him 50, my lady said her beautiful
eyes full of tears. ''Do not blame me for
seeking TO hide the truth it was for his
sake. 1t seemed cruel to expose his weak
ness. VIII you forgive me?'
lie echoed the word and caught her TO
his heart
'Forgive You! Oh, my darling, 1t il
who need TO be forgiven I"