The midland journal., 1886-01-29

have traced him to this city He is o
+! travelling man and naturally enough has
come to this city. He does not dream
that she is here-tllat nm her sister
She was known out West as Bessie
Dean Aunt Hester insisted on it. I
have thrown him off his guard. and
now he shall come face to face with her
and"
"And then ?" I asked.
He shall make reparation," said
Gertrude, calming herself with Won
derful effort. Come. let us go up
now. Remember, Bessie knows nothing.
/ have kept all from her."
We climbed the many steps Of stairs
to the fourth story. The house was
new and tall, one of those handsome
affairs that the city pushes out day by
day towards the north. We went in
softly. Bessie lay by the front windows
on o sofa; one little hand was under the
pretty, worn face with the frame of soft,
brown curls. Our entrance aroused her.
She opened her eyes and smiled family.
There was no evil in that smile. Ny
heart went out to her.
They had two rooms little parlor
and q still smaller connecting bedroom.
We were hardly seated when knock
at the door and the manner in which
Gertrude started to her feet sent the
blood leaping through my veins in
o furious way.
"a gentleman" could hear the SER
want say.
"Let him come up," knew Gertrude
was answering quietly, and a few other
words in lower tone. Then, to her
sister, Lie STILL Bessie, it is nothing"
Strong IS my nerves are, much as
have passed through, I could not help
trembling and turning pale. left my
seat and looked imploringly at Gertrude,
who stood by the door.
She motioned to the bedroom. and
slipped quickly out of sight behind
homely cretonne portiere.
I held my breath rs foo steps came on
the staircase. I could hear my own
heart beating loudly. Then mans
voice in formal s..lutation. Then a
plaintive. piteous, wailing sound from
Bessie's lips, the ono word-"B.sil y'
The door shut with sudden force; /
heard clicking sound and knew that
some one had locked it. Ipushed aside
the portierre and looked out.
At a glance I read the man who stood
there, abashed, irresolute. Weak, evil,
yet perhaps not too evil for reclamation.
Well dressed, rather good looking, on
the whole outwardly respectable.
Above the low sol,s of Bessie, who had
covered her face, I heard Gertrude's
voice, calm and insistent.
"You understand now, Basil Hum
phrey, why I sent tor you. We need
not discuss the situation. There is but
one thing to be done; you must marry
my sister ut once. have sent for
clergyman.
He grew white to the lips with anger.
"It is impossible" he began, and
made for the door us if to escape. But
this was locked.
Let me out!" he demanded, tierccly.
"You can't trap man" :;
"Basil! Gertrude!" Bessie's voice
rose to scream. For Gertrude had
flung herself upon him and clutched
his throat with death-like grip.
II will kill you rather she painted.
Perhaps he was rather afraid she
might; perhaps he only meant to
frighten her.
Quick as II fash he drew pistol.
They struggled for IL second.
sprang forward, but alas too late.
A stunning report, q shrek from
Bessie, who fell fanting.
Then Gertrude. staggering, sank to
the floor , -....
Humphrey dropped the pistol.
"It was not my fault" he began,
CHASTITY with terror.
tried to lift Gertrude.
"Mary," she whispered, "the key;
open for the clergyman"
The minister was on the staircase.
Basil Humphrey had turned to Bessie
and the girl was reviving.
Help me up, said Gertrude Haskell.
We raised her and placed her on chair.
Cba bald how l,o nd upoo har l>raost