The Indiana State sentinel., 1885-09-09

saw in advance of him the graceful figure
Ma Belle Lee. She was unaware of his pres
ence, and. standing idly behind her. he felt
as If he had received an electric shock as she
asked "Is there anything for Miss Mehitable
ShanksT' and then received and pocketed
several postal cards
Ii he was astonished at the question, ne
was still more so at the effect which his dis
covered presence produced upon her.
Neck, face and brow. even TO the roots of
her golden curls, were dyed in painful
crimson, her eyes dilated with an expression
of CONSERVATION; but with few hasty steps
he soon overlook her. He was lost in be-
wildering surprise. She was the last person
with whom he would have connected Miss
ShankS in any way, and her great agitation,
as ne walked beside her, increased his sur
prise.
A sudden bright suspicion caused his heart
to beat almost TO suffocation.
''Tell me, Miss Ma Belle" he said. what
have you to do with Miss Shank's letters?'
81 really can't understand, Mr.. Shaw, what
right yOu have to ask such question. In all
things spiritual 1 acknowledge your right,
but in this instance you forget yourself.
Tell me-" he said with eager, regardless
haste. "are you Miss Shanks?''
A sudden burst of tears was her only an
swer, as she hastily pulled down her veil and
walked silently beside him.
A calm of perfect JOY descended upon him
as he realized the truth. He walked by her
side until he reached her home, and then,
without invitation, entered it with her.
As they reached the parl0r she tossed aside
her hat, and stood before him more like a
discovered culprit than the little saint she
had proved to be.
There was defiant sparkle in her eyes as
she turned her flushed face to him.
He took both of her hands in his.
$50. Ma Belle, Ma Belle he murmured
fpn6PrlX- heart * MI aS
face, though you have veiled your goodness
under an exterior of frivolity. This is not
the general rule of humanity"
But, Mr.. Shaw, if it is a fault it lies en-
tirely at your door"
Have l anything to do with it?' in sur
prise. II have been thinking for a long
while that you were entirely beyond my
CONTROL
Nevertheless L have only been obeying
your instructions. Don't you remember,
some time since you preached against OSten-
tatiOus charity. Let not thy left hand know
what thy right hand dOeth." | thought
there was world OF truth and force in ii,
and have only practiced what you preached.
And now, Mr.. Shaw she said, with de
mure glance at him, IF you are done with
by hands 1 will not trouble you to hold
them any longer"
NO" he said gravely, Il do not wish to
return them. Ma Belle Ma BELIEF quickly
and tenderly: ''give me the privilege of own
ing them always Won't you darling?n
She caught them quickly away.
''No, no." with a low laugh; ait is Miss
Shanks with whom you have fallen in love,
for Ma Belle Lee has only had your tolera-
ton"
"Ah." he said. that was when l thought
you were a butterfly. Now that | know you
to be saint, | beg you to share your grace
with with me and help me in all good things.
/ am willing to take either you or Miss
Shanks-or, in defiance of the laws of the
land, will take you BOTH
She hesitated. then with lovely blush and
smile, she laid her hands in his.
'One for Miss Shanks-one for myself"
He drew her to him, and felt that one ser
mon at least had been bread cast upon the
water, which had returned to him after
many days.