Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1880-12-09

pride quickly up III arms, loudly de-
clared she would never marry n man upon
whose name even a shadow of doubt had
ever rested.
Two hours later a gentleman called to
see her.
he was t1ne looking man, this George
Halliday, with black eyes, beard, and hair,
with complexion rs fair as lsabels own.
And yet, after one had pronounced him
handsome, they would steal "A secoIid look,
and decide that there was something hid
den under tins manly exterior that was
evil, unprinclpled.
He seemed To be we'll off and although
comparatively stranger, was known TO,
and aquainted with, every family of inn
portance in the town.
Isabel Wild had attracted his attentions
months before, and when she had noticed
his admiration had sncered.
81 marry George Halliday! Never,
while such man aS LOUIS herrivale
lives"
But now, after Mr.. Halliday had come
into the fortune lett him, and the decora.
tlons Of his new mansion were being com
pleted; now, when her lover had clOuded
his reputation for ever, Isabel listen ed to
Halliday's overtures; and when he went
from her house that morning, and she has
tened to Mlllie Thorne's, she wore gilt
tering diamond ring that had been placed
there rs a seal of their betrothal.
lncensed and intlamed by Miles enthus-
iasm, Isabel returned 10 her own home
thoroughly satisfied that Millie Thore still
loved Louis Merrivale, despite her faith
lessness, despite his mysterious conduct.
"And II Milhe spoke truly when she
said he needed friend IN this dark hour." 4"
A pale, haggared tinge was on her face
as she ascended the steps of her residence,
telling of tine struggle within.
But the bur-the stain! Can | ever
bear name that has been sung through
the country, and published in no honorable
way in the papersl Can 1 bear it, and the
cold taunts it will bring me, for loves
sake? Can l endure it for his sake -
She paced the floor IN her restless lndeCi-
sion.
George Halliday is rich; shall be
mistress of his splendid house, envied by
half the women In town, and above all,
shall bear name pure and unSullied."
The cleaning of the diamonds in their
shining splendor caught her eye, and on
the trihing delight they occasioned she
bitterly regret.
"From henceforth shall give to Louis
Merrivale no thought, if 1 can help it. |
shall regard myself as belonging TO my
atfianced husband, and lot Mildred Thorne
scorn or reprove as she will. Perhaps she
will turn comforter in chief to her faithles3
lover"
A bitter, bitter heart pang-one yearn-
ing longing for her loved one, then it died
or rather, in moment, Isabel Wild burned
alive the love of her life
Day after day passed by, bringing their
share of joys and heart-achings, and still
Louis Merriyale never came; the affair had
ceased TO be seven days wonder, and
people had forgotten about it, save when
they saw his aged mother, bowed and in
firm, leaning on Millie Thorne's strong
young arm, as they walked through the
streets of Croydon.
Millie had grown more beautiful during
these weeks of trial and the aged mother
of the missing young man had many an
occasion TO bless the loving, trusting girl.
The days wore on, bringing 10 Millie, in
her patient waiting and hoping against
hope, to Isabel, In her overwhelming pride,
the glad autumnal days. To one it brought
bridal, and George Halliday took his wife
to their handsome home.
The setting October sun was flinging its
rosy banner over the brown woodland,
when Mile Thorne entered the house
where her tender ministrations had made
her an angel of sympathy.
Mrs Merrivale met her halfway to the
door, her eyes streaming with tears, her
face all alight with an overpowering joy.
''Millle-Oh, Millie, my prayers are ans
wered God has been so mcrciful to me,
and to you, my Millie. See, it's from
hIna!"
She handed letter from her bosom to
Mille, who, in tremOr of agitation, had
gained the door, and was leaning against
the wall, unable for moment to speak.
''Come in, child, and let us thank God
together! Come, MIllie, while tell you
my boy is alive, is we'll, and-oh, Millie,
didn't we say 1t 2-is Innoceent!'
uIllllc ucILuCI SpOhC hui ulONcu SIG
neither laughed nor cried. She only muir
INJURED wordless prayer in her heart.
''Let me tell you, my dear child, all
about it, and then let me tell you the mes
sage he sent to you"
ga message to me? Tell me, what is
it2" said Millie, eagerly.
''He has written 1t to you on a slip of
paper, and in his letter tells me to read it.
and then give it to you. Isn't that just my
Louis over agaln?"
She handed Millie the precious treasure,
who read, with greedy eyes:
To-day, for the first time since my re-
covery-lve been near unto the stream of
death, millie-I am able to write; first to
my mother, then to the only woman in the
W rid besides that / care for-to you, Mile
Thorne. To-day have given up Isabel
Wild, because l love you, because | have
always loved you; because care nothing
for her, or she for me. know all, Millie,
my precious, patient darlingl have
startling news when | come back; and
then, when | am reinsteted in the public
confidence, even though break a proud
heart, and uncover foul one in the act,
you will be mine, nine, my own Millie9 2"
''At last-oh, mother, at last" ex-
claimed the overjoyed Millie.
GGSholl I rood Iou bio Iaffor or obo1l 7