Daily Republican., 1884-07-26

ing, but in vain, to soften the blow
that she had no right " the name of
Valdez. That her mother WAS not the
lawful wife Of the old General, and
that Mia was nameless.
"God in heaven alone knows my rs-
greet and remorse'' ESQ ran the letter..
With II i'm have my punishment
but for years have carried my miser.
able secret 10 my heart, like worm
which has eaten my life away. Nita,
marry Mr.. Belmont and all this sorrow
" i'll be obviated. He need never know
the Truth. You, my darling, are blame
less, and pure, and innocent. 1t Ia not
just that you should suffer for the sins
Of your wretched parents. Become this
mans " life, and my last prayer shall
be for your happiness"
II will never do it cried Mia firm.
ly. 81 will never marry any man
with such a guilty secret on my con.
sciencel will send for Mr.. Belmont,
/ show him papas letter and listen to his
decision -
30 Mr.. Belmont, being sent for, arriv.
cd. He WAS conducted to the great
gloomy library, where a slim, black
robed little creature with a marble
white face, and great pathetic eyes mel
him. Mr.. Belmont was ell-preserv
ed, rather pompoua man Of sixty, witt
keen, gray eyes, and u flowing beard. -
He hustled for ward and took Nita's lit
tie cold hand.
1T Is unnecessary to say how deeply
deplore your great loss |" he began q
lonce /" and believe me, Miss Valdez.
am always your friend-sipcere ant
Itrue. Nothing can alter that |"
For answer she laid her fathers let
Tor i'll his hand. Mr.. Belmont read il
slowly, and a great change crept ovel
his wrinkled face. He folded it slowly
aud returned 1t to the girl, a moody
light in his keen, gray eyes.
Really-I-I Am profoundly sorry
as well as surprised !" he said in a cold
passion less tone; but of course Miss
(ah) -Nita, you cannot expect any
man with family pride and name to up
) hold. to willingly marry a woman wht
} Isis"
Nameless v' in,erpolated Mia
Livery well, sir l have followed my
fathers directions, and l have fount
out your true nature. ! have only tC
say good-morning, Mr.. Belmont"
And the millionaire was bowed out of
the room before he arcely realized it.
As soon as Nita was alone, then all he
pride and aud re II Possess; on gave way
and throwing herself into seat, SIN
wept long ami bitterly. She did no
hear the door of the room open, nor tn
footstep on the carpeted floors Some
body stopped and removed the hand
which covered her tear.stain d face
and a pair of lips were pressed agains
hers.
Nita-dariing - cried Floyd War
field, look up and tell me that 20,
> owe me, and will be my precious wife
Nita met that scoundrel Belmont
, anu lie told me all l came here o
3 once Nita-lit'le love thank Coz
that you have been saved from so fear
full sacritice-a sacrifice which N
parent has right to exact from
child And / shall al ways thank Co
for giving you to me, darling. 1 am
! poor man, but 1 will work hard TO
! you, and we will be happy. For, al
l though money is a good thing and
great blessing in its proper place, ye,
1 love il best -
And, in all the long years whic
y have come and gone since then, Floy
Warfield and his happy wife, walkin
4 down life's hill, hand N hand, still bt
!, lieve (and so do / y that, althoug
wealth is q pleasant possession, low,
true love, ia the best