The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1882-05-27

rising and approaching the bell.
Wait one moment. sir, Frank Thorle,
said, passing between him and the bell rope
and his desperate, anguished look stage,
Mr. Lyle an instant; '.shall / tell You VIII,
tempted me to do this-whose beautifu
face came between me and right. and IureC
me on to my ruin? As YOU hope for
mercy hereafter, sir, hear me Hear how
came to fall, and then refuse to be mer
ciful if you can
Il am listening, said the merchant
Il never saw New York till two wear,
ago. and you yourself have commended me
for withstanding its temptations. You
know, sir, that | neither drink nor gamble
The smallness of the amount | have taken
must prove that your money was not spent
in that way. You have beea pleased be f.
+ very kind to me, sir. Do YOU remember
urging upon me the acceptance of an invi-
tation 10 a party given by your daughter
7 was reluctant, but went and from that
hour my fate was sealed The most fasci.
mating, as well as the most heartleSs CO.
quette, did not scorn TO set her snEres for
me, to dazzle me with her loveliness, 10 lure
me with her smiles. There Is no intoxics-
ton like the first love Of youth, sir; don {
you know that? There Is no frenzy like
that inspired by a woman who makes you
love her lived in a delirium; | was mad
on account Of this woman whom loved,
and who seemed to love me, and | incurred
debt for her-a debt which, in wild mo
meDt, when had Just been scornfally cast
Of by her-I paid with your money.
what was your debt ?" Mr.. Lyle asked
briefly.
1T was for ring
A ring with diamond set in cluster
Of ruhies p the merchant asked with fash
of remembrance.
Yes sir, Thorley said, reluctantly.
The merchant sat down. and, motioning
Thorley TO a scat, remained some moments
thoughtful, and with his face averted-
Then touching the bell, he waited, while
Frank Thorley covered his face with his
hands
Tell Miss Roxie Iwish to see her here,
he said TO the servant who answered his
summons
Roxie was just going out; and she came
dressed as she was for the party, aeecy
white Coating about her, her lips red. her
cheeks aglow and her eyes sparkling.
She Redeemed at sight Of Frank Thorley's
CHASTITY face
Did you send for me, papa p she asked
Of her father. who sat with his face in a
shadow.
For reply he reached and took her I'M
gloved hand in his Il was a dainty hand.
slender, small and white. glittering with
rings. He put his finger upon one. small
diamond surrounded by rubies, and lifted
his glance to hers.
Roxie shrank little. and looked as if
about to cry.
Turning toward Frank Thorley. Mr..
Lyle said, upon one condition I win for
give you. Repeat what You have Just said
to me, in the presence of this misguided
girl.
Poor Frank Thorley Perhaps he
thought even exposure would be preferable
10 such humiliation before her whom he
loved. Perhaps second thought of his
mother came aud neryed him. He hesitat-
ed only moment, and told the story with
a half desperate, half sarcastic eloquenee.
that took the vivid color out of Rockies
brilliant face.
won't you forgive me, Frank ?" she
cried, and chung to her father with burst
of sobs
~Will You forgive her, Frank Thorley.
or not p demanded Mr. Lyle.
Heaven knows forgive her, sir, as
hope to be forgiven"
Thank you, sir | think she has
wronged You more than you wronged me,
and | will show you, young man, how |
can forgive tomorrow
But when the morrow came. Frank .
Thorley had left New York, with his
mother; and vain were all Mr.. Lyle's efforts 4
to discover him.
Years passed There came a financial
crash; and though everybody supposed Lyle 1
K Co. too firmly established to be shaken,
they we're unable to outride the storm.
Serupulously honest now as ever, Mr..
Lyle gave up everything; and made no eff
Fort to save so much as Roxie's piano from
going under the hammer
sNeyer mind, papa" she said softly to
MIN that last night before the sale; ''we
nave still each other, and | am Young.
Perhaps may find some use for those ac-
you have layished upon me
% freely. You didn't think" she added
With an attemp at gayety, that you were
putting money by when you were spending
on me, did you ?"
Heaven knows what is to become of
Is 7 moaned the unhappy merchant. TO
morrow, at this time, we shall have no right
wen to the roof that covers our heads.
But heaven bless you, my child, for this
weet courage. 1t is something to have so
rave child. You have been so used to
uch freedom from care, though, Rookie
wish you had married, dear and you
would have had home now.
Il have got you, papa, and there's no
ody like better"
Nobody, Roxie ?"
The soft cheek flushed little, and the
ed lips trembled.
@Dontask me papa; there's nobody now"
he said, her face on his shoulder.
"Was it some one who went away"
"Yes, family. 4
Il thought so, dear. It's like you wo-
len to love the man they have wronged
lost. I" II
The two hid away in the remotest corner
f the house while the auction was going {
n next day, and Roxie exerted herself in /
redibly to sustain her fathers heavy heart
lie grew old fast in those few hours. This
,sing his home seemed to hurt him cruelty
The sale was over, and they still sat there