The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1883-05-17

Mrs. Dacres only comment when her
daughter had finished.
And as she read Lisbeth realized that
she had, through an utter misunder-
standing, crushed out the happiness Of
her life.
The letter ran thus:
II don't suppose you ever knew that
old Mr.. Bertram had a daughter, who
married against her fathers wishes, for
which he dislnherited her, saying he
never wished to look upon her face again.
Her husband died after time, leaving
her entirely destitute. She did not dare
to return home, but in her strait APP
pealed to her brother. For year he
maintained his sister with his own earn
ings in her native village, until, taking
advantage of favorable opportunity, he
got his father to receive and pardon her.
isn't it romantic? I can tell you David
Bertram is a splendid fellow, and we
were all surprised when we found out
that your Lisbeth had broken her en-
gagement with him."
And SO on with other items of inter-
est.
But Lisbeth read no more. She had
ruined her own happiness. For many
mind with painful reiteration.
Al length the papers came filed with
accounts of the burning of the Bertram
Mill, and stated that the son of the pro-
prietor, while endeavoring to rescue an
jured.
II am going to David, mother" Lis
beth said. II must see him before he
dies"
And Mrs. Dacre, sympathizing with
her daughters anguish, made no objec-
tons.
A party OF friends who were going
1ast offered to take Lisbeth in their care
and 80 she went.
A strange whirl Of emotions fitted
through the girls mind as she was rap.
idly borne to her destination. Her jour
ney might have been in vain, for even if
he were still alive, David might not
wish to see her who had used him so cru
ely. At last her feet once more trod
the familiar streets, and stood before the
Bertham's door. No mournful symbol
told Of desolation within. David still
lived.
A beautiful, sad faced woman opened
the door in response to her ring.
Lisbeth knew her at once. 1t was the
sister who had been restored to her
home through the means Of her noble
brother.
II am Llzbeth Dacre," she said in an
swer to her look OF inquiry. Il heard Of
your brothers accident and have come to
see him."
She had entered the hall as she spoke.
A look of intelligence flashed over the
others face.
"Lisbeth Dacre! the girl who broke
my brothers heart"
A wave Of color swept over Lisbeth's
pale face.
please do not deny me; let me see
him. l cannot explain now, but you
will believe me when tell you it was
through o cruel mistake that We we've
parted. loved your brother, though
thought him false to me, and love
him stiM. They tell me he is dying.
Oh, do net keep mo from him!"
Lisbeth's words evidently carried con.
viction to their nearer.
"You shall see him." she replied.
though, thank God. he is not dying,
but has been pronou need out of danger"
An ejaculation of Joy escaped Lisbeth 5
lips:
do not rejoice too soon," David's sis.
ter continued, though he will not die
my brothers fate is sad one. Ever since
his accident he has been unable to see.
1t was q couple Of hours later.
Dear brother, here is an old friend
who has heard of your illness aud has
come to see you"
David turned his sightiess eye toward
tho door where Lisbeth stood. He was
so changed, so white and wan. that the
girls heart almost ceased beating. She
feared to speak, lest he should know
,, her voice, and the shock be too much for
him.
He put out his hand.
"Any OF my friends are Welcome" he
said, "but do not know who it is"
Like snow fake Llzbeth' s little hand
fell in his. A swift thrill shot through
the frames He knew we'll the soft,
clinging touch of those small fingers.
With . quick motion he drew her to
him.
Speak" he exclaimed hoarsely. Am
I dreaming? Is it-can it be my Beth
come to me?"
With q cry Lisbeth wound her arms
around his neck.
"Oh, Daviel DAVE! can you ever for.
give me for causing the pain ! have made
you suffer.
After the first rapture OF reunion was
over, Lisbeth told David aud his sister
what had caused her to act as she had :,
and what she had suffered through all
| tho.o ,ra.rs -, Ham n ~ hor lovar falso