The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1884-10-17

part or the bargain. My marriage un-
fortunately benefited my mother but
little, for she died soon after. Then
Lady - took me up. Society dis
covered was beauty, and my hus-
bands ambition was gratified. All! few
guessed how beneath the rich dresses
and jewels the heart was weary and
sad. Situated as 1 was, neither man
nor woman could help me. Love was
not free to give, friendship / soon learnt
was but a name. was the fashion;
my master was satisfied. He encour-
aged me in every extravaganza; then
upbraided me when I learnt the truth,
that his wealth was but fable, and my
admirers were expected to pay my bills.
There was one terrible scene between
us; then came the sale. compelled
him to take me abroad, for / still
hoped, away from the world, out of the
false position in which / had been
placed, something like peace might at
least be ours. Alas. the dream was
vain! One day ! learned that the very
means on which we subsisted were pro-
cured from rich woman separated
from her husband, then fled, I went
to Paris, to a friend Of my childhood. 1t
was with her the idea of shop first
originated. I took few lessons in bon
net-making, engaged competent fore
woman, sold my little remaining jewell
ry, and took the shop. Thank God, l
am doing well, and trust to realize
profit by the end of the year."
'.Impossible!' exclaimed Algy. "Oh,
my darling, you cannot continue in this
life. Let me at least have the consola-
ton of procuring your comforts. Give
me permission to win your love-"
He saw her tremble, but she remain
ed silent, then turned to him with tears
in her eyes.
1T is because you have won my love
that what you wish could never be, =" she
said simply.
Algy's heart beat fast with rapture,
but when he would have spoken she
held up her hand. II have guarded
my honor safely. 1t is my one valuable
possession in life; do not seek to take it
from me. The world has misunder-
stood me often, but the inner conscious
ness of my own integrity has made me
callous to its base opinion"
"How can 1 resist such an appealp"
said Algy disconsolatcly. Friends, at
least, we may bep"
way, and you go yours. / am placed
so that no one can help me. My one
fear in life is lest my husband should
discover my retreat. Only yesterday
he passed my window driven by that
woman in her phaeton.
HE is in London, thenp"
apparently. But possibly only en-
PEASANT. hope so. l should breathe
freer did l know he were gone"
II will ascertain and let you know
said Algy eagerly.
They passed out of the gates and
wendell their way back to South Aud
ley street. AS they turned into it they
saw large crowd collected and heard
the sound of many excited voices.
What is it?' said Nine. Stephanie,
half nervously, and pressing closer to
her companions side.
"Some accident, fear" he answer
ed quickly. "Do you stand here, and
let me 60 forward alone to see. You
will not be afraidp"
Her face was very pale as she raised
1t to his; but her voice was steady as
she replied, '.No, will wait here"
In second Algy was in the midst of
the throng eagerly interrogating. The
truth was speedily poured into his ears.
There had been collision-a lady's
phaetor upturncd. The lady was but
Slightly injured. Her companion was
dead. His head had struck the curb
stone, and death had been instantane.
Gus.
Algy turned his eyes toward the dead
man with strange conviction of the
truth even before the dead mans face
was visible to him. His queen had
nothing more to fear. Her rightful
owner lay dead at his feet.