Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1882-12-16

hands in his. 1t was a time when
few words were needed.
II think you understand me-" he
said. Speak, Jean; / am waiting
for my answer
| She drew away from him, and
when she spoke her voice sounded
hard and monotonous.
"Yes, l understand you. 1t is i'm
possible; | cannot do as you desire. y
He released her hands and stood
up before her. "You cannot, or
,riU not ?"
She did not reply, and he went on
impetuously:
you do not return my affection,
and yet you have led me to believe
that / was not loving in vain. You
have deceived and trifled with me
made me your dupe. Yet, Jean, l
could have staked my life on your
honor"
There was a thrill of reproach in
his tones that touched her and for a
moment she almost relented. A
thought of his assertion that after
noon decided her. Better that he
should think her false than know the
truth. She rose and faced him, anx-
ious that the interview should end.
81 have not willfully deceived
you," she said, quietly. believe
me, l would have spared you this if
L could"
This is all the answer you have
to give me ?" he asked, calmly.
"All l can give"
Without another word he offered
her his arm, and took her back to
| the house.
With the morning mail came a
letter for Jean Ellis. 1t was a
lengthy epistle, but her eager eyes
fingered only on the one sentence:
"The real criminal has been found
and your brother is free!"
Joyful news at any time, it caus-
ed double rejoicing now. Jean
slipped the letter in her pocket, ard
with heart full of gladness started
to find Willard Langton. Davis
stood in the lower hall, near the
open door, and of him she made in
quiry.
"Do you know where Mr.. Lang
ton is ?"
He looked at her in amaZement.
"1angton Didn't you know be
had gone? Come to think Of it, you
were not in the parlor when he said
good bye to us all, about half hour
ago. Sudden departure, but he's
given to whims. Gone for good,
guess, and the summer only half
over"
Jean was listening with sinking
heart. Was the chance lost after
all Il am sorry" she said, with
forced composure. HAS he return
ed to the city ?"
Guess not. Off on trip he said,
and l know what that means-a
month here, two there, and then off
again. / don't expect to see him for
a year"
Jean smiled and turned away.
Alone in her room she gave away to
emotions in burst of bitter tears.
She had been SO joyous, so full of
hopes and bright anticipations for
the future, that her disappointment
seemed more than she could bear.
By-and-by she grew calmer, aud
having penned "a reply to the letter
just received, started for the village.
On the Office steps she met Willard
Langton.
II was an awkward meeting, and
for a moment neither spoke. Willard
was the first to gain self-possession.
II missed the train," he said; 1.-THE
next arrives in about ten minutes.
| 1t was so far back to the cottage l
scarcely thought it worth while to
return"
Jean knew he had stayed to avoid
meeting her, and well understood
the bitter smile that accompanied
his words.
"Will You come with me little
| way ?" she asked 81 have some
thing to tell youi' Willard bowed
| grayely and went with her up the
village street. Whatever explana-