The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1880-06-15

aud still the Gourlay Brothers held the even
tenor of their way. They were rich beyond
their wishes or desires, and not altogether
unhappy in their solitary friendship. Alice
Russell seemed to have drifted completely
out Of their lives; her name was never
mentioned, and whether she was married
or dead they did not know.
One morning about the middle of Sep
tcmbcr they were walking along the Kings
road at Brighton, whittier they had gone
for their annual holiday. Roger entered q
shop to purchase something, and John
stood outside looking dreamily at tho pass
crsby. Suddenly he ~advanced step az a
lady in all invalid chair was wheeled by.
CHANGING to look up. sho met his glance
with smile OF recognition, "Mr. Gourlay,
1t surely is, IL must be you. am 80 glad
to sec You! !"
"And to meet you," John said, with a
courteous bow. 81 have not the pleasure
of knowing"
'My namc---I am Alice Russell still, "
She said frankly. AT that moment Roger
appeared. For IN instant the blood for
sock his rudy face, while hot crimson
flush rose to Alice's pale check as she tried
TO stammer out some words OF greeting.
Roger was no Less confused, and the express
sion OF both faces was revelation to john
Gourlay. He felt as If the world had sud
denly driftcd away from him and he was
left solitary in some unknown, intimate
space. But there was nothing of that In
his voice as he asked Alice for her address.
and permission to call upon her in the
afternoon. Then taking his brother by the
arm he led him away, and they continued
their walk without exchanging single
word abont tho strange encounter.
In the afternoon John called at Miss
Russell's hotel, and in a few moments he
found himself seated beside her In pleas
ant sittiag room, overlooking the sea.
"Alicc," he said, plunging into the sab
jcct at once, edo you remember conver.
sation you had with my brother long time
ago2"
eyes, 1 remember, Mr.. Gourlay," she
replied sadly,
''He made request for me then which
1t was not in your power TO grant; am
come to make similar one for him now.
Roger loves you, Alice. lie has loved you
all these long, weary years, though you
will at least believe I did not know it
then"
"Poor Roger!" Alice said, softly.
"Iou care about him2 You will make
him happy. even at this late hour2 Tell
ME, Alice, that you love my brothcrl"
eyes, Mr. Gourlay, do. Why should
deny it9 l have loved him always, though
l did not know that he cared about me,
and if the little life that is left me can make
him happier, will devote it to him gladly,
proudly-poor Roger! You see am too
old for prctcnscs, Mr.. Gourlay, and l fear
am dying; therefore, tell you ALL"
"Dying, Alicea No, no you will live
many years yet, hope, to mako my dea T.
brother happy-brave, loyal, great t-hearted
Roger. Let me send him to you now, and
Alice. for my old and long affections sake
make him happy. He deserves it, and
that is the only way can ever help TO re-
pay the devotion of his life."
~ love him." Alice replied, simrly; T
cannot do any more"
In their lodgings John Gourlay found his
brother pacing restlessly up and down.
''Roger, I've found out your secret and
hers" he said, laying both hands on his
shoulders; 'loyal, faithful friend. go to
her; she loves you, she is waiting for you. "
"Poor Alice ! how she must have suf-
tered"
GLOW we all have suffered! but it's
nearly over now, Roger-the grief, pain,
regret. It's clear and bright. Roger, dear
friend, can you forgive me p
''Forgivc you, John2 Say rather can
you forgive me ?"
''Iruc to the last, John murmurcd, as
he wrung his brothers hand. s'Now
Roger, 60 to her; she is waiting for you
She loves you-loves you, Roger! Good
bye, and may You both be happy!"
Late that evening, when Roger Gourlay
returned home. full of deep, quiet gladness.
he found his brother sitting in an easy
chair near the window, apparently asleep.
The full moon shone down on his pale
face, and showed smile on his lips; his
hands were clasped on an open book that
rested on his knee. Tho attitude was life
like, but at the very first glance Roger felt
that his brother was dead. The doctors
said he had died of disease of the heart,
Perhaps they were right. More. people
die Of that malady than the world knows
Of.