The midland journal., 1886-01-29

Il cannot wish she were," and Gertrude
broke into piteous, unrestrained sobs.
"Still your sister, said softly, when
her grief had somewhat expended its
force.
Gertrude wiped her eyes.
"Yes; always my sister," she repeat
ed. "And I must go to herat once and
bring her back with me. must try to
help her begin anew"
"You know where she is?"
81 shall find her.
She rose then from her seat.
II have a good deal to attend to,
she said, before I leave tonight"
ITO night?' I ventured. "In all
the storm p
"Storm ?" said Gertrude ironically.
"What else will my life be until her
wrongs are righted?"
She left on the nine o'clock train. ]
went about with her and tried to help
her O little, though there was not much
for me to do.
During the noxt three or four days ]
often thought of my absent friend won
dering what she had accomplished, if
anything-if she had found her unfor-
tunate sister, and just how bad matters
really were.
On the sixth day sat writing by my
window in the sunlight we were having
fair weather once again, clear, delicious
atmosphere for August days. The door
of my room stood slightly ajar and as
sat writing there some one pushed it
wide open and came through.
CHANGING round, gave an exclana-
ton of pleased surprise
"Gertrude!"
She had an excited, almost wild ex-
preston.
"I am back" she sold, "and I have
brought her."
"Sit down, sit down." interrupted,
"and tell me about it. I am so glad
so relieved ut last"
I have brought her, she repeated.
"And now have two objects in life
to be kind to Bessie and to hunt down
the wretch that has deceived her."
She trembled with excitement and her
face grew as pale as death
"It will not be pleasant hour for
him when we come face to face, the
villain knew he had deceived her.
Thank God! knew that she was pure
at heart. Ny poor crushed Bessie!"
GA mock marriage ?" I ventured.
"Oh, worse, worse!" She was up
now and walked the room impatiently.
Where shall find you !" 1 asked
presently. Il suppose can come and
see you. Bessie need not know know
her trouble"
"Oh, it will not matter ;she is crushed
too far to care Why, she loved the
scoundrel!"
Yes" I assented. "I supposed as
mnch."
Shortly after, Gertrude went away.
did not call upon her the following
day, as I had intended. nor indeed for
several days Various complications of
my own affairs engrossed and annoyed
me. Then / found l had mislaid the
street number she had given me- And
so it happened that week had elapsed.
when one morning / set out for her
boarding house.
do not think shall ever forget that
day, although have seen many exciting
days in my life and expect to see many
more.
1t was clear, cool morning, with
heavenly sunlight over all. The occl-
S onal late rains had washed all the dust
and disagreeable sickness from the
atmosphere. 1t was O morning to
inspire one to tighten ones footsteps,
to give one winged, bnoyant sensation.
And yet, as l left the horse cars and
turned down he rect towards Ger
trude Haskells lodging. fel' weigh
of dread or premouttion setting upon
me. almost paused to turn away, and
OF enter the house. But after mo.
ment threw off the feeling and rang
the bell
Gertrude came down to the parlor.
II want to tell you thing or two
bef@re we go UP stairs" she said:
"Bessie is doing. She is very much
prostrated. 49, ,f'.
She sat down close by me and touched