The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1884-08-07

The words came floating across, dis
tinct and sweet, as Gordon stesdied the
boat and assisted his sweetheart to thu
landing.
They strolled of leisurely then
along the sandy shore and on toward
the road.
1t was not yet late when they had
reached her homo. and they sat awhile
in the broad porch.
But Gordon seemed i'll ut ease, and
this she was quick to discern.
"You have some worriment' she
said, softly.
"You think SOP" His tone was eva
sive.
IL am sure of it. Will you not tell
me?"
1T is nothing" he said, breath: G
hard for moment. "Nothing-only
you required promise of me this
evening, and II hardly know how TO
keep it..
"What was that? ?" she asked, wonder
ingly.
"lou asked me to urge nv friend TO
to acquaint the woman he loves with
the fact that he has broken the law
during his life He spoke constrain-
edly.
you think he would fear to do SO ?"
Il know it," he said, IN u voice OF
pain.
But" she said, argumentatively, Il
am sure / know women better than you
do: and / am confident il would be the
best thing possible. Besides, the
woman who would allow it TO make
difference would be unworthy of his
love or friendship"
you mean what you say?" he asked,
rather breathlessly.
"Of course L do
"And you would not change, if-if
you were she?'
81 should only think the more of him
for having trusted me-"
Gordon was silent for moment.
Then he made movement to put his
hand in an inner pocket of his coat.
CT have his picture here he said,
with some effort: Il will show it to
YOU
He drew the small card portrait forth,
and slowly reached it to her. Then
lie turned away his face and WIS 81
lent
90" she said, half laughing, you
have made mistake, dear. You have
given me yours instead of his. 4"
Gordon had risen TO his feet. She
did not understand. Need he ex-
plain? 1t was not too late. Not too
late. Need he go farther ?-there was
yet escape.
lie stood so, without utteriDg word.
Perhaps 1t was but q moments space.
Yet 10 him it seemed IN age. An agel
And n struggle was going on in his
heart. A terrible struggle His brain
whirled fairly, and strange lights danced
before his eyes.
He heard her last light words mock
ing him: you have given me yOau's
instead of his. You have made mis-
take!"
1t was not too late And some demon
was tempting him.
Suddenly the lights ceased to dance
before his eyes; the roaring sound was
quiet IN his ears. He was himself once
more, and calm as the dend.
Il have made"-he faltered some
what nevertheless. Il have made-no
mistake. / gave youths picture
He dared not look at her.
She gave n cry, rs if he had struck
and almost stunned her.
You You! o, LOUIS
Her voice was faint and horror-sick-
ened.
Il knew it, he cried. Il knew il. I
release you!"
And, turning, he rushed away down
the path and out at the gate.
She watched him go; she did not re-
call him, but stood silent in the moon
light; and the vine shadows crept slowly
about her feet.
Heavens she said, shuddering
"How-how things come home to one,
at timesl How easy it is to talk
How he shocked meI"
She stood there still; she had not
moved since he left her. The wind was
signing softly among the fragrant vines.
The moonlight cas- more beautiful than
ever.
After a lopg time she stirred little,
and found that she was weeping without
her own consent or knowledge. Weep
ing softly! and saying something over
and over to herself with passionate de-
light:
How brave he was! How brave he
was!"
And now she started, and, hurrying
down TO the gate, looked eagerly to sec
ii he were not returning.
Even she went out into the road, in
the direction she knew he must have
gone. She went down the road to the
first turn, and into the other street.
Could she not find him? Was she to
look always in vain? Must she wait
until tomorrow?
She turned to 60 back, and had
reached the corner. when some one
stool before her.
"Peacel"
1t was his voice, husky with agita-
ton.
Louis! ! have been looking every
where TOR you, she cried. with intinite
relief. Il thought was sure-you
wouldn't go without bidiing me good
night.
And you--un lerstandp"
She laid both hands upon his shoul
ders; she had recovered her serenity,
and coufd look up tenderlv W tin her
soft ewes vet moist 81 understand