Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1881-04-22

MY DEAR blend. ~ iu1oce oieahS
my heart TO know that father believes
you guilty. | do not, and never shall
no, never, Roger, though every oae
else should co denim you. / believe
and trust that this strange mystery will
be solved. SADIE"
Rogers preparations to leave for
An.tralia were rapidly completed.
MY very first letter home," lie said
to his mother, as he embraced her al
parting, "shall contain Franks con
tirma'ion of the truth of my statement.
When my reputation Is Clear, aud L
bave accumulated enough To meet the
reaui ements of Mr.. Melton, will re-
turn and claim the dear, faithful girl
those love is proof against all suspi-
cion."
Another misfortune, however, await
ed the young man when reaching his
destination. Frank Alden had fallen
victim to a fever that was raging in the
colony, and had died two days before,
directing that everything he left should
be delivered to his cousin as soon as he
arrived.
Then, at this fatal termination of the
hope that had buoyed him up on the
voy age over, Roger Wood worth would
have welcomed death had it not been
for the remembrance OF the trust and
confidence of those two dear ones at
home The closing words of that
precious note revived his almost sink
ing hopes, and drawing it from it's con.
cealment, he read them again and
again.
L believe and trust that this strange
mystery will be solved"
Here then lay his present duty, and
he would prove himself verify of
Saddles belief and trust by performing
1t faithfully. He sent brief letter to
his mother, and then set to work to
earn fitting dowry for the girl he still
hoped to make his wife.
Meanwhile, in the home Roger had
left, things went on much as usual.
The mortgage had been paid. but Mr..
Melton had taken no steps towards the
proposed repairs-he must wait, he
said to recover q little from the loss of
that five thousand dollars, before
m aking any further outlay; and Sadie
felt very little interest in the matter.
o. the day Of or R,gef left. Mrs. Wood
worth met the young girl, and handed
her bit OF paper on which were simply
traced the words, "God bless you'll
and Sadie enclosed it in lOcket
which she wore about her neck.
So passed two years, bringing some
new residents to the town, and among
them physician. already possessed Of
q good fortune, aud who readily secured
| y large practice. He secured something
else, also, almost immediately-th g
favor of Mr.. Melton, who observed with
| qualification the deep interest with
which DR.. Stanton regarded Sal lie from
the FIRST moment of his introduction to
her.
IT shall begin my long projected re-
pairs on this honse next week." Mr..
Melton said to his daughter. one even.
months, and want il to be ready for
your birthday present. I will have it
thoroughly renovated and furnished
from top to bottom, so that you may
have home to be proud Of"
RefnrniahAd- fasho.i repeated
Saiaie;'" that seems hardly necessary,
considering the quiet way we are living.
would be better pleased to have it re-
main unaltered in that respect"
Perhaps so. under ordinary circum-
stances" said Mr.. Melton, fidgeting
somewhat uneasily in his chair. But
have something else to tell you.
have received an offer for your hand,
and one which you will, l hope, be
disposed to consider favorably."
From whom, father ?" Sadie asked
very quietly, although her cheek grew
paler than usual.
From the very one I would have
selected ont of hundred-Dr. Stanton.
What do you think of that, Saidie2"
II think DR.. Stanton an excellent
and worthy gentleman said Sadie,
steadily. "But I cannot marry him,
father-indeed cannot"
"That is all right" said Mr.. Melton,
evidently not disposed to make the
matter subject of any argument, but
to act upon the principle of treating it
as q foregone conclusion. "A young
lady is not expected to jump at an offer
however desirable or gratifying. A
little msidenly reserve, end even cool
ness, is all the more certain to insure
and retain the respect of a suitor. I
shall make this an attractive place,
Saddle, and on your twenty-6rst birth.
day deed it to you. I have labored for
your beuefit and welfare through all
these years, and shall. hope, find that
my kindness has not been thrown away,
or unworthily besto we'd" and rising
from his chair, Mr.. Melton kissed his
daughter lightly on the forehead and
then left the room, while Sadie buried
her face in her hands to hide the tears
that were trucking through her fing-
ers.
And while she sat there, fearful and
Respondent. ship WAS speeding over
the ocean, bringing Roger Woodwork
to the deathbed of his mother. Her
last letter had reached him at time
when the tide of good fortune, started
with his cousins capital, was flowing in
upon him with lavish abandsnce-a
letter imploring him to return, that she
might see and bless him once more be
fore she died-and leaving every thing,
he had taken passage in the first vessel
out-due now in q few days. But oil
this Sadie knew nothing
The repairs were nearly completed
and the workmen were busy in the
room where Mr.. Melton had been sit