The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1883-06-14

pleased surprise. But was determined
to know the reason Of of her conduct.
"When man is condemned to be
hung, Miss Everingham," said. coolly.
"the judge always distinctly states tho
nature of his crime, before administering
the sentence. Have you any objections
to letting me know what have done?"
She looked at me q moment very
lsteadily .leven contemptuously, lam con.
strained to say.
"ME; Hawthorne. when tell you that
am Rene Snowden's cousin, and dear.
est friend. you can hardly ask for fur
tnet 'ntormation. The fact that no one
put will ever know of your baseness,
ed as a gentleman by the world at large. y
Before | could reply, the young lady
had swept from the room.
I passed q sleepless night. What
could she mean? BY morning had
reached conclusion. called myself
weak and poor in spirit; but would 20
to Rene. I would, at least, hear what
she had to say.
The servant ushered ne into the morn.
ing room: 1t was u9tenantcd. But /
heard voices behind the curtains that
concealed little inner sanctuary, that
wac AV0000 OOuNOAI. no 0COON uuCCE"
tain whether TO 20 further, and cursing
the stupidity Of the servant who had not
announced me, heard Rene's voice.
Ny heart, in spite of myself, leaped up
at the sweet, weary tones.
"Phi!lys, darlinR,", she was saying,
Papa has consented to go 80 we need
not be separated"
II am so giad!' fervent voice an
swered, that l recognized also. But it
isn't the old Rene-dear, can't you for
get?"
did not wait to hear Rene's answer.
Something within me compelled me to
push back the pOrtiere, and found my
self in the presence of Rene and Miss
Everingham.
The latter looked up at me, perfectly
mutinous: She stepped back with a
gesture Of aver sion, and stood at Rene's
side as if to protect her friend.
Rene herself started and turned pale
as she saw ME, and drew herself UP
cOldly.
"Mr. Hawthorne, she said, Jelly, "you
were unannounced. Isuppose.yon wish
to see Papa?"
II wish no one in he world but you,
Rene" / cried, the scales seeming sud-
denly to drop from my eyes. II have
been the most miserable wretch on the
face Of the earth. could not live long
or without you, and came this morning
to hear your extenuation-and tell you
mine. have been an arrant fool, per-
haps worse; for have doubted your
truth" She gave another quick start.
but | love you'll have always loved
you'll will love you until die. And i
ask you 70 forgive the wrong l see I
must have done you; for, looking upon
you now .e"' in i the ref face Of everything, l
ter, and her great sweet eyes were
looking at me wistfully. Miss Evering-
ham stood by her, bnt q little in ad-
vance, and was facing me with mntinous
dark eyes.
Before Rene could speak her friend
broke forth, scornfully:
"You think you can abuse and wrong
the tenderest, purest heart that ever
beat" she said, land then come in your
own sweet time, and be forgiven? How
dare you? What right have you to be
pardoned?"
"Hush Phil"
It was Rene's low, even voice that
thus broke in upon the others passion.
ate anger.
t1 IA w ,Sh$t a st Gnse flashed upon m" at
"Listen to me, Rene," cried breath
lessly. "The morning that waited for
You, the last time was here, l wan
dered around, and finally committed
the objectionable offense of reading a
slip of paper on your desk-a page,
filled with deepairing and passionate
lore, signed Phil"
"Miss Everingham started violently,
and then stepped forward with an eager
gesture. But I continued, passion ately:
II have set you up 80 high in my soul
Rene, and this blow crushed me. The
whole world was changed to me, and 1
believed you false. But 1 came here
this morning willing to believe you all
that once believed"
Suddenly bright, joyous voice broke
in.
II am Phil" it cried;" Creme always
said | would get myself into trouble
we had sworn eternal naidenhood and
feality to each other. Why didn't you
speak, Rene? You won't let him 20
now dear? He has loved you all the
time-and what if you had read a note
like that, written to Mr.. Hawthorne, and
signed Maud-would not you have
been cruelty hurt?"
But the curtains had fallen behind
Miss Phillips Everingham, as abe swept
into the other room, and Rene and I
were alone in the boudoir. Rene wa
in my arms.