The Indianapolis sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1880-1904, 1885-04-24

also. Where's tie uss OF trying to deceive
me soT'
He colorsd az for an instant looked as
II be would have spoken hsstily-the next
moment, however. the cold quick look came
on his countenance.
II em rot trying 20 decisive you Lillian;
but there ale some things which | can not
tell yoUi'
"Eneseed people should never have mys-
tsriss from each other" she answered, In
dignantly.
The mystery IS not mine. Lillanr'
AS yeu choose" she retorted: but DO
not choose TO be the butt of your practical
jokes az longer. Please TO consider cur en-
gsgemeIt ct an endN'
Lillian, do you mean what you say2r
"Certainly l do,'
She drew the glittsr ring engagement ring
from her finger and tossed il toward him,
bot be. Standing with folded arms, made no
effort TO catch it, and it rolled down Into the
gutter. And thus they psr ed, these two
who had been efianced lovers for SO long
The weeks passed by bleak March soflenei
into violeteyed April, and, somewhat to
Liliaa's disappointment perhaps, Meredith
Allston made no further effort to see her.
She grew pale and heavy eyed, bat she would
have died ere she would have sent to her
lover, saying II have been wrong-come
TO see n once MORE
For Lillian Graham persisted in believing
that Meredith alone had been in the wrong
She sat at the head of her fathers dinner
table one evening mechanically devotiDg
herself TO the duties OF hospitality when q
we'll known name sounded on her ear.
"Allston.' said one, pursy looking old
gentleman, who was eating great deal OF
lobster salad. Yes saw the notice OF the
death In the morning paper. 1t is one OF the
Ailstons of Gramercy Gardens-Meredith
Allston's cousin. He was hopelessly in
and M g - him until of o.
years, when the old gentleman insisted on
having bin ct home. he didn't believe in
ssyluus. he said; but he was so sensitive on
The subject he never allowed any one to
know the Door young man was at his house.
A fine looking young fellow, too; they say
be looked very much like Meredith. Got
loose ore night, believe, and parsded about
town, behaving himself go well that half the
people mistoek him for Meredith"
And the old gentleman swallowed half q
glass OF champagne, and turned very purple
in the face.
While Ii ian listened, feeling as if she
were in dream.
This, then, vas the secret OF the strange
misun dersiau ding which had parted herself
and her af6anced lover. The cruel secret
which Meredith Allston was obliged to con-
ceal-the mistaken identity of the two
cousins had been at the bottom OF her heart
wreck. She could hardly sit through the
tedious courses of the formal dinner party
and rejoiced when the time came for herself
and Mrs. Wallis to leave the table.
'Effie." she cried, brsstblessly, as soon as
they were alone, did you hear what Mr..
Wax Ness ssid?''
Yes; isn't it q strange story?' her cousin
sssented- What relief it must be 10 the
Allstons. But what a. g you going to do?'
ITO feDd for Meredith at once, Lillian an
swertd promptly.
And confess yourself TO have been in the
wropg?" =
"1ss, certainly
Fire Wallis smiled and elevated her eye
hrows
Then you have more moral courage than
| havel"
"But Lilisp's heart secretly urged her on
and she could not rest until she had sum-
moDed Meredith Alston to her presence.
he came, somewhat surprised. yet not
lacking in dignity.
Meredith the said, softly coming up to
him, will you forgive me? l have been
wrong and hasty, but love you still. /
never knew until to- night of-of the cloud
which overshadowed your household"
Il knew you were misunderstanding me-
Lillian be said, calmly, but my lips were
sealed by promise exacted by my father"
Then you will forgive me?'
he smiled.
at is easy to forgivs one we love-" he said,
gently.
Meredith" she whispered, do you love
me as you once did?
My sentiments have undergone no
change, Lillian"
And the loveriike kiss he pressed upon her
brow was the signet of newer and more
suspicious betJothal, whereof the handspring
was perfect love and trust.