The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1885-04-01
CHAPTER II.

tree, and opened the bag she gave him
greedily.
Drawing ont the bottle of wine he
struck off its neck with blow, and put
it TO his lips, she yet lingering and
watching him curiously.
Then he raised his head. and, draw
ing a deep breath, looked at her.
"That gives me new life, new hope,
new energy" he said. Young lady, /
thank you-you have done me a greater
service than you can quite understand.
| have no payment but thanks TO give
you to-day, but some day it may be in
my power to repay you hundred fold"
He raised his head with a kind of pride
curious to behold in his worn face and
ragged figure. And | shall not forget
my debt then. VIII you tell me your
name?"
Madeline Ayre." she said simply.
"And again, will you give me your
word that no breath of this encounter
shall pass your lips for, say six months
from now?"
q have given it, but l will promise
again if you like"
You are a noble, splendid woman"
the man said. with sudden fervor IN
his tone; and seiZing her hand he would
have pressed it to his lips, bus she
shrank away with uncomfortable fear.
L
in, such man was one thing, Dut 10
have her hand caressed, or even touch
ed by him-a convict-was another.
She shuddered, and drew ii back.
He noted the gesture, and look
not of resentm ent, but of pain-passed
across his rugged features, softenng
them strangely.
You shrink from me-" he said, and
with reason, for | told you | was con-
q r., To ~
l was convicted guiltleSSly, that though
the evidence was conclusive to twelve
ignorant men. l was innocent OF the
charge brought against me-that my
punishment was undeServed, and my
escape the first bit of justice that has
been allowed me, will you believe my
word? / could have no motive III de-
ceiving you. a weak woman, whom, IN
all probability, l may never see again.
You have given me all the worldly aid
YOU can, but it would be a wonderful
help to me-a deeper comfort, and So
lace. and encouragement than you can
imagine"-his harsh voice trembled. his
haggard eyes. as they sought hers, were
| intense in their pleading--if you, who
have already shown me compassion and
| trust. would let me hold your hand for
| an instant. and tell me honestly That
, you believe me innocent"
|
| searchingly, clearly. intently gazing
/ with her Young sweet eyes into those
worn sad ones upturned; then she put
| ont her hand and clasped his.
Il do believe YOU are innocent" she
said, land with all my heart hope you
may prove it some dav. l trust you
will escape now, and ySur troubles be
at an end. / am very, very sorry tor
| you. If ever can help you again, lei
me know, and take this drawing her
! purse out again, and pushing 1t into ms
| YOU, poor man."
@You have given me what / thirsted
for even more than for food and drink,
he said brokenly. Bless you thou
sand times, believe you are an angel
Then lie pressed her hand to his lips
and turned away and she rode bard ano
fast over the darkenlng road towards
home.
But she was not fated to enter agar
unseen
Before her own gate she met with an
other gentleman, on horseback thi
time, and at sight of whom she did no
} blush, but looked decidedly vexed.
He. however. looked radiant.
! Miss Madeline, this is an unexpected
pleasure he said, refining i'll by he
side. Where are you coming from.
From a ride Where are you goin,
to. Mr.. Charsleyy'
round to The Firs this evening, abo,l
eight o'clock, if l may" he said, look
ing at her admiringly-.
1Of course My father will be yer
glad to see you, / have no doubt sh
said carelessly.
But you,' with deep significance i
look and tone. shall you be glad to sc
me. dare / hope%
sOf course / am always glad to sc
{ my fathers guests" she said Wit
studied eoldness-
He bit his lip irritably.
You will never make man vain b
your compliments, Miss Madeline"
-Oh. hope not. They are SO vain b
l nature, / think-don't You? / shoul
be grieved. indeed. to make one MOI
. so. Well. du reroir until nine clock.
!, am very late. you see- and hurrying in
To her yexafion he turned and rod
1 beside her. escorting her even up n
drive and to the very front door. an
z waiting until the bell was answered
her impatient pull
But she rusl ed in leaving him Will
= out goodbye, the instant the door vs.
: opened. and hearing that the famil
were at dinner she crept upstairs, an
/ sent down her maid with apologies an
: for some dinner during the intervals
+ her toilette.
: Il can't have Susanna's scolding b
Madeline found the drawing-ro0l
!. empty when she entered 1t.
4 What q long dinner they are having
T she said, giancing at herself in the pie
glass. and deciding that she looked 9