The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1884-08-07

and 80 was very unable to respond for
some minutes.
II once had friend" he said, speak
ing very slow, "who was sent to that
same acknowledgement eight years
ago. Hc--ho forged the name Of a
distant relative"
"Tell me about it," she said, with cv-
ident interest. Il suppose he was
young and didn't realize
"Yes; he was quite young. He was
in the employ Of this relatiye-a second
cousin--and had been perfectly honest
and aithful until that moment. Even
then, lie had no interest in being dis
honest, for he meant to restore the
money within twcnty-four hours. 1t
was matter Of pride and extravagant
companions. He fully intended to re-
store the money, and only did it to get
out Of n boys scrape. Butt was dis
covered. His relative might have
saved him, but did not. After NIL the
the three years tho boy had served him
honestly, that consin-prosccutcd him.
The boy was sent to tho
institution you visited. Perhaps you
remember tho rules. He was perfect
in behavior for six months, which put
him on parole another half year, and
then gave him his freedom. He left
the State immediately, and nobody who
knows him now, has the faintest suspi-
cion Of the secret lie carries, nobody
but myself. Not even the young lady
lie is to marry"
"He has not told her?' cried Peace,
in startled voice. "Oh, how wrong
and how foolish! If she should find it
out by and by, how much worse than il
he himself had told her. Indeed. he
ought to tell her, for she, If she loves
him, will be the very one to sympathize
and to help him forget it. Louis, you
must urge him to tell her"
Il do not know about that
"But you must, dear. Promise me,
the next time you see him, to suggest
it."
Il dare not, Peace. I might be the
means of wrecking his happiness eter-
nally. No, don't ask me. Let us talk
Of something else"
"But l cannot think of anything else
until YOU have promised me-
Il will promise to ask him to think
about it," he said, reluctantly.
Every well, dear. Because if she loves
him, it will certainly make no difference
in her feelings for him. Let me see
you say he was perfect in conduct.
Then he was of the first grade, and
wore gray. How distinctly l remember
seeing them all at work. In the foundry
building they were almost all third
grade men, in red uniform, lovely
shade of red, too, rich cardinal.
remember the light from the molten
iron shining upon the workers, and
making the color they wore even hand.
somer. Well, well, Louis, You arc no,
vexed with me, are your"
"Nexed!"
"You seem SO silent, dear"
He let the oars rest, and leaning for
ward, drew her face close to his own.
Il am SO glad to be with you again.
he whispered. $50 glad! l have missed
you SO much!"
The boat drifted as he held her thus
-drifted placidly. They could hear
the other rowers singing sweetly once
again:
Soft and low, soft and low,
Wind OF the Western sea.
She leaned her head upon his shoul
der. How near she was! How deal
she was! He could hear her heart beat
and feel her pure breath upon hi.
cheek. Her knotted hair had loosened
and the red-gold rings were shining il
the moonlight upon her dark, plail
dress.
And still he held her closely, anf
they drifted.
"Why do you sigh, Louis ?"
"If l should lose you,' he said
gloomily, what would my life b
worth?"
do not think of such things. Yo,
will not lose me, dear.
Il must not, Peace"
Again the refrain of the singers cam,
swelling across the still waters:
Wind Of the Western sea.
And again Gordon sighed.
"You love me, don't you, dear?"
"What . strange tone for that lues
tion, Louis! A tone of doubt. Why
could no more doubt you than donb
the stars in heaven!"
"You-you have perfect confidence il
me, dear?'
Perfect"
"And you will always love me, com,
what may?"
Always, Louis"
"lou-you want me to have NJ
secrets from YOU. Peace?"
"None whatever"
"No. no." he said hastily, "and yo'
are right, dearest"
They sat apart again, and he pulle,
steadily at the oars.
"That friend of yours, Louis sh
said, presently, @of whom you We're tell
ing me. suppose they put him a
work of some sort2"
Gordon answered slowly: "He KEEP
books in the office. He was considere'
good bookkeeper."
"That was not bad. Would you
would you mind telling me where he i
now, and what lie is doing? You sa
he is to be married soon?'
He is in this State" said Gordon
"He has a good business, fair prospects
and is engaged to beautiful girl, whol
he worships. He has been very happ
of late"
1t was her turn now to sigh, nc
wearily. but as if his words gave he
some vague satisfaction. Happy hel
self, she would fain have all the worl
ut peace.
They were out half hour longer
o half hour sweet with lovers viii,
pered hopes and confidences The
slowly he turned the boat shoreward.
The singers were repeating the $50
dier's Farewell" with more perfect hal
mony than before.
Goodnight: farewell. my own true love!
The words came floating across, Iii.
tinct and sweet, as Gordon steadied I'll
boat and assisted his sweetheart to til
landing.
They strolled off leisurely the
along the sandy shore and on towar
the road.
1t was not yet late when they Ii
reached her home. and they sat awhil
/ In fha lrn0l nnrch